Biological Sciences

This introductory course explores what a living thing is, the basics of life, and the science behind it. Topics include how traits are inherited, biotechnology, diversity of life, concept of life functions from cells to tissues and from organs to systems, how organisms maintain their internal constancy, and the organization of major organ systems.

Ecotoxicology addresses how chemicals released into the environment impact the biota. This course thus covers all aspects from release of chemical through transport and transformation outside the biota to uptake and effects within the biota. The main body of the course is concerned with distribution and effects within the organism from molecular interactions, impact on organ systems and how these effects at the individual organismal level can translate into highter level biologica, effects in populations, and communities. The course introduces important toxicoloical tools, illustrated in theory and practice and outlines the fundamental elements in chemical risk analysis.

This course provides a thorough introduction of the range of behaviors found in animals, and of scientific methods used to study animal behavior in the field and in the lab. It integrates knowledge from a range of fields, including ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, and psychology. The course covers the main genetic, physiological, and developmental mechanisms underpinning individual behavior; the main historical developments leading to the current state of the field of animal behavior, including the role of the nature-nurture debate; central evolutionary theories used to explain animal behavior; and concepts and theories, such as proximate and ultimate explanations, fitness, altruism, optimality, and game theory. It develops skills in critical reading of scientific literature, ability to design experiments to study animal behavior, and making an ethogram from observing animal behavior. 

This course provides basic principles to the engineering of biology with emphasis on the design and construction of synthetic gene circuits in living cells. The course also discusses current and emerging applications driven by synthetic biology, and the socio-ethical responsibilities that are required of synthetic biologists. 

This course examines the basics of evolution, ecology and conservation biology. It covers how evolution underpins both ecology and conservation and how these areas of biology impact every-day life; genes (micro) and species (macro) evolution; human diseases, drug resistance and invasive species; how fossils have contributed to our understanding of life on Earth today; and how New Zealand science is saving our unique ecosystems.

This course explores the mechanisms of developmental biology. Topics include: early development and developmental stages; developmental genetics and developmental molecular and cell biology; morphogenesis and organogenesis; regeneration, stem cells, aging, and biomedical implications of developmental biology.

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.