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HE Unit Template
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Principles of Biology
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SCBIO1001 - Principles of Biology
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20270200
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Course
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3.0
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2026-09-10
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2026-09-10
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Science
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Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
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Science
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Undergraduate
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15
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.125
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010999
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Biological Sciences, n.e.c.
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010999 - Biological Sciences, n.e.c.
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<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/scbio1001">View unit fees</a>
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Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
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5
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Diploma, Undergraduate Certificate
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Introductory
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1
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<p>This unit provides an introduction to some of the fundamental principles of biology. We will introduce cellular structure, integrity and communication, and link biochemistry and macromolecules with energy transfer and cellular respiration. We also explore cellular replication, genes, chromosomes and look at patterns of inheritance. We examine the evidence for evolution by looking at microevolution in populations, and macroevolution leading to the formation of new species. There is a significant practical component, with expected student attendance, providing students with important laboratory skills. The unit is a foundation study for all science students. </p>
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<p>This unit provides an introduction to some of the fundamental principles of biology and is a foundation unit in the science degrees. Topics are arranged into four broad themes and are likely to include the following:</p><p><strong>Theme 1 - Cell Biology:</strong></p><ul><li>Cells as building blocks of life (organelles)</li><li>Cell membranes</li><li>Cell communication</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Theme 2 - Biochemistry and cellular energy:</strong></p><ul><li>Biomolecules: key molecules for life</li><li>Cellular energy (and cellular respiration)</li><li>Cellular reproduction</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Theme 3 - Genetics:</strong></p><ul><li>Gene expression: transcription and translation</li><li>Mendelian genetics</li><li>Non-Mendelian genetics</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Theme 4 - Evolution:</strong></p><ul><li>Evidence and mechanisms of evolution</li><li>Evolution of populations</li><li>Taxonomy and evolution of species</li></ul>
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<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
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2027
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2026
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SCBIO1001 - Principles of Biology
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SCBIO1001 - Principles of Biology
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Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
FedTASK
Parent Region
Overview
Unit description
<p>This unit provides an introduction to some of the fundamental principles of biology. We will introduce cellular structure, integrity and communication, and link biochemistry and macromolecules with energy transfer and cellular respiration. We also explore cellular replication, genes, chromosomes and look at patterns of inheritance. We examine the evidence for evolution by looking at microevolution in populations, and macroevolution leading to the formation of new species. There is a significant practical component, with expected student attendance, providing students with important laboratory skills. The unit is a foundation study for all science students. </p>
Unit content
<p>This unit provides an introduction to some of the fundamental principles of biology and is a foundation unit in the science degrees. Topics are arranged into four broad themes and are likely to include the following:</p><p><strong>Theme 1 - Cell Biology:</strong></p><ul><li>Cells as building blocks of life (organelles)</li><li>Cell membranes</li><li>Cell communication</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Theme 2 - Biochemistry and cellular energy:</strong></p><ul><li>Biomolecules: key molecules for life</li><li>Cellular energy (and cellular respiration)</li><li>Cellular reproduction</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Theme 3 - Genetics:</strong></p><ul><li>Gene expression: transcription and translation</li><li>Mendelian genetics</li><li>Non-Mendelian genetics</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Theme 4 - Evolution:</strong></p><ul><li>Evidence and mechanisms of evolution</li><li>Evolution of populations</li><li>Taxonomy and evolution of species</li></ul>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Discipline:
Science
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
010999 - Biological Sciences, n.e.c.
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 1</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Centre for HE Studies (Other)</p><p>Flexible Delivery - Ballarat (Blended)</p><p>Flexible Delivery - Berwick (Blended)</p><p>Flexible Delivery - Gippsland (Blended)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p><p>On-line Learning</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/scbio1001">View unit fees</a>
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
<p>must not have completed SCBIO1010</p>
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
1
<p>Describe major cell structures, tissues, and biological molecules in eukaryotic organisms and explain their roles in sustaining life.</p><p><br></p>
2
<p>Explain fundamental processes of energy conversion, genetic inheritance, and evolution, illustrating their influence on biological diversity.</p>
3
<p>Apply practical skills to conduct structured investigations using guided scientific methods and appropriate safety laboratory considerations, and record and interpret data to support conclusions.</p>
4
<p>Communicate biological information and experimental findings clearly using standard scientific formats and appropriate terminology.</p>
5
<p>Summarise information from scientific sources and digital data responsibly and ethically.</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
Ref
Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Conduct lab-based investigations </p>
<p>Practical scientific reports and worksheets</p>
<p>40-60%</p>
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2
<p>Understanding key biological concepts</p>
<p>Quizzes and/or worksheets undertaken</p><p>throughout semester</p>
<p>10-30%</p>
1, 2, 4
3
<p>Demonstration, application and interpretation of knowledge and skills</p>
<p>Video-explainer on a biology concept </p>
<p>10-30%</p>
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Supplementary assessment available:
Yes
Supplementary assessment information:
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
FedTASK
FedTASK
Description of FedTASK outcome
Level
FedTASK 1: Interpersonal
The ability to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups.
<p>Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor</p>
FedTASK 2: Leadership
The ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others.
<p>Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor</p>
FedTASK 3: Critical Thinking and Creativity
The ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using imagination to create new ideas.
<p>Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines</p>
FedTASK 4: Digital Literacy
The ability to work fluently across a range of tools and applications to achieve a range of skills.
<p>Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor</p>
FedTASK 5: Sustainable and Ethical Mindset
The ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions.
<p>Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor</p>
FedTASK
<p>Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FedTASKs (<strong>T</strong>ransferable <strong>A</strong>ttributes <strong>S</strong>kills and <strong>K</strong>nowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key, transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and co-operative learning opportunities.</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Discipline:
Science
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
010999 - Biological Sciences, n.e.c.
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 1</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Centre for HE Studies (Other)</p><p>Flexible Delivery - Ballarat (Blended)</p><p>Flexible Delivery - Berwick (Blended)</p><p>Flexible Delivery - Gippsland (Blended)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p><p>On-line Learning</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/scbio1001">View unit fees</a>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: SCBIO1001 - U3.0