James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

BZ1020:03

Inheritance and the Evolution of Life

Townsville

Prerequisites: Senior Chemistry and Maths B
Inadmissable Subject Combination: BZ1001

39 lectures, 36 hours practicals/tutorials. Second semester.

Staff: Dr J Holtum.

An introduction to the biological processes responsible for transferring the information of life from generation to generation. The subject will include sections on evolutionary biology, the DNA/genetic code, mechanisms of inheritance and the development of cells and tissues.

Learning Objectives:

  1. to introduce students to the basic principles that underpin evolutionary theory;
  2. to learn the fundamental mechanisms of inheritance at the cellular and population levels;
  3. to introduce students to the genetic control of cellular activities;
  4. to gain an appreciation of the processes of cell development;
  5. to provide practical instruction and demonstration of evolutionary, genetic and developmental principles and how to produce practical reports.

Assessment by theory examination (65%); on-course assessment (35%) comprising performance in practicals, tutorials and a class test.