Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Foundations of Human Biosciences

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2564

City Campus

Undergraduate

535T Social Care and Health

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Rauha Quazi

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4277

Course Coordinator Email: rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 051.07.05

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment only.


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course will provide you with an introduction to chemistry and cell biology of humans. It explains how the molecular and physical structure of the cells enable the function of prokaryotic (bacterial) and human eukaryotic organisms. It explores the chemistry of elements in the cell and their contribution to and regulation of biological processes such as metabolism. The central dogma and genetic basis of inheritance is also covered. This course lays the foundation for advanced studies in biochemistry, physiology, molecular and cell biology.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for AD012 Associate Degree in Applied Science:

  • PLO 1) Knowledge Capability: develop an understanding of appropriate and relevant fundamental and applied scientific knowledge with the ability to use and apply that knowledge in a wide range of situations, including new situations within the professional discipline.
  • PLO 2) Technical Capability: the selection and use of appropriate laboratory and other materials and equipment and the ability to employ them in a safe and responsible manner to achieve the desired outcome. This will include the ability to follow standard operating procedures.
  • PLO 3) Problem-Solving: apply scientific principles and methods to identify and solve problems associated with a particular area of professional expertise.
  • PLO 4) Communication Capability: being able to communicate by means of oral, written, symbolic and pictorial presentations to a wide range of audience types as well as an understanding of the systems of communication in science.
  • PLO 5) Teamwork: contribute in a constructive manner to group and team activities and decision-making processes.

 


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify and explain how cellular structures relate to function in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. 
  2. Describe the structure of organic biomolecules and the fundamental chemistry of elements found in cells and how they contribute to biological processes, including biochemical reactions and diffusion.
  3. Explain the basic processes involved in DNA replication, transcription and translation in cells.
  4. Discuss the biological processes of cell division and introduce the basic concepts in genetics. 
  5. Recognise basic metabolic processes in a cell and how such processes are regulated.
  6. Perform basic simulated laboratory experiments in a safe manner, to analyse, interpret and communicate results in a written scientific format. 


Overview of Learning Activities

This course will use a range of learning activities including recorded lectures and simulated practical sessions, online resources and self-directed learning. Throughout the course you will work both individually and in teams to complete interactive activities. Delivery will be a mix of face-to-face and online. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course Site. 


Overview of Learning Resources

Resources such as prescribed and recommended texts available through the RMIT library eReserve, internet links to relevant information and links to relevant YouTube videos will support your 
understanding of topics. 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through the myRMIT Studies Course Site. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic  
referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the 
Library page on the RMIT Student Website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: E-logbook submission.  Weighting 5 x 5% (Total of 25%)  This assessment item supports CLOs 2, 3 4, 5 & 6 Individual   Assessment Task 2: Problem Based Assignments.  Weighting 2 x 12.5% (Total of 25%)  This assessment item supports CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5 Individual   Assessment Task 3: Timed Exam (Middle & End of semester).  Weighting 2 x 25% (Total of 50%) This assessment item supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Individual