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.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review BIO1042.
Requisites
Before BIO1042
No prerequisites or corequisites.
After BIO1042
6 units list BIO1042 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- BIO2010Data science for biologistsNo reviews yet
- BIO2181Evolution of plant diversityNo reviews yet
- BIO2242Animal structure and functionNo reviews yet
- GEN2041Foundations of geneticsNo reviews yet
- GEN2052Genomics and population geneticsNo reviews yet
- MIC2011Microbiology foundations and global applicationsNo reviews yet
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 period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- Content quizzesQuiz / Test25%
- Laboratory assessmentsDemonstration30%
- Major assessment tasksWritten45%
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
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
Formulate hypotheses, collect experimental data and demonstrate proficiency in interpreting your own results;
- 3
Demonstrate proficiency in communicating biological results through a range of formats (written, oral, multimedia);
- 4
Self-evaluate and reflect upon the development of teamwork and communication skills;
- 5
Apply practical techniques and tools to conduct an investigation in the laboratory, field or virtual environment;
- 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.
- ECOLOGY06Additional biology unitEcology and conservation biologyNo reviews yet
- ECOLOGY08Option 2Ecology and conservation biologyNo reviews yet
- ECOLOGY09Option 2Ecology and conservation biologyNo reviews yet
- ENVIROSC04Core unitsEnvironmental scienceNo reviews yet
- MICROBIO05Level 1 unitsMicrobiologyNo reviews yet
- MICROBIO06Level 1 unitsMicrobiologyNo reviews yet
- MICROBIO07Level 1 unitsMicrobiologyNo reviews yet
- PHYSIOL05Level 1 unitsPhysiologyNo reviews yet
- PHYSIOL06Level 1 unitsPhysiologyNo reviews yet
- PLNTSCI05Option 2Plant sciencesNo reviews yet
- PLNTSCI06Option 2Plant sciencesNo reviews yet
- ZOOLOGY06Option 2ZoologyNo reviews yet
- ZOOLOGY07Option 2ZoologyNo reviews yet
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.