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Course Outline

LFS103 Introductory Bioscience

Course Coordinator:Victoria Hinkley (vschrote@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2026Trimester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

UniSC 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, unless your program has specified a mandatory onsite requirement.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

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.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Weekly online 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 – Fortnightly practical sessions that apply the theoretical knowledge to experimental activities and data. 2hrs Week 2 6 times
Online
Learning materials – Weekly online 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 2 6 times

Course Topics

  • Cell Chemistry: Matter and the Elements
  • Cell Chemistry: Atoms and their Ions
  • Cell Chemistry: Ionic and Covalent Compounds
  • Building Blocks of Life, Chemical Reactions in the Body
  • Solutions, Concentrations and Body Fluids
  • Electrolytes, Acids and Bases and pH Balance in Body Fluids
  • The Human Body: Cell Structure and Function
  • The Human Body: Tissue Structure and Function
  • Introduction to Human Genetics
  • Introduction to Microbes, Infections Diseases and Infection Prevention and Control

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

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

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

LFS100

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

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 trimester commences on the LFS103 Canvas site if you would like to test your core maths skills and determine whether you require maths support.

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

This course includes weekly formative concept checks which provide an opportunity for you to receive formative feedback on your academic progress.

Assessment tasks

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.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Please refer to our course Canvas site for details of how and when to submit your assessment tasks.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Accuracy in scientific calculations and data presentation
 1 2
2 
Create and interpret appropriate visual representations of experimental data
 1 2 3
3 
Completion of pre-class eModules and active participation in class activities
 1 2 3 4
4 
Apply theoretical concepts to professional case studies.
 1 2 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Mid-trimester 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.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
70 minutes
online test - please refer to our course Canvas site for more details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical content.
 1 2 3
2 
Use the theoretical knowledge presented in the course to evaluate experimental results and health related outcomes.
 1 2 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:End-of-trimester 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.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
You will sit an End-of-Trimester 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.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical content.
 1
2 
Use the theoretical knowledge presented in the course to evaluate experimental results and health related outcomes.
 1 2 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy

Directed study hours

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.

Schedule

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
 
Solutions, Concentrations and Body Fluids
 
Topic 6
 
Electrolytes, Acids and Bases and pH Balance in Body Fluids
 
Topic 7
 
The Human Body: Cell Structure and Function
 
Topic 8
 
The Human Body: Cell Membrane Transport and Cell Division
 
Topic 9
 
The Human Body: Tissue Structure and Function
 
Topic 10
 
Introduction to Human Genetics
 
Topic 11
 
Introduction to Microbes, Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention and Control

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

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.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Timberlake 2020 Introductory Bioscience Volume 1 & 2 LFS103 (Custom Edition and eBooks) 3rd Edition Pearson

Specific requirements

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.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all laboratory classes and a moderate level of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks are those associated with laboratory work such as working with chemicals and hazardous substances. You will be required to undertake laboratory induction training and it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

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.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

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%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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