UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

BIO1042 Life in the environment

Faculty of Science

BIO1042 Life in the environment is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 6 units, leading on to 27 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Overview

This unit explores the biosphere, environmental conditions and their effects on animals, plants and communities. You will examine the responses of organisms to environmental conditions; interactions between plants and animals; environmental genetics and microbiology; management of biological resources; and an introduction to ecology and the impact of humans on the environment. You will undertake self-directed learning through the online environment. These online activities, readings and instructional videos will be complemented by face-to-face workshops where they will collaborate with peers and teaching staff to deepen their understanding of the biological concepts introduced each week. You will gain hands-on experience and develop experimental and analytical skills in the laboratory environment. This unit is ideally paired with BIO1011 and/or BIO1022.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonBlended

Assessment

  • Content quizzesQuiz / Test
    25%
  • Laboratory assessmentsDemonstration
    30%
  • Major assessment tasksWritten
    45%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity, evolutionary concepts and processes, aspects of the evolution of the Australian biota, the nature of biogeochemical cycles, and human impacts on the biosphere;

  2. 2

    Formulate hypotheses, collect experimental data and demonstrate proficiency in interpreting your own results;

  3. 3

    Demonstrate proficiency in communicating biological results through a range of formats (written, oral, multimedia);

  4. 4

    Self-evaluate and reflect upon the development of teamwork and communication skills;

  5. 5

    Apply practical techniques and tools to conduct an investigation in the laboratory, field or virtual environment;

  6. 6

    Work and learn independently and collaboratively while exercising personal, professional and social responsibility that recognises the importance of practising science sustainably, ethically and safely in society.

Workload and teaching

  • Seminars1 hours
  • Workshops12 hours
  • Laboratories30 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

12 hours per week which includes a combination of seminars, workshops, online pre-workshop material and laboratory classes.

Learning resources

Required resources

Bring your own device

Lab coat
Closed toe footwear

Technology resources

Please note - you will have access to the complete online textbook as part of your enrolment in this unit.

Where it fits

BIO1042 is part of 13 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Thomas Hiscox
Chief Examiners
Professor Damian Dowling

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BIO1042?

BIO1042 has no prerequisites.

What can I take after BIO1042?

BIO1042 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 6 units, including BIO2010, BIO2181, BIO2242, GEN2041, GEN2052 and MIC2011. Those lead on to 27 units in all.

When is BIO1042 offered?

In 2026, BIO1042 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does BIO1042 have an exam?

No. BIO1042 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include BIO1042?

BIO1042 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; Environmental science; Microbiology; Physiology; and Plant sciences, and 1 other area of study.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Biological Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available