BIOSCI 108: Biodiversity – Patterns of Life

Course Overview

BIOSCI 108 is an introductory course at the University of Auckland that explores the structural and functional diversity of life on Earth. The course covers major organismal groupings, including viruses, microbes, plants, fungi, and animals, and emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and its conservation. Students will learn about the defining characteristics of these groups and the evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) among them.

• Course Code: BIOSCI 108

• Course Title: Biodiversity: Patterns of Life

• Department: Biological Sciences

• Level: Stage 1 (Introductory)

• Points: 15

• Delivery Mode: Campus Experience

• Semester: Usually offered in Semester Two

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)

1. Describe the structural and functional diversity of microbes, plants, and animals using a phylogenetic framework.

2. Explain how diverse life forms support essential life processes such as nutrient acquisition, gas exchange, and reproduction.

3. Critically evaluate morphological, physiological, and reproductive adaptations across different taxa, including adaptations for terrestrial life.

4. Demonstrate scientific practical skills such as pipette use, dilutions, microbial plate preparation and interpretation, microscope use, slide preparation, and dissection.

Assessment Summary

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

Workload Expectations

• Standard 15-point course = ~150 hours of study

• Lectures: 3 hours per week

• Laboratories: 3 hours per fortnight

• Independent study: ~100 hours over the semester

Delivery Mode Details

• Lectures: On campus and available as recordings

• Laboratories: In-person only (attendance required)

• No live online events

Learning Resources

• Course materials and lecture recordings available via Canvas

• Prescribed textbook: Campbell Biology, Australian and New Zealand Version, 12th edition (free digital version provided)

• Course Guide (Lecture and Laboratory Guide) available in hard copy or PDF

Health and Safety

• Lab coat required for laboratory sessions

• Students must follow all lab safety protocols and wear appropriate clothing

Course Contacts

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

Additional Information

• Course elements may change; updates provided via Canvas

• Assessments may be submitted digitally; online exams may use remote invigilation if required