Biological Sciences

This course provides a basic introduction to human nutrition with emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms and aspects. Topics include: an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system, including an introduction to the natural bacterial microbiota in the digestive system and its influence on human nutrition and health; the study types used in human nutrition studies; energy balance and macro nutrients in human nutrition; a detailed mapping of the structure and mechanisms of action of vitamins, and their influence on human health; an overview of minerals and trace elements in food and the importance on health conditions; "functional foods" and selected additives and their mechanism of action and impact on health; the relation between diet and the development of lifestyle diseases. The course involves laboratory exercises of glucose tolerance test after intake of different food components and DEXA body scanning.

This course aims to teach common microorganisms in various foods; their taxonomic status and physiological characteristics; distribution and sources, safety and pathogenicity, and management regulations in various countries around the world. 

The course covers:  

1) Physiology and sources of common microorganisms in food; 

2) Factors that affect the growth of microorganisms in food and the ways in which they degrade food; 

3) How to control the growth of microorganisms in food; 

4) The role of microorganisms in different types of food; 

5) Edible microorganisms; 

6) Formulation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP);

7) Enzymes in food processing and microbial production; 

8) Foodborne pathogens, and 

9) Indicator microorganisms and microbial standards.

This course examines plant biology, with a focus on Australia's native flora. The course blends theoretical study with practical experience through lab work and field trips to Sydney's regional national parks. Key topics include plant identification, edible botany, plant ecology, and biogeography.

This course examines the structure and function of neurons and neural circuits, with an emphasis on how the nervous system regulates natural behaviors across various animals. Highlights from the history of the field are integrated with the recent experimental findings.

This course exploits the development of biobased materials involving the biology of biological feedstock, the chemistry of biobased building blocks and polymers, the technical processes, principles of circularity, and environmental and societal implications. This course creates a critical and creative attitude towards biobased materials and technologies. Pre-req: Organic Chemistry. Assessment includes assignments, presentations, written exams, and attendance.

This course examines modern stem cell biology with respect to current roles of stem cells in development of organisms, regenerative medicine and ethical considerations of biotechnological applications. Different types of stem cells will be discussed with emphasis on embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells and roles in embryonic development and adult tissue regeneration. The role of stem cells in diseases such as cancer, anemia etc., will be discussed by leading stem cell researchers in terms of dysregulation of tissue regeneration and current potential treatment strategies. New therapies based on stem cells such as in vitro production of organs, stem cell transplantation and cloning will be presented along with the ethical dilemmas posted by these advances. The course will also cover the latest advances in Induced Pluripotent Stem cell (iPS) technology and what this tells us about the nature of pluripotency.

This course covers the fundamentals of immunology, exploring the various immune systems, functional role of immune cells, and concept of innate and adaptive immunity.

This course examines human anatomy. In laboratory classes using human cadavers, students gain fundamental knowledge of the anatomy of the brain and nerves; the anatomy of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and digestive systems, and musculoskeletal anatomy. The laboratory classes are interwoven with lectures, tutorials and discussion groups. The course consider the processes of body donation and the ethical, legal and moral frameworks around which people donate their remains for anatomical learning, teaching and research.

This course examines transmission, pathogenicity and the immune response to microbes. It explores the characteristics of viral, bacterial, fungal and protist pathogens and their virulence mechanisms for establishment and progression of disease; host immune response and characteristic pathological changes to tissues; mechanisms for colonization, invasion and damage to host tissue; the ways in which the immune system recognizes and destroys invading microbes; how the T cell response is activated and antibodies function; antibiotic resistance; and control and vaccination strategies.