Overview
Foundations of Biological Systems introduces the principles, methods, and applications of contemporary biology across molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary scales. Topics include the nature of science; experimental design and scientific reasoning; biological chemistry; water and macromolecules; cell structure and function; membranes and transport; energy transformations; enzymes and metabolism; cellular respiration and photosynthesis; cell division; genetics and inheritance; gene expression and regulation; evolution by natural selection; biodiversity and classification; organismal structure and function; ecology; populations, communities, ecosystems, and global change.
Laboratory and practical instruction develops competence in microscopy, measurement, laboratory safety, data interpretation, graphing, hypothesis testing, and introductory molecular and physiological investigations. Students connect biological processes across scales, relate structure to function, use biological models to predict outcomes, distinguish correlation from causation, and communicate evidence-based explanations relevant to health, the environment, technology, and society.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe core principles of cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and organismal biology.
- Apply the scientific method to formulate hypotheses, design investigations, and identify appropriate controls and variables.
- Analyze experimental results using quantitative, graphical, and visual evidence.
- Explain how biological structure supports function across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological systems.
- Predict biological outcomes using conceptual and quantitative models.
- Evaluate claims by distinguishing correlation from causation and assessing the quality of supporting evidence.
- Interpret patterns of inheritance, gene expression, evolutionary change, biodiversity, and ecological interaction.
- Demonstrate safe and effective laboratory practice, including microscopy, measurement, sample handling, and record keeping.
- Communicate evidence-based biological explanations in written, graphical, oral, and practical formats.
- Synthesize biological knowledge to evaluate the relevance of biology to health, environmental sustainability, technology, and society.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 3 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Laboratory reports (6 × 5%) | 30.00% |
| Quiz | Online concept quizzes (8 × 2.5%) | 20.00% |
| Test | Practical skills test | 15.00% |
| Exam | Mid-semester examination | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 20.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 5 NCEA Level 2 Biology credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
