Introduction to Bioscience

Hi all,

Over the next week and a half, you should spend some time exploring the Blackboard shell for the Bioscience course, and completing the Introduction to Bioscience unit.

Weekly tasks

1. Explore Blackboard
   
   • Save this page to your favourites/bookmarks so that it's easy to come back here when you need to.
   • Log in using your student ID username and the password that's associated with it. If you can't remember what it is, ring helpdesk & they'll reset it.
   • The buttons on the left hand side (Course Info, Course Documents) allow you to move between different sections within the shell
   • See if you can find the Bioscience 1 timetable & save this somewhere or print it.
     
     
2. Work your way through the Introduction to Bioscience unit.
   
   Although this introductory section is not formally assessed it has some concepts that are fundamental to the study of both Bioscience and Anatomy. After completing it you should have an idea about the different levels of organisation, the names of the main body systems and the basic processes common to all living organisms. You will also be introduced to the important concept of homeostasis and how feedback systems help maintain it. Homeostasis is essential for the cells and body systems to function efficiently. In fact, if homeostasis is disturbed disease results. If the disturbance is severe, the organism (you) will die.
   
   In this section you are also introduced to the directional terms used to describe the relationships of parts of the body to each other. Make yourself familiar with these and what they mean as your teachers will be using them from now on to describe the position of body organs and structures.
   
   Notice how there are several different versions of the content in this section - an interactive version, a printable version and a workbook. Have a look at these. It's not essential to make use of all of these, but it is highly recommended.
   
   
   
   
3. If you have time, it's a good idea to make a start on the first assessed unit - Chemicals in the body.

I will be coordinating this course at least in the first few weeks, so feel free to contact me with any queries via phone or email.

Kind regards,
David McQuillan