Course Coordinator:Victoria Hinkley (vschrote@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine
UniSC Sunshine CoastUniSC Moreton BayUniSC Fraser Coast |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Online |
Online | You can do this course without coming onto campus. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
Introductory Bioscience is designed to provide you, in the health field, with the scientific principles that form the basis of human form and function. Science and technology often surround the modern health practitioner. Moreover, major advances in medicine, allied health and human functioning have come about from a greater understanding of the basic sciences. This course will introduce you to foundational concepts and principles in chemistry, biology, and microbiology that are relevant to health-care practice.
Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
Blended learning | |||
Learning materials – Weekly theory eModules and associated revision activities and questions. | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly workshop to review the theoretical concepts presented in the theory eModule. | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
Laboratory 1 – Weekly practical sessions that apply the theoretical knowledge to experimental activities and data. | 2hrs | Week 1 | 11 times |
Online | |||
Learning materials – Weekly theory eModules and associated revision activities and questions. | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly online workshop to review the theoretical concepts presented in the theory eModule. | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
Laboratory 1 – Scheduled online laboratory classes | 2hrs | Week 1 | 11 times |
100 Level (Introductory)
12 units
Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | |
1 | Demonstrate, explain and apply the foundational principles of cell chemistry and cell biology to human function and health. | Knowledgeable |
2 | Develop an understanding of laboratory skills and competencies to assess experimental outcomes in cell chemistry, cell biology and microbiology. | Knowledgeable |
3 | Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning skills in the context of of the broader healthcare setting. | Empowered |
4 | Develop strategies for self-learning and critical reasoning, and engage in self-reflection. | Empowered |
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Not applicable
Not applicable
LFS100
It is recommended that students have some prerequisite knowledge in core mathematics, and basic biology and chemistry. An optional Maths Diagnostic will be available before the teaching semester commences on the LFS103 Canvas site if you would like to test your core maths skills and determine whether you require maths support.
Standard Grading (GRD)
High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
This course includes weekly formative concept checks which provide an opportunity for you to receive formative feedback on your academic progress.
Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
All | 1 | Portfolio | Individual | 40% | Approximately 2 - 4 hours per week |
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) | Online Submission |
All | 2 | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 20% | 70 minutes |
Week 8 | Online Test (Quiz) |
All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 40% | 130 minute |
Exam Period | Online Test (Quiz) |
All - Assessment Task 1:Practical and Theory Work Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||
Goal: | To provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the theory and practical components of this course. The portfolio is a suite of activities that allow you to develop your foundational knowledge for future work in Bioscience.This work includes self-assessment of your learning which is a critical skill in improving your educational performance. |
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Product: | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||
Format: | Please refer to our course Canvas site for details of how and when to submit your assessment tasks. |
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Criteria: |
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Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy |
All - Assessment Task 2:Mid-semester exam | ||||||||||
Goal: | To provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate, explain and apply the foundational principles of cell chemistry and cell biology as they apply to human functioning and health practice. |
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Product: | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled | |||||||||
Format: | 70 minutes online test - please refer to our course Canvas site for more details. |
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Criteria: |
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Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy |
All - Assessment Task 3:End-of-semester examination | ||||||||||
Goal: | To provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate, explain and apply the foundational principles of cell chemistry and cell biology as they apply to human functioning and health practice. |
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Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | |||||||||
Format: | You will sit an End-of-Semester Examination that will be based on the theory covered in the learning materials, practical work in the labs and associated readings during weeks 1-12. The two-hour examination will be delivered online through the course Canvas site. |
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Criteria: |
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Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy |
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
Period and Topic | Activities |
Topic 1 |
Cell Chemistry: Matter and the Elements |
Topic 2 |
Cell Chemistry: Atoms and their Ions |
Topic 3 |
Cell Chemistry, Ionic and Covalent Compounds |
Topic 4 |
Building Blocks of Life, Chemical Reactions in the Body and Properties of Gases |
Topic 5 |
The Human Body: Cell Structure and Function |
Topic 6 |
The Human Body: Cell Membrane Transport and Cell Division |
Topic 7 |
The Human Body: Tissue Structure and Function |
Topic 8 |
Solutions, Concentrations and Body Fluids |
Topic 9 |
Electrolytes, Acids and Bases and pH Balance in Body Fluids |
Topic 10 |
Introduction to Human Genetics |
Topic 11 |
Introduction to Microbes, Infectious Diseases and Infection Control |
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.
Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
Recommended | Timberlake | 2020 | Introductory Bioscience Volume 1 & 2 LFS103 (Custom Edition and eBooks) | 3rd Edition | Pearson |
You are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during the LFS103 laboratory classes including covered, non-slip shoes, laboratory coat/gown and safety glasses. You must purchase and bring to the laboratory classes a copy of the LFS103 Practical Workbook and Course Manual, both are available for purchase from UniSC MyPrint. Alternatively, these will be available for printing on the LFS103 Canvas site.
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: a. The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% b. The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale c. You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct
Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate (the rates are cumulative): - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.
UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
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