Biology
The main aim of this course is to assist you in obtaining the skills and knowledge to confidently approach tertiary studies in any of the biology disciplines.
On successful completion of this course you will be able to:
- write short notes on or give definitions of the technical terms used in general biology
- write short notes to explain the meaning or significance of key concepts in biology
- write brief essays to outline the structure or functioning of biological systems or to explain the unifying concepts.
You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following key concepts:
- cell theory
- role of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA)
- genetics and inheritance
- homeostasis
- evolution.
You will be able to apply these skills across a range of organisms:
- microbes
- animals
- plants.
You will also be able to apply these skills (as appropriate) across a range of levels of biological organisation:
- cells, tissues
- organs, organ systems
- individuals and ecological aggregates.
Assumed prior knowledge
This course does not assume the you have any prior knowledge beyond general reading and writing skills. It does presume you will be self-motivated and capable of self-directed learning (within the guidelines provided by the course materials). If you have little background in the sciences may find that your progress through the earlier modules will be slower to begin with but much of the material is quite descriptive and familiarity with the concepts should develop quickly.
Cost
The course cost covers the course and all course materials (including any textbooks), but does not cover the fee for sitting the final exam.
Course cost
Australian students: $695
International students: $815
Final exam cost
Australian students: $50
International students: $100
How long will this course take to complete?
You have 12 months to complete this course, however it may be completed sooner. Need an extension?
We recommend 180-220 hours as a reasonable timeframe to complete this course.
Assessment
There are two methods of assessment. You can elect to sit a final, supervised, closed book examination at a time and place negotiated with Learning Network Queensland (LNQ); or arrange an invigilator.
The examination will be 2 hours in duration. You will be given a Certificate of Achievement that includes a grade and percentage mark for your performance in the examination. If a fail grade is awarded on the first attempt, you can negotiate with LNQ to re-sit the examination. All examinations will be on a fee-for-service basis negotiated through LNQ. More information about sitting for your final exam »
To be eligible to sit the final exam, you must complete at least 10 of the 16 progress tests for this subject. Completing all tests will improve your chances of successfully passing the final exam. More information about progress tests »
Support
Tutorial support is provided by our experienced and qualified biology educator, Jenelle Benson.
Enrol in this course
Before enrolling in this course, you must check with the university you plan on attending to ensure you meet their requirements for the completion of this course. (For example: some universities require you to receive at least 75% on your final exam before it will be accepted.)
- Australian applicants enrolment form (PDF, 200 kB)
- International applicants enrolment form (PDF, 200 kB)
Enrolments take approximately three days to be processed, but may take longer during our peak times.
Materials should be received within 10 days (for Australian students) and 20 days (for international students).
Last updated: 17 February 2010