The course offers students a broad introduction to the skills involved in acquiring information and in displaying knowledge to others. It includes the basic knowledge skills required to successfully participate in an undergraduate degree program and to operate effectively in a professional context.

Assessment plan:

1. SWOT Analysis and Critical Reflection (25%)
2. Team Presentation (30%)
3. Report (45%)

Biological Systems is an introductory course that provides an appreciation of the main concepts of modern biology. Students will gain an understanding of the origin, function and structure of living organisms by examining life at increasing levels of biological complexity, from the molecular and cellular level to whole organisms and ecosystems. Course content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions and online material.

Assessment plan:

1. Laboratory Activity Sheets (10%)
2. Laboratory Report (10%)
3. 3 online Quizzes (40%)
4. Final Exam (40%)

The Essential Mathematics is delivered in the first trimester of study, and will assist you to develop and/or refresh the fundamental mathematics knowledge and skills required for success in the Diploma maths or maths related course. Essential Mathematics is a free, non-weighted, and competency based (pass/fail), which means that it does not count towards students GPA (grade point average) and consequently, you are not permitted to drop this course. However, it is compulsory and must be completed in order to graduate and it is a prerequisite for the following Diploma of Engineering and Diploma of Science courses: Mathematics 1A, Mathematics 1B, Engineering Science and Chemistry 1A and you will be given maximum two attempts to successfully complete this course.

Assessment plan:

1. MathsPathways Diagnostic Tests
2. MathsPathway Test
3. Mid-trimester Exam
4. Final Exam

Genetics and Evolutionary Biology is an introductory course that will provide foundational concepts in molecular genetics and evolutionary biology. Students will understand the process of inheritance and mutation, population genetics, and evolutionary theory at the molecular, organismal and population level. Students will also learn commonly used genetic analysis methods and techniques employed by scientists.

Assessment plan:

1. Case studies (20%)
2. Online module quizzes (2) (30%)
3. Scientific report (30%)
4. Final exam (20%)

Chemistry is known as the central science, in that it is important to our understanding interactions that occur in all the other scientific disciplines through the study of matter, its properties, reactions and associated energies. This course introduces the fundamental terminology, concepts and methods of general chemistry. Students will explain chemical concepts and solve problems (quantitative and qualitative) involving stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, properties, thermodynamics and equilibrium. Fundamental concepts of matter underpin understanding and problem solving in biomolecular, biological, biotechnical, chemical, environmental, engineering, forensic, materials and medicinal sciences. Consequently, Chemistry 1A is a core course in the study of these fields. Skills that will be developed include academic language/reporting, scientific methodology and approaches, quantitative literacy, critical reasoning (explaining macro phenomena using chemical concepts), laboratory techniques and safe work practices.

Assessment plan:

1. Laboratory Reports (25%)
2. Assignment 1 (5%)
3. Assignment 2, includes quiz (30%)
4. Assignment 3 (10%)
5. Assignment 4-5 (15% x 2 =30%)

This course aims to provide students with both an understanding of the basic concepts and practices of data analysis and inferential statistics (real data sets will be provided for the purpose of the projects) as well as theknowledge of several statistical techniques applicable to Science. The course focuses on understanding the relevant statistical tests, the underlying distributions and assumptions associated with these tests, and the use of exploratory data analysis (EDA). The course also aims to develop generic skills in redefining scientific problems in statistical terms, problem solving, statistical methodologies and writing statistical reports.

Assessment plan:

1. Quiz 1-3 (10% x 3 = 30%)
2. Project 1-2 (15% x 2 = 30%)
3. Final Exam (40%)

This course introduces students to the concept of environmental sustainability and its uses in solving real world problems. It explores the relationships between the natural, rural, industrial and urban environments and includes the study of the impact humans have upon nature. The course also considers the way environmental sustainability can be used to address environmental, economic and social issues in an integrated way.

Assessment plan:

1. Test or quiz – 0nline tests (20%)
2. Assignment – Essay (35%)
3. Final exam (45%)

This Course provides an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and cell biology. It examines the structure and function of the major body systems, highlighting the interrelationship of body organ systems, homeostasis and the dependence of function upon structure. An appreciation of human body structure and regulation is gained through clinical application, namely diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

Assessment plan:

1. Quiz on Modules 1 & 2 (20%)
2. Quiz on Modules 3 & 4 (20%)
3. Quiz on Modules 5 & 6 (20%)
4. Research Project: Written Assignment (15%)
5. Final Examination (25%)

This course considers the molecular organisation of cells and the biochemical properties of the major classes of biological compounds which exist in, and contribute to, the cellular environment eg amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. It covers the properties of water, pH and buffers, the structure and function of proteins, including an introduction to enzymes, the cell membrane and membrane transport.

Assessment plan:

1. Modular Competency Quiz (5% each, 30% total)
2. Take-home assignment (25%)
3. Final Exam (45%)

Chemistry is known as the central science, in that it is important to our understanding interactions that occur in all the other scientific disciplines through the study of matter; its properties, reactions and associated energies Chemistry 1B extends the knowledge gained in Chemistry 1A, introducing students to concepts, experimental methodologies and problem solving in organic systems (organic molecules, their properties and reactions), physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Students will explain chemical concepts and solve problems (quantitative and qualitative) within the context of these modules. Fundamental concepts of matter underpin understanding and problem solving in biomolecular, biological, biotechnical, chemical, environmental, engineering, forensic, materials and medicinal sciences. Consequently, Chemistry 1B is a core course in the study of these fields . Skills that will be developed include academic language/reporting, scientific methodology and approaches, quantitative literacy, critical reasoning (explaining macro phenomena using chemical concepts), laboratory techniques and safe work practices.

Assessment plan:

1. Laboratory reports (20%)
2. Pre-laboratory assignments (5%)
3. Eportfolio development (5%)
4. Module 1 Assignment (30%)
5. Module 2 Assignment (15%)
6. Module 3 Assignment (25%)

The course introduces basic vector algebra in two and three dimensions, matrices, complex numbers, probability and revises basic functions. It provides a foundation in the mathematical sciences for later studies in science and engineering.

Assessment plan:

1. Test 1 – Algebra, Linear and Quadratic Functions and Matrices (10%)
2. Mid-trimester exam (30%)
3. Test 2 – Vectors and Complex Numbers (10%)
4. Final exam (40%)
5. Online homework and in-class workbook (10%)