Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution unit (KPZ164)

Hobart

Introduction

Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution is a core first year unit for BSc students majoring in Plant Science and important for any student studying Biological Sciences. Cell biology, genetics and evolution are fundamental to an understanding of the processes of life. In this unit, we introduce classical genetic and evolutionary theory as unifying explanations of life, examine the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including a discussion of the energy flow in photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolism. We introduce DNA structure and function from molecular to organism levels, and current applications of DNA technology. Laboratory practicals investigate cell properties, cytogenetics, enzyme function, genetic analysis of populations and DNA extraction.

Summary

Unit name	Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution
Unit code	KPZ164
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Biological Sciences
Coordinator	Professor Eloise Foo
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how genetic information determines the structure and function of cells.
• Apply the fundamentals of classical genetics to predict biological traits.
• Explain the key processes of evolution that inform the tree of life and how species emerge through time.
• Conduct and analyse experiments using scientific tools that answer hypotheses.
• Access, interpret, and present scientific ideas and data to explain cellular and genetic processes.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

XPD132

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly online modules of theoretical content with revisionary quizzes, 12 x Weekly 3-hour practical classes, 12 X weekly 1-hour tutorials
Assessment	Voluntary Unassessed Weekly quiz|Quiz 1 (16%)|Genetics Report (20%)|Quiz 2 (24%)|In class practical assessments (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.