Diversity of Life

Description

This course provides a phylogenetically based overview of biodiversity across the Tree of Life including viruses; archaea, bacteria, algae, fungi, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. Patterns of organizational complexity and species diversity are explained in the context of evolutionary processes, structure function relationships and ecology. NOTE Textbook and onQ course site for distributing reading material. Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 18 Tutorial, 18 Online Activity, 48 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite None. Exclusion BIOL 201/3.0*; BIOL 202/3.0*. Recommended BIOL 102 /3.0 and BIOL 103 /3.0. Course Learning Outcomes: - Describe and discuss the diversity of living organisms across the "Tree of Life" from both evolutionary and ecological perspectives. - Describe the timelines of major steps in evolution. - Explain the primary and secondary mechanisms that generate biological diversity across the 'Tree of Life'. - Interpret the relative success and diversity of the major groups organisms in terms of adaptations for growth, survival and reproduction. - Recognise, describe, and compare the principal unique features of a wide range of organisms including archaea, bacteria, algae, fungi, plants, and invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Assessment/Exam Context: Course assessment and examinations vary by course; Queen's notes that eligible exchange students whose first language is not English may receive extra final-exam time. Exchange Registration Note: Arts and Science courses are open to exchange students subject to prerequisites and space. Most courses should be in Arts and Science; other faculties may be limited. Education, Medicine, and Nursing are not open to incoming exchange enrolment.