Program Overview
BIOL1906: Life and Evolution (Advanced)
Overview
Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. This unit explores how new species continue to arise while others go extinct and discusses the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It explains how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. You will participate in inquiry-led practical classes investigating single-celled organisms and the diversity of form and function in plants and animals. Life and Evolution (Advanced) has the same overall structure as BIOL1006 but material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. Students enrolled in BIOL1906 participate in an authentic urban biodiversity management research project with a focus on developing skills in critical evaluation, experimental design, data analysis and communication.
Unit Details and Rules
- Managing Faculty or University School: Science
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Academic Unit: Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
- Credit Points: 6
Enrolment Rules
- Prerequisites: None
- Corequisites: None
- Prohibitions: BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1006 or BIOL1996
- Assumed Knowledge: 85 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Explain evolution as the unifying theory in biology and articulate the temporal and spatial scale of evolutionary processes.
- LO2. Describe genetic information transfer from one generation to the next, including gene function, mutation, and inheritance patterns.
- LO3. Explain the central dogma (DNA to RNA to protein) and how gene expression influences biological form and function.
- LO4. Apply principles of inheritance, including Mendelian genetics, to solve genetic problems and understand the regulation of inherited traits.
- LO5. Demonstrate and illustrate the complexity and diversity of life and the commonality of life systems.
- LO6. Propose and test hypotheses to explain biological phenomena, analyzing quantitative data to evaluate patterns and explanations.
- LO7. Communicate biological explanations effectively in various formats to diverse audiences.
- LO8. Work independently and collaboratively to explore and appreciate biological diversity and complexity.
- LO9. Integrate and demonstrate understanding of First Nations perspectives to broaden the understanding of the diversity of life on earth, fostering an inclusive approach to biological concepts and connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary biology.
Unit Availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
- Session: Semester 1 2025, Semester 1 2026, etc.
- Mode of Attendance (MoA): Departmental Permission
- Location: Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney, Remote
- Outline: Available for previous years, unavailable for Semester 1 2026
Important Enrolment Information
- Departmental Permission Requirements: If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available. You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit.