Course Overview: BIOSCI 108 – Biodiversity: Patterns of Life

Introduction to the Course

BIOSCI 108 is a foundational course in Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland, focusing on the structural and functional diversity of life. The course explores the major groupings of organisms, including viruses, microbes, plants, fungi, and animals, and emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and its conservation.

• Course Code: BIOSCI 108

• Course Title: Biodiversity: Patterns of Life

• Department: Biological Sciences

• Level: Stage 1 (Introductory)

• Points: 15

• Delivery Mode: Campus Experience

This course is required for all Biological Sciences majors and is taken alongside BIOSCI 109 (Ecology and Evolution) and BIOSCI 101 (Life! Origins and Mechanisms).

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Key Skills and Knowledge Areas

• Structural and Functional Diversity: Describe the diversity of microbes, plants, and animals using a phylogenetic framework.

• Essential Life Processes: Explain how different life forms support processes such as nutrient acquisition, gas exchange, and reproduction.

• Adaptations and Evolution: Critically evaluate adaptations (morphological, physiological, reproductive) across taxa, including transitions to terrestrial life.

• Practical Laboratory Skills: Demonstrate skills such as pipette use, dilutions, microbial plate preparation, microscope use, slide preparation, and dissection.

Programme Capabilities Developed: Knowledge and Practice, Critical Thinking, Solution-Seeking, Communication, Collaboration, Ethics and Professionalism.

Assessment Structure

Assessment Types and Weightings

• Laboratories: 40% (Group & Individual Coursework)

• Quizzes: 20% (Individual Coursework)

• Final Exam: 40% (Individual Coursework)

Note: Students must pass both the practical (laboratories) and theory (quizzes and final exam) components independently to pass the course overall.

Workload and Delivery

Time Commitment and Teaching Format

• Total Study Hours: Approximately 150 hours for a 15-point course.

• Lectures: 3 hours per week (on campus and recorded).

• Laboratories: 3 hours per fortnight (attendance required; not recorded).

• Independent Study: ~100 hours (reading, reflection, assessment preparation).

All lectures are available as recordings, but labs and other practical activities require in-person attendance.

Learning Resources

Textbooks and Materials

• Prescribed Textbook: Campbell Biology, Australian and New Zealand Version, 12th edition (free digital access via Canvas).

• Course Guide: Combined Lecture and Laboratory Guide (available in hard copy or as a free PDF on Canvas).

• Lab Requirements: Students must bring relevant manual pages and wear a lab coat.

Health and Safety

Laboratory Safety

• Students must follow basic lab safety protocols and wear appropriate clothing, including a lab coat, during all lab sessions.

Course Contacts and Support

• Course Coordinator: Caroline Aspden (c.aspden@auckland.ac.nz)

Additional Information

• Course details, assessments, and schedules may be subject to change. Students will be notified via Canvas.

• Some assessments may be submitted digitally, and online invigilation may be used if required.