Biological Sciences

This course covers human anatomy, histology, and embryology, and it explores the structure and development of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinogenital systems. Clinical and comparative aspects are introduced to draw out the relationship between structure and function. The course provides a strong anatomical foundation from which to explore issues relating to developmental biology and evolutionary morphology.

This course covers the high throughput nucleotide sequencing technologies (ChIP-seq, DNA-seq, RNA-seq, single cell), epigenetics, circulating DNA, and mutational load. Topics also include cancer molecular databases, data extraction and analysis, and an introduction to the use of NGS software and coding.

This course introduces the fundamentals and methodology on research of molecular evolution. Topics: evolutionary changes and patterns of sequences, methods for phylogenetic analyses, and inferring sites under positive selection. The course also examines recent advances of molecular evolution studies on phylogenomics, horizontal gene transfer, and genome evolution. Recommended prerequisites include evolution, genetics or equivalent subjects. Laboratory practices are offered to provide familiarity with data retrieving and analyses. Homework assignments are distributed weekly, which require substantial extra work time.

This course examines the natural functioning of coasts and oceans, including the critical role oceans play in the environmental, social and economic well-being of communities worldwide. With a sharp focus on Australia and the Asia-Pacific, it looks at solutions to the challenges facing oceans, from regenerating marine habitats and reversing biodiversity loss; producing sustainable aquatic foods and products; increasing resilience to sea level rise; and capturing carbon and reducing pollution.