BIOL101 Fundamentals of Biology

10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation 6 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

The unit provides an introduction to biology, focusing on the cellular basis for life, evolution and diversity. It contributes to an understanding of the concepts, processes and skills required for advanced biology, chemistry and environmental units.

BIOL102 Principles of Ecology

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL101 Fundamentals of Biology
Teaching Organisation 6 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

This unit introduces students to the basic principles of ecology. Ecology examines the biotic and abiotic interactions that shape the distribution and abundance of living organisms. It is a central science among the environmental sciences. Students will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical, climatic and biological determinants of species distributions and population growth and species diversity. Practical skills will be gained in the design and implementation of ecological field experiments.

BIOL111 Human Systems

10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials.

This unit will introduce the student to some of the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology.

BIOL117 Applied Science for Practice 1

10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and computer- assisted learning. The teaching methods reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within the group.

This core applied science unit introduces students to the principles of anatomy, physiology, microbiology and physical sciences relevant to their current nursing studies. The relationship between anatomical structure and physiological function, and physical observations in health are identified. A study of micro-organisms and their role in health and disease leads to an understanding of basic aseptic techniques and infection control.

BIOL118 Applied Science for Practice 2

10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and computer-assisted learning. The teaching methods reflect respect for the student as an independent learner. Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to actively participate within the group.

This applied science unit enables students to further their understanding of anatomy and physiology of the healthy human body. Concepts from physical sciences will be addressed where relevant to nursing/midwifery practice. The study of cell division and its role in normal growth and development will be linked to nutrition and elimination. Differences across the lifespan will be examined, including the process of reproduction.

BIOL215 Biological Lifespan Changes

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL111 Human Systems
Teaching Organisation 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials.

The major stages characterising normal human embryonic and foetal development are studied. The major principles underlying human growth are elucidated. The stages of biological development from infancy to adulthood are identified and characterised with special reference to the maturation of body systems. The major theories of ageing are identified and discussed. The anatomical and physiological changes underlying senescence are described and the implications of such changes discussed.

BIOL217 Human Genetics

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL111 Human Systems
Teaching Organisation 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials.

A study of the principles and terminology of genetics, including the nature and cause of genetic variation in humans and the patterns of inheritance of genetic traits, the techniques of DNA analysis applied to genetic disorders. Genetic counselling is introduced and the principles and ethical issues associated with gene therapy and prenatal diagnosis are analysed.

BIOL224 Ecology

10 cp
Prerequisites PHYS102 Natural Systems
Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field studies.

This unit introduces students to the basic principles of ecology. Ecology examines the biotic and abiotic interactions that shape the distribution and abundance of living organisms. It is a central science among the environmental sciences. Students will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical, climatic and biological determinants of species distributions and population growth and species diversity. Practical skills will be gained in the design and implementation of ecological field experiments.

BIOL227 Vegetation Ecology

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL102 Principles of Ecology, INFO201 Environmental Data Analysis
Teaching Organisation 6 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

Vegetation ecology is the scientific study of the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of plants at three levels of complexity: the individual organism and its interaction with its environment; the population (of individuals of the same species) and the community (consisting of numbers of populations). This unit will introduce students to ecological theory pertaining to plant communities and demonstrate its relevance in an Australian context. Students will gain specific knowledge of plant taxonomy, biotic and abiotic interactions in a natural setting, and plant responses to human-induced disturbances (fire, pollution and climate change).

BIOL228 Applied Science for Practice 3

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL117 Applied Science for Practice 1 or equivalent and BIOL118 Applied Science for Practice 2 or equivalent
Teaching Organisation Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and computer-assisted learning. The teaching methods reflect respect for the student as an independent learner. Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to actively participate within the group.

This applied science unit enables students to investigate the scientific basis of physiological control and communication systems in both health and disease. The relationship between imbalances in messenger systems and disturbances in cognition and metabolic function will be identified. Pharmacological principles will be introduced together with a study of relevant drug groups. An Australian perspective of toxicology and the effects of certain poisons will be explored. The principles of pain management will be addressed. Evaluation of current scientific research, including population health trends, will also be incorporated throughout this unit.

BIOL229 Applied Science for Practice 4

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL117 Applied Science for Practice 1 or equivalent and BIOL118 Applied Science for Practice 2 or equivalent
Teaching Organisation Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and computer-assisted learning. The teaching methods reflect respect for the student as an independent learner. Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to actively participate within the group.

This applied science unit enables students to further their understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacology. The particular areas addressed include alterations in cardiovascular and respiratory function across the lifespan. The aetiology, progression and clinical manifestations of major cardiovascular and respiratory diseases will be discussed as well as relevant pharmacological interventions. Evaluation of current scientific research, including population health trends, will also be incorporated throughout this unit.

BIOL304 Ecotoxicology

10 cp
Prerequisites CHEM201 Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, BIOL102 Principles of Ecology
Teaching Organisation 6 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

Ecotoxicology is the study of toxicants and their impact on the environment. This unit aims to provide students with a practical knowledge of how biological systems respond to and is affected by contaminants. Different levels of response will be investigated from subcellular through to ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial, to a range of contaminants. Students will become familiar with common methods and approaches for the detection and assessment of impacts, and have a broad understanding of sampling and analytical procedures. The broader scale management of toxicity issues will also be investigated.

BIOL324 Animal Ecology

10 cp
Prerequisite BIOL102 Principles of Ecology and INFO201 Environmental Data Analysis
Teaching Organisation 6 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

Animal ecology involves the scientific study of the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of animals at three levels of complexity: the individual organism and its interaction with its environment; the population (of individuals of the same species); and the community (consisting of numbers of populations). This unit will introduce students to ecological theory pertaining to animal communities and demonstrate its relevance in an Australian context. Students will gain specific knowledge of animal taxonomy, biotic (animal-animal and animal-plant) and abiotic interactions in a natural setting, and animal responses to human-induced disturbances (fire, pollution and mining). Temporal as well as spatial changes in animal communities will be emphasised.

BIOL325 Marine and Coastal Ecology

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL102 Principles of Ecology
Teaching Organisation 6 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

This unit covers ecological principles and concepts, particularly as they apply to the marine environment. It provides students with an appreciation of the range and diversity of marine habitats and the interaction of organisms within them with a particular emphasis on temperate systems. The practical aspects of sampling and undertaking research in both temperate and tropical waters will be covered during field camps. Management and topical issues relating to the protection of these systems will be discussed.

BIOL326 Applied Science for Practice 5

10 cp
Prerequisites BIOL228 Applied Science for Practice 3 or equivalent and BIOL229 Applied Science for Practice 4 or equivalent
Teaching Organisation Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and computer-assisted learning. The teaching methods reflect respect for the student as an independent learner. Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to actively participate within the group.

This final applied science for practice unit integrates and consolidates the knowledge of the content gained in the preceding units within the context of multiple organ dysfunctions from ageing, illness, or trauma. The role of the immune system in health and illness will be a unifying focus. Knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, microbiology and physical sciences will be further extended in the relevant content areas. Evaluation of current scientific research, including population health trends, will also be incorporated throughout this unit.

BIOL328 Microbiology and Biotechnology

10 cp
Prerequisites CHEM201 Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Teaching Organisation 6 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

This unit is divided into three parts. The first part introduces students to the basic concepts of microbiology and the range of organisms that comprise the microbial world. The second part builds on this introduction to discuss microbial ecology and to demonstrate the importance of micro-organisms in the environment, using specific examples such as geo-microbiology, soil microbiology, aquatic microbiology, wastewater microbiology and bioremediation. The third part of the unit deals with the principles of molecular biology and genetic engineering and the application of these tools to the processes of biotechnology.