The course comprises an introduction to many aspects of human biology with an emphasis on fundamental functions, interactions and the integration of some of the major human physiological systems. Topics discussed may vary according to expert availability, and typically include the maintenance of homeostasis and responses to internal and external stimuli by major systems and organs such as digestive, nervous, hormonal, reproductive, immune and other bodily functions. Students will learn about human physiology, causes for disruption to bodily functions and how the body responds to restore health and maintain growth. While delivering the most up to date current knowledge, we will also consider some aspects of genetically induced human health from historical and future perspectives. This course is an excellent introduction to human biology for students interested in medical sciences and/or intending to pursue later courses in physiology, anatomy, neuroscience and immunology. The course assumes no previous qualifications in biology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Recognise and describe the functions and internal processes of major organ systems in the human body;
2. Discuss the energy, regulatory and structural requirements for successful bodily functions;
3. Identify, evaluate and integrate information about how the human body responds to external and internal stimuli;
4. Appreciate an ethical perspective in understanding advances in human biology.
5. Understand how experiments can lead to new knowledge in human biology

Research-Led Teaching

The Lecturers present material emphasising subjects that are of major interest in the lives of young adults including the fundamentals, areas of current and recent research, and rapid advances. The activity classes are designed to not only consolidate topic learning, but also to expose students to scientific research processes, including some dilemmas that may arise when embarking on human research. Each class will highlight an aspect of the process that every scientist follows for professional research, as well as touching on elements of scientific rigor and integrity. The skills that students learn here will be helpful and applicable to other courses, and life after ANU, whether students are interested in a research career or not.  

Examination Material or equipment

Generally no items permitted

 

https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/login.php

Required Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for the course. You are not expected to purchase a book for this course, but you are expected to access relevant texts and a variety of human physiology books are available that will cover each topic adequately. A list of useful readings will also usually be posted near the relevant lecture material for each topic. Many of which are available in the library.

Recommended Resources

The recommended books (listed below) cover a much broader range of topics than those addressed in this course and they may not cover certain elements of each module in sufficient detail. For this reason, additional readings and supplementary material will also be posted in the folder associated with each module. Reading the relevant parts of at least one of the text books is highly recommended if you want to achieve a good grade, particularly for students who have not previously undertaken a biology course, as they provide suitable background reading on many topics. 

If you have no biology background the first text book in this list is the best one to get a hold of. It’s easy to read and only deals with Human Biology. Students who are intending to go on into Biological Psychology in 2nd year tell me it’s useful for that too. However, it is expensive, so please consider your option of just periodically accessing the copies on reserve in the Hancock Library.

 

If you are studying Biology in other courses and you already have a Campbell Biology text book (listed 2nd here) or any other general 1st year Biology textbook then you won't need to buy another book, but you may want to read more widely. “Campbell Biology” is also on reserve in the Hancock Library.

•     Goodenough, J., McGuire, B. and Wallace, R. (any recent edition) Biology of Humans: concepts, applications and issues. Pearson/Benjamin Cummings: Sydney

- recommended text and on 2 hour loan at the Library Reserve, Hancock

•     Reece, J., Myers, N. (all editions) Campbell biology. Pearson Australia: Frenchs Forest, N.S.W

•     Marieb, E., Hoehn K. (2010) Human anatomy & physiology: Benjamin Cummings: Sydney all editions 

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on assignments (it is intended that the marked assignments will be returned within 2 weeks of submission)
• Verbal comments to the whole class and groups during and after lectures and during practical and discussion classes 
• Questions answered about lecture content and classes from lecturers, via email, discussion boards and in person
• An opportunity to look at their examinations 
• Opportunity to discuss results with the course convener 

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Please note that there are multiple activity groups completing assessment tasks of the same type throughout the week and therefore a date range is used in the Assessment Summary. The first date is the approximate due date for the first group, the return date is the approximate return date for the final group. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lectures: Introduction to the Human body: homeostasis, circulation and communication systems (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)
2	Lectures: Reproduction, Mitosis and Meiosis, Hormones (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Activity Class: Ethics in Human Biology Research: Tues - Thurs 2-5pm STB 1, 3rd floor Science Teaching and Learning Building 136.	During class assessment
3	Lectures: Puberty, Male Reproduction, Female Reproduction(see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)
4	Lectures: Female Reproduction, Fertility, Contraception (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Activity Class: Reproduction: Tues - Thurs 2-5pm @ STB 1, 3rd floor Science Teaching and Learning Building 136.	During class and homework assessment
5	Lectures: Human Nutrition(see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)
6	Lectures: Human Nutrition (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Activity Class: Nutrition: Tues - Thurs 2-5pm @ Gould lab, Rm 107 ground floor Building 116.	Class informed homework assessment
7	Lectures: Muscles and Movement (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)
8	Lectures: Muscles and Movement (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Activity Class: Movement physiology: Tues - Thurs 2-5pm @ STB 1, 3rd floor Science Teaching and Learning Building 136.	Class informed homework assessment
9	Lectures: Muscles and Movement (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Statistics Tutorials: Tues - Thurs 2-3pm (attendance not a requisite). Rooms 112 & 113, Gould Building 116.
10	Lectures: Infection, Immunity, Parasites (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Activity Class: Mini Conference: Tues - Thurs 2-5pm @ STB 1, 3rd floor Science Teaching and Learning Building 136.	Class informed homework assessment
11	Lectures: Infection, Immunity, Parasites and Human genetic disorders (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Activity Class: Mini Conference: Tues - Thurs 2-5pm @ STB 1, 3rd floor Science Teaching and Learning Building 136.Room: STB 1 has been booked for your class use, but wherever you like: student directed
12	Lectures: Human genetic disorders and diseases (see ANU allocate timetabling and wattle for locations)Activity Class: Mini Conference: Tues - Thurs 2-5pm @ STB 1, 3rd floor Science Teaching and Learning Building 136.	Class informed homework assessment

Tutorial Registration

O-week to end of week 1 using allocate timetabling

- you will attend your Biol1008 afternoon activity classes on the afternoon you nominate for ALL of semester, be it prac or workshop because they all have assessments included ( the computer lab tute is the only class that is optional)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Ethics	5 %	3
Reproduction	10 %	1,2,4,5
Nutrition	10 %	1,2,4,5
Movement	10 %	1,2,4,5
Parasites Conference	10 %	1,2,4,5
Information Literacy quiz	5 %	1,2,3,4
End of Semester Exam (50%)	50 %	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend lectures and contribute to discussions. When this is not possible students are expected to listen to the audio recording(s) of all lectures.

The assessment for the course will be based on an examination at the end of semester (50%) and on tasks set during semester (50%). 

Attendance at your allocated afternoon class (most weeks) is compulsory to pass the course (practical and discussion classes), unless otherwise indicated (e.g. the statistical workshop is not compulsory, but all other afternoon classes are) . During semester assessment tasks comprise 50% of your total course grade. The form for each in-semester assessment task will vary for each topic and there is one attached to each of the scheduled activity classes. Work will not be eligible for assessment (i.e. not accepted) if the relevant class was not attended. The expectation is that students must attend all scheduled classes to be eligible for a grade for each of the in-semester assessment tasks. 

Students who miss an activity class or workshop without a valid reason (and permission from the course coordinator) will forfeit the marks allocated to that class and may receive a "course not completed" (NCN) grade. If a student is too unwell to attend a class a medical certificate must be supplied to account for the absence. If a student misses a class for any other valid reason, they must contact the course conveners at the email address: BIOL1008@anu.edu.au with an explanation (and suitable documentation). Please don't hesitate to send an enquiry to this address if in doubt (before your scheduled class).

Examination(s)

Students should consult the ANU examinations timetable site for the final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

The pass mark for the course (assignments and exams) is 50%. Students who earn a mark over 50 overall but obtain less than 40% in the final exam will fail the course or be offered a supplementary exam (depending on their final score - see the rules for Supplementary exams under ANU Policies).  

Assessment Task 1

Ethics

You will be asked to complete an exercise to show that you are aware of ethical considerations and principles when undertaking your study and research into human biology and this course.

Due: week 2. Please note that there are multiple activity groups completing assessment tasks of the same type throughout the week. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 2

Reproduction

We will be focusing on hypothesis evaluation in an activity where the class will learn more about the inheritance of disorders and will investigate the distinctiveness of human sexual behaviour in an evolutionary context. You will be asked to complete exercises in class and also a relevant take home assignment that builds upon the activities completed in class.

Due: parts each in weeks 4 and 5. Please note that there are multiple activity groups completing assessment tasks of the same type throughout the week. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 3

Nutrition

We will be focusing on research methodology and evaluating scientific methodology in an activity class where the class will be learning more about human nutrition. You will be asked to contribute and analyse the results testing responses to blood glucose regulation. There will be a take home assignment to demonstrate your understanding of the activities completed in class.

Please note that there are multiple activity groups completing assessment tasks of the same type throughout the week and therefore a date range is used in the Assessment Summary. The first date is the approximate due date for the first group, the return date is the approximate return date for the final group. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 4

Movement

We will be focusing on the analysis and interpretation of results in an activity class that investigates how the human body responds to internal (eg. movement) and external (eg. environmental temperature) stimuli. You will be asked to complete a take home assignment to demonstrate your ability to analyse, interpret and present your results in accordance with that expected in scientific reporting. There will also be an optional statistics workshop offered in the week after this class to help you with your analyses.

Please note that there are multiple activity groups completing assessment tasks of the same type throughout the week. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 5

Parasites Conference

We will be focusing on research and communication in three activity classes that investigate current topics in parasitology. You will be asked to choose from a selection of current parasitology topics to research the topic in small groups and to create a conference presentation relating to your specific topic, and finally to present your research as a group in a mini-conference format. See wattle site for dates.

Assessment Task 6

Information Literacy quiz

This will take the form of a wattle quiz worth 5% of your overall mark to test your understanding of the information literacy that you have learned throughout semester. It will be opened during week 11 to 12 of semester.

Assessment Task 7

End of Semester Exam (50%)

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam. Passing the exam at 40% or above is a hurdle for this course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

It is intended that marked assessments will be returned within 2 weeks after submission, however this is contingent on student numbers and staff availability.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students