CR

Biology 01/2004 - Introduction to Biology and Cystic Fibrosis

  • Welcome and Acknowledgment

    • Welcome back after mid-semester break for returning students and welcome to first-year biology at ANU for new students.

    • The enthusiasm of students drives lecturers and is a crucial part of university education, especially in the age of AI.

    • Acknowledgment and celebration of the Nambri and Ngunnawal people, the first Australians whose land the university occupies.

    • Integration of memory spaces and Indigenous knowledge into tutorials to maximize science courses.

    • The final lab focuses on Indigenous plants and environmental use, promoting engagement throughout the course.

    • University lecturers, like Indigenous elders, pass on specialized knowledge to passionate individuals for community benefit.

  • Lecturer Highlights

    • Simon Williams: Research on accessible food sources in a changing environment.

    • Professor Aud Farah: Developed cures for previously untreatable solid tumors.

    • Professor Uly Mathesias: Head of the School of Plant Sciences.

    • Dean of the Colleges of Medicine: Leading today's lecture.

    • Emphasized that these experts offer superior, focused information compared to AI (e.g., ChatGPT).

  • Course Conveners and Logistics

    • Course Convener: Andras (shaved beard, same person from last semester).

    • Co-Convener: Sophie (known to many, involved in labs and tutorials).

    • Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10 AM to 11 AM.

    • Availability: Available if office door is open in the Linnaeus Building (X-Men sign with green highlights).

    • Textbook: Uri et al. Campbell Biology (current version).

    • Not compulsory, but offers diverse perspectives on topics.

    • Notes will primarily be based on lectures, which go beyond the textbook.

    • Students are not expected to memorize the entire Campbell Biology textbook.

    • Additional Resource: Molecular Cell Biology textbook recommended only for students pursuing second-semester molecular biology courses.

  • Lecture Schedule and Content

    • Professor Kirk: Starting today for the next three weeks (nine lectures: 3 per week).

    • Simon Williams & Professor Ulrich: Following with cell biology.

    • Andras (Convener): Teaching molecular biology and cancer biology.

    • These units integrate previous knowledge modules: biochemistry, energy and metabolism, cell biology.

    • Focus on current topics like the evolution and development of cancer, demonstrating increased understanding by course end.

  • Labs

    • Schedule: Weeks 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9.

    • Mid-semester break: Between weeks 6 and 7.

    • Safety Requirements: Lab coat, enclosed shoes, safety glasses (available from a vending machine 50 meters from the lab).

    • Lab Essentials: Encouragement to bring a personal Sharpie as a sign of dedication (compared to a lab timer in Japan).

    • Lab Books: Assessed in the lab, not taken home.

    • Follows CSIRO industry standards for tracking all lab activities.

  • Tutorials and Assessments

    • Tutorials Purpose: Designed to help with scientific report writing.

    • Students will write a scientific report with sections: Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion.

    • Model-based approach, walking through criteria to prepare students for second-year specialist courses and referencing standards.

    • Ongoing Assessments (50% of Course):

    • Formal Reports: Worth 38%%

    • Online Quizzes: Eight quizzes, total 12%%

      • Occur in weeks 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12.

    • Lab Books: Assessed directly in the lab.

    • Submission Policy: Submit all assessments, even if incomplete, to gain marks.

    • Final Exam: 50%% of Course

    • In-person, on-paper, invigilated exam at the end of the semester.

    • Hurdle Requirement: Must achieve at least 40%% on the final exam to pass the course.

      • Failure to meet this hurdle results in a course requirement failure, even with 100%% on all other assessments. Opportunities for supplementary exams may exist if other requirements are met.

    • Support: Students encouraged to ask conveners (Andras, Sophie) for help. Canvas site contains support resources, but direct contact is also welcome (e.g., box of chocolates in the office pre-COVID).

    • Class Representatives: Seeking class reps; find Andras during office hours to volunteer.

  • Professor Kirk's Introductory Lecture: Cystic Fibrosis

    • Overview: First of nine lectures over three weeks; today is an introduction, providing a flavor of topics and introducing cystic fibrosis (CF).

    • Andrew Prowse's Story: A relatively young man who died at age 34 due to cystic fibrosis.

    • Established a charity fun run (red swimwear at Christmas) for CF research.

    • Had CF his whole life (genetic, not infectious).

    • Underwent a double lung transplant in 2017; helped temporarily, but he passed away five years later.

    • This was a common outcome until very recently (5-10 years ago).

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