Biological Sciences

The course involves specialization but also a broadening of earlier courses in biochemistry and basic cell biology in the Biomedicine programme. Different themes in cell biology are covered each week, such as intracellular signal transduction, gene regulation and non-coding RNA, specialized cells and basic tissue types, cell cycle and cancer, cell interactions, the extracellular matrix, and the movement of cells. The course focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control cells and the basic functions of their surroundings. The course acts as a bridge to future courses in e.g. neurobiology and immunology as well as human organ systems and homeostasis by discussing specialized cells and their role in different physiological and pathophysiological situations. In addition to knowledge of cell biology, the course provides experience in extracting, interpreting and presenting information from research articles and training in solving problems in cell biology experimentally through the application of cellular and molecular biology methods. The course contains training components for GLP and quality assurance in the development and production of drugs. The course also provides training regarding working in groups and giving and receiving constructive feedback. Entry requirements include Biology and Chemistry of the Cell 30 credits and completed courses in Biochemistry and Cellular Metabolism 7.5 credits and Genetics and Genomics 7.5 credits, or at least 37.5 credits from completed first-cycle courses of which at least 15 credits in Eukaryotic Cell Biology, 15 credits in Chemistry/Biochemistry and 7.5 credits in Human Genetics.

This course will cover practical and conceptual approaches to the study of plant and animal ecology covering population dynamics, community structure and ecosystem ecology.

This course examines the development and adoption of integrated crop management processes to control plant pathogens, insects and weeds. The advantages and disadvantages of biological, cultural, physical and chemical control methods are explored using examples from agro-ecosystems. It covers the principles of healthy plant production, the ecology of diseases, insects and weeds and integrated approaches to manage these pests. C

The course introduces host-pathogen interactions and disease as general ecological phenomena that extend far beyond the clinical/ biomedical context and have considerable relevance for agriculture and conservation. It fosters active, self-paced, independent learning in a blended course that is delivered online, with optional face-to-face workshop sessions and ample online support. It is assessed entirely by coursework to promote the development of skills that are relevant for authentic professional work.

The course provides an up-to-date survey of the rapidly changing field of stem cell research, from fundamental principles to the practicalities of regenerative medicine. Students learn about the basic biology of stem cells and how it differs in various tissues, how stem cells are involved in disease from genetic disorders to ageing, how stem cells can be harnessed to regenerate tissues, what challenges regenerative medicine faces, and the approaches taken by researchers to overcome them.

This course provides an overview of microbiology and immunology, ranging from microbes in diverse environments to the cells and molecules that make up the immune system, and how these act in health and disease. Students have the opportunity to explore the wider context in which microorganisms exist as microbial communities, followed by a focus on core molecular and cellular principles of both microbiology and immunology. Students learn how infectious agents combat host immune defenses and how aberrations in the immune response can lead to disease.

This course examines a variety of organisms, including Australian invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. It covers fundamental aspects of evolution such as adaptation, sexual selection, symbiosis, and the origins of life. 

This course provides a broad overview of neural engineering concepts and principles for recording outgoing (efferent) and generating ingoing (afferent) neural signals. These concepts form the basis for neural interfaces or human-machine interfaces. This area is interdisciplinary and encompasses the fields of neuroscience, physiology, signal processing, machine learning, and robotics. The course provides insights into existing and future neural interfaces, neural prostheses, and neurorobotics. The course introduces principles and technologies of neuroengineering applications including basic human neurophysiology and -anatomy, brain stimulator, spinal cord stimulation, functional electrical stimulation (FES), neural-machine interface for motor prosthesis control, artificial visual, and auditory devices for augmented sensory perception. Assumed prior knowledge: Mathematics, Physics and Physiology (eg. EXTG50).

This course gives students the opportunity to explore in greater depth the cell and molecular basis for much of cell behaviour that often fails in disease processes. 

This course examines the principles of ecology and environmental science, including a required week long field trip in the mid-trimester break. It focuses on physical and biological processes in terrestrial environments and ecosystem functioning. The field trip will introduce techniques relevant to field-based enquiry in ecological and environmental science.