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:
- Recognise and describe the functions and internal processes of major organ systems in the human body;
- Discuss the energy, regulatory and structural requirements for successful bodily functions;
- Identify, evaluate and integrate information about how the human body responds to external and internal stimuli;
- Appreciate an ethical perspective in understanding advances in human biology.
- Understand how experiments can lead to new knowledge in human biology
Other Information
First year commencing students who intend to continue studies in biochemistry and molecular biology in second and third year should do CHEM1101 and CHEM1201, as they are prerequisites for many later year courses offered by the Research School of Biology.
Students must achieve a minimum mark of 40% on the final exam to be deemed eligible to pass the course overall.
Indicative Assessment
- Written tasks and assignments (in-class or homework based) pertaining to the content of each workshop and practical class plus one group presentation. (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- End of semester exam (hurdle requirement) (50) [LO 1,2,3]
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.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face components which may consist of approximately 3 x 1 hour lectures per week and approximately 8 x 3 hour tutorials/workshops/labs throughout the semester.
- Approximately 70 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
In this course, students learn about the role of experiments in biology, by attending workshops and completing laboratory activities. This requires students to be able to:
• safely participate in the biology laboratories.
Prescribed Texts
Please note that there is no prescribed text for this course, but it is advised that students access relevant reading material in a first year level text book as they progress
through the course. For those who are doing more than one first year course in Biology you will find Campbell’s Biology, Reece et al., latest Edition (Australian Version) useful.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2670 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |