Biological Sciences

This course examines the biology of Australia's vertebrate fauna with particular emphasis on frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Students examine the adaptations of the fauna to the unique and uncertain nature of the Australian terrestrial environment. Topics covered include: the diversity of Australian vertebrate groups in comparison to other parts of the world; the impact of human activities and introduced animals on native fauna; wildlife diseases; and the ethics associated with research and experimentation on animals.

The course consists of three modules, two theoretical parts (written examination and individual project) of 7.5 credits together, and a practical part of 7.5 credits (field exercises, laboratory sessions, species knowledge exam). The first part of the course includes the physical and chemical properties of water, species in the different organism groups and relationships in and between populations and their environment. Effects of human impact on aquatic ecosystems are discussed. During the second part of the course field trips to different aquatic habitats typical for southern Sweden are conducted, where the relationships between abiotic conditions and the adaptations of organisms are studied. Samples for analysis of water chemistry, microorganisms as well as plant and animal communities are collected and analyzed in the laboratory. During the practical work (carried out in project groups) the students acquire experience of the most important field and laboratory methods and knowledge of the characteristics of different aquatic environments. During the final the part of the course the students carry out an individual project. The assignment is to define a subject, search for scientific literature, write a report, give an oral presentation and receive and give feedback to fellow students.

This course provides an introduction to advanced disciplines and essential information about gene expression, gene regulation, cell division, and cell signal transduction. 

The course is an introduction to the factors determining the distribution and patterns of abundance of organisms, and which relate plant and animal populations to their environment. It includes the physiological ecology of plants and animals, the life history strategies by which organisms adapt to their environments, trophic ecology and the ecological significance of the niche, biodiversity, and co-existence. The course provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject from the first principles of ecology to a reflection of our understanding of ecology in the 21st century.

What causes jetlag? Why do you feel like having a cup of soup? How come smokers are so hooked on their cigarettes? These and other questions are discussed during the course Body and Behavior. This course mainly studies biological explanations for behavior based on themes such as sexuality, eating and drinking, sleeping and waking, medication, movement, and addiction. Knowledge of the biological basis of behavior is essential for psychologists. The most important structure for explaining human behavior is our brain. However, establishing a link between electrical and neurochemical activities in our brain to behavior is no easy task. You need sound knowledge of neuroanatomy (how parts of the brain are in connection to one another), neurophysiology (how brain cells operate), and neurotransmission (how brain cells communicate). During the first few weeks of the course, special attention is paid to the (further) development of this basic knowledge. Students learn that knowledge of the biological basis of human behavior does not only come from research on humans, but also on animals. Finally, research methods used by psychologists to study the biological basis of behavior is touched upon. Today, psychologists are able to carefully study the structure and function of the brain using these methods. The most important methods are discussed and the pros and cons are compared.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Cell Biology through the lens of Neuroscience. In addition to a limited number of core lectures on key processes such as cell division and cell organelles, a series of ‘expert lectures’ will showcase research areas at the forefront of cell biology and neuroscience that are flourishing at King’s (e.g. a lecture on Neuroimaging by Prof Steve Williams, Head of the Neuroimaging Centre in Denmark Hill). Regular practicals help students to get acquainted with laboratory approaches in cell biology. 

This course introduces the appropriate use of specific terminology for ecology and provides an awareness and understanding of interactions between the environment and the living beings. It covers the initial approach of ecology and main ecological notions related to terrestrial and marine systems as well as animal and plant domains. Topics include ecology in history, ecological factors, structure and dynamics of populations, and community ecology and structure of ecosystems.