BIOL101 to BIOL229

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.

BIOL113 Science for Nurses 1                                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation 120 hours of focussed learning by a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, self-directed learning packages and concept mapping may be utilised to introduce and explore concepts as they relate to body function and nursing practice.

In this introductory science unit, a basic understanding of selected areas of anatomy, physiology, chemistry and physics will be developed to support the concepts explored within nursing. Students will be introduced to surface anatomy and the normal structures and functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Emphasis will be placed upon the unifying concept of homeostasis and its relationship to health. In all areas of study, basic concepts from the sciences will be explored and applied to nursing.

BIOL114 Science for Nurses 2                                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation 120 hours of focussed learning by a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, self-directed learning packages and concept mapping may be utilised to introduce and explore concepts as they relate to body function and nursing practice.

Students will continue their study of the normal structure and function of the human body. Nutrition and elimination of wastes will be explored. Endocrine regulation of normal growth and major life events will provide a life-span theme. Normal functioning of the reproductive system will reinforce the life-span theme. In addition, the major areas of microbiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology will be introduced. In all areas of study, basic concepts from the sciences will be explored and applied to nursing.

BIOL117 Applied Science for Practice 110 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.

BIOL207 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.

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.

Refer to BIOL102 for details.

BIOL225 Science for Nurses 3                                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites BIOL113 Science for Nurses 1 and BIOL114 Science for Nurses 2 or equivalent.

Teaching Organisation 120 hours of focussed learning - teaching methods will include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and computer-assisted learning.

Alterations of neurological, endocrine and metabolic function will be the focal points of study in this unit. Knowledge from microbiology and pathophysiology will be applied to selected disorders of the nervous and endocrine system. Pharmacological principles will be extended and applied to relevant drug groups. In all areas of study, basic concepts from the sciences will be explored and applied to nursing.

BIOL226 Science for Nurses 4                                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites BIOL225 Science for Nurses 3 or equivalent

Teaching Organisation 120 hours of focussed learning - teaching methods will include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and computer-assisted learning.

Students will continue their studies in clinical pathophysiology, microbiology and pharmacology. The areas of particular interest will be alterations in respiratory and cardiovascular function. Cancer will be explored especially within the context of the respiratory system and related organs. Particular attention will be given to gender and population differences and preventative measures relevant to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In all areas of study, basic concepts from the sciences will be explored and applied to nursing.

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

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.