First Year Courses | Biological Sciences

18 NQF credits at HEQSF level 5

Course entry requirements: Admission will be restricted to students who have passed either NSC Physical Science or Life Science with at least 60%. NOTE: Preference will be given to students registered in the Science Faculty. Students registered for this course will be assessed in week 5; if it is judged that they are not coping with the level and pace of the course, and would benefit from an opportunity to strengthen foundational concepts and learn new material at a slower pace, they will be required to transfer to BIO1000H from week 7.

Course outline:

Basic biological principles and processes at a cellular level provide an essential grounding for future study in the life sciences. The structure and function of cell components is introduced, followed by an introduction to chemistry, including the structure and functions of biological macro-molecules. Cell division and the role of genetics in inheritance and the control of biological systems is then considered. This leads into an introduction to membrane physiology, metabolism and its regulation. Cellular processes that are considered in detail include the functioning of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and how these relate to organismal physiology. Cellular communication and the immune system of animals complete the organismal physiology.

Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period, Tutorials: One per week, by arrangement, Practicals: One afternoon per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.

DP requirements: Attendance of at least 80% of practicals; completion of at least 80% of deliverables (including class tests); minimum of 40% for the class record.

Assessment: Class record counts 40% (two class tests count 27%; two practical tests count 5%; and a practical book mark counts 8%). One 2-hour examination paper (Theory) written in June counts 40%; a subminimum of 40% is required for this paper. One 1.5-hour examination paper (Practical) in June counts 20%.

BIO1000H Cell Biology

18 NQF credits at HEQSF level 5

Convener: Dr Emma Lockerbie

Course entry requirements: Admission will be restricted to students who have passed either NSC Physical Science or Life Science with at least 60%. The permission of the Dean or Head of Department is required prior to registration for this course. NOTES: 1) Preference will be given to students registered in the Science Faculty. 2) This course only begins in week 7 and is intended for students who have been advised to transfer to this course after initially registering for BIO1000F (see entry forBIO1000F). 3) The course places an emphasis on the strengthening of foundational concepts and skills, the carefully-paced introduction of new material, and the development of sound approaches to effective learning. 4) BIO1000H is equivalent to BIO1000F in level, credit value towards the degree and as prerequisite for certain other courses.

Course outline:

Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period in 1st semester, 4th period in 2nd semester, Tutorials: One per week, by arrangement, Practicals: One afternoon per week, Tuesday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.

DP requirements: Attendance of at least 80% of practicals; completion of at least 80% of deliverables (including class tests); minimum of 40% for the class record.

Assessment: Class record counts 40% (three class tests count 27%; two practical tests count 5%; and a practical book mark counts 8%). One 2-hour examination paper (Theory) written in November counts 40%; a subminimum of 40% is required for this paper. One 1.5-hour examination paper (Practical) in November counts 20%.

BIO1004S Biological Diversity

Preference will be given to students registered in the Science Faculty. Fieldwork: A compulsory one-day excursion will be held over a weekend.

18 NQF credits at NQF level 5

Convener: Professor A Chinsamy-Turan

Course entry requirements: BIO1000F/H, or a pass at 60% in NSC Life Sciences or by permission of the Head of Department.

Course outline:

This course aims to illustrate the diversity and complexity of living organisms, from viruses to humans. Topics include: evolution as a means of interpreting change with time; modern theories on the mechanisms of evolution; the origin of species, including humans; structure and functioning of the simplest microbial life forms; structure and life cycles of fungi; the evolution of aquatic and terrestrial plants; the diversity and adaptations of invertebrate animals; the development and adaptations of chordate groups; primate diversity and evolution; conservation and biodiversity issues in relation to South African biomes and global change. The course includes a strong practical component which further examines biodiversity and related concepts.

Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period, Tutorials: One per week, by arrangement, Practicals: one practical per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.

DP requirements: Attendance of at least 80% of the lectures and practicals (including the field trip), completion of at least 80% of deliverables (including class tests), an average of more than 50% for the practical record, a minimum of 40% for the class record.

Assessment: Coursework 40%. Theory test 1 (4%), theory test 2 (10%), practical test (10%), practicals (10%), field trip report (group mark, 6%). Examinations 60%. One 2-hour theory examination written in November counts 40% (subminimum of 40% applies); one 1.5-hour practical examination written in November counts 20%.