Macquarie University

Organisms to Ecosystems - BIOL114

This unit introduces students to the essential concepts in current biology. BIOL114 builds on the laboratory, statistical and communication skills obtained in BIOL116. Students who take BIOL114 must also take BIOL116 as a co-requisite. BIOL114 forms the first step for students pursuing a career in the biological sciences, and provides a basis for students in other disciplines who wish to maintain an interest in this dynamic field. The theme of this unit is evolution. The first part of the unit is concerned with the origin of life and discusses current theories on how life may have arisen on a previously lifeless planet. We discuss evolutionary theory in detail including some of the genetic principles that underlie evolution. In the second part we introduce the major groups of organisms examining their diversity and how they function. In the final part we discuss the ecological interactions between organisms from the small scale to global patterns. Throughout the unit, these core concepts are illustrated with examples from current research. BIOL114 is designed as a companion unit to BIOL115 in Session 2.