Origins and Classification of Life

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
  
• Explain the relevance to biological sciences and society of 1) discovering and documenting biodiversity, 2) taxonomic classifications, and 3) knowledge about evolutionary history and relationships (assessment tasks: quizzes, final exam)
  
• Understand key methods and principles of biological classification and nomenclature (assessment tasks: quizzes, final exam)
  
• Collect, document, and describe biological specimens (assessment tasks: lab report, project presentation)
  
• Be familiar with a wide range of morphological and genetic taxonomic identification tools (assessment tasks: quizzes, lab report, project presentation, final exam)
  
• Generate DNA sequence data from soil, plant, and fungal specimens (assessment tasks: lab report)
  
• Perform phylogenetic analyses using DNA sequence data (assessment tasks: lab report, project presentation)
  
• Use a metabarcoding approach to study communities (assessment tasks: quizzes, lab report, project presentation, final exam)
  
  Skills register
  The following skills are developed in this course:
  
• Identification skills used for plants, fungi, and bacteria. Essential in organismal biology, microbiology, ecology, conservation, and biosecurity.
  
• Work safely in a molecular lab and comply with PC2 containment regulations. Important for careers that include lab work.
  
• Molecular genetic laboratory skills. Important for careers that include lab work.
  
• Interpretation of phylogenetic trees and reconstructing evolutionary relationships. Important in fields of evolutionary biology such as genetics, bioinformatics, systematics, molecular ecology, microbiology.
  
• Use of biological classifications and scientific names. Essential skill in any field in biology and conservation.
  
• Independent and self-motivated learning. A life-skill that is important in any career.
  
• Finding, understanding, and using information in literature and on the internet. These are very general skills that are essential in many careers.
  
• Written and oral communication. Many employers require employees to have good communication skills.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

	Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
	Employable, innovative and enterprising Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
	Biculturally competent and confident Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
	Globally aware Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.

Prerequisites

Recommended Preparation

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .