Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. This unit explores how new species continue to arise while others go extinct and discusses the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It explains how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. You will participate in inquiry-led practical classes investigating single-celled organisms and the diversity of form and function in plants and animals. By doing this unit of study, you will develop the ability to examine novel biological systems and understand the complex processes that have shaped those systems.

Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. This unit explores how new species continue to arise while others go extinct and discusses the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It explains how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. You will participate in inquiry-led practical classes investigating single-celled organisms and the diversity of form and function in plants and animals.
Life and Evolution (Advanced) has the same overall structure as BIOL1006 but material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. Students enrolled in BIOL1906 participate in an authentic urban biodiversity management research project with a focus on developing skills in critical evaluation, experimental design, data analysis and communication.

Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, and proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriad species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. The practical work syllabus for BIOL1996 is different from that of BIOL1906 (Advanced) and consists of a special project-based laboratory.

Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and discover how expanding tools have improved our capacity to manage and intervene in ecosystems for our own health and organisms in the environment that surround and support us . You will participate in inquiry-led practicals that reinforce the concepts in the unit. By doing this unit you will develop knowledge and skills that will enable you to play a role in finding global solutions that will impact our lives.

Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and discover how expanding tools have improved our capacity to manage and intervene in ecosystems for our own health and organisms in the environment that surround and support us . This unit of study has the same overall structure as BIOL1007 but material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and intervene in ecosystems to improve health. The same theory will be covered as in the advanced stream but in this Special Studies Unit, the practical component is a research project. The research will be a synthetic biology project investigating genetically engineered organisms. Students will have the opportunity to develop higher level generic skills in computing, communication, critical analysis, problem solving, data analysis and experimental design.

Without cells, life as we know it would not exist. These dynamic assemblies, packed with biological molecules are constantly in action. But how do cells work? Why is the food that you eat so important for cellular function? How is information transmitted from generation to generation? And, what happens as a result of disease or genetic mutation? In this unit of study you will learn how cells work at the molecular level, with an emphasis on human biochemistry and molecular biology. We will focus initially on cellular metabolism and how cells extract and store energy from fuels like fats and carbohydrates, how the use of fuels is modulated in response to exercise, starvation and disease, and how other key metabolites are processed. Then we will explore how genetic information is regulated in eukaryotes, including replication, transcription and translation, and molecular aspects of the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. Our practicals, along with other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to widely applied and cutting edge tools that are essential for modern biochemistry and molecular biology. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with foundational skills and knowledge to support your studies in the life and medical sciences.

Without cells, life as we know it would not exist. These dynamic assemblies, packed with biological molecules are constantly in action. But how do cells work? Why is the food that you eat so important for cellular function? How is information transmitted from generation to generation? And, what happens as a result of disease or genetic mutation? In this unit of study you will learn how cells work at the molecular level, with an emphasis on human biochemistry and molecular biology. We will focus initially on cellular metabolism and how cells extract and store energy from fuels like fats and carbohydrates, how the use of fuels is modulated in response to exercise, starvation and disease, and how other key metabolites are processed. Then we will explore how genetic information is regulated in eukaryotes, including replication, transcription and translation, and molecular aspects of the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. The advanced laboratory component will provide students with an authentic research laboratory experience while in the theory component, current research topics will be presented in a problem-based format through dedicated advanced tutorial sessions. This material will be assessed by creative student-centered activities supported by eLearning platforms.

A single human cell contains billions of protein molecules that are constantly in motion. Why so many? What are they doing? And, how are they doing it? In simple terms, proteins define the function of and drive almost every process within cells. In this unit of study you will learn about the biochemistry of proteins in their natural environment - within cells - with a focus on eukaryotes including plant and other cell types. You will discover the dynamic interplay within and between proteins and other cellular components and how the physical properties of proteins dictate function. You will discover how proteins are compartmentalized, modified, folded, transported in and between cells, the mechanisms by which proteins regulate biological activities, interact and transport molecules across membranes, and how mutations in proteins can lead to pathological consequences. Our practicals, other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to a wide range of currently utilised techniques for protein biochemistry ranging from protein visualization, quantification, purification and enzymatic activity, to in silico studies and cellular targeting experiments. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with foundational skills and knowledge to support your studies in the cellular and molecular biosciences.

A single human cell contains billions of protein molecules that are constantly in motion. Why so many? What are they doing? And, how are they doing it? In simple terms, proteins define the function of and drive almost every process within cells. In this unit of study you will learn about the biochemistry of proteins in their natural environment - within cells - with a focus on eukaryotes including plant and other cell types. You will discover the dynamic interplay within and between proteins and other cellular components and how the physical properties of proteins dictate function. You will discover how proteins are compartmentalized, modified, folded, transported in and between cells, the mechanisms by which proteins regulate biological activities, interact and transport molecules across membranes, and how mutations in proteins can lead to pathological consequences. There will be a research-focused approach to the advanced practical component, including real and virtual extensions to key experiments. This approach will continue in the lecture series with several unique advanced lectures covering current research topics. You will further investigate a selected area of interest from these topics using original source material and present your findings through an oral presentation in dedicated advanced tutorials.

Virtually every cell in your body contains the same DNA, but each one of your cell types uses a distinct subset of genes to define its function throughout its lifetime at every step along its developmental pathway. This unit of study will lead you to appreciate the mechanisms by which cells switch on or switch off genes at different times, in different places and in response to different signals. You will discover how our cells walk the fine line between repairing genetic damage and generating genetic diversity. You will also explore how manipulation of the genome through natural or targeted mutation can contribute to, prevent or treat disease. Our practicals, together with other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to a wide range of currently utilised techniques for modern molecular biology, ranging from laboratory-based experiments to bioinformatics, in silico and virtual reality studies. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with senior level skills and knowledge to support your studies and careers in the cellular and molecular biosciences.

Virtually every cell in your body contains the same DNA, but each one of your cell types uses a distinct subset of genes to define its function throughout its lifetime at every step along its developmental pathway. This unit of study will lead you to appreciate the mechanisms by which cells switch on or switch off genes at different times, in different places and in response to different signals. You will discover how our cells walk the fine line between repairing genetic damage and generating genetic diversity. You will also explore how manipulation of the genome through natural or targeted mutation can contribute to, prevent or treat disease. Our practicals, together with other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to a wide range of currently utilised techniques for modern molecular biology, ranging from laboratory-based experiments to bioinformatics, in silico and virtual reality studies. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with senior level skills and knowledge to support your studies and careers in the cellular and molecular biosciences. Gene and Genome Regulation (Advanced) has the same overall structure and lecture content as BCMB3001 but the material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. Students enrolled in BCMB3901 participate in a partially varied practical and tutorial program that focuses on developing skills in experimental design, critical thinking, data analysis and communication.

Proteins are the major doing molecules in biology. Their molecular make-up gives them a much more diverse set of properties than any other biological or synthetic polymer, leading to a vast array of different structures and functions. In this unit of study, you will learn about the structure, dynamics and interactions of proteins, and how those properties influence their myriad roles in nature. You will discover how these complex molecules are thought to have evolved, how they are made and dismantled, how they fold, and drive key processes inside and outside cells. You will also explore how the properties of proteins can be modulated by other molecules, or engineered to develop proteins with new functions or properties for use in biotechnology, medicine, bioremediation and industry. Our practicals, other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to a wide range of currently utilised techniques for protein biochemistry ranging from protein visualization, quantification, purification and enzymatic activity, to in silico and virtual reality studies. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with senior level skills and knowledge to support your studies and careers in the cellular and molecular biosciences.

Proteins are the major doing molecules in biology. Their molecular make-up gives them a much more diverse set of properties than any other biological or synthetic polymer, leading to a vast array of different structures and functions. In this unit of study, you will learn about the structure, dynamics and interactions of proteins, and how those properties influence their myriad roles in nature. You will discover how these complex molecules are thought to have evolved, how they are made and dismantled, how they fold, and drive key processes inside and outside cells. You will also explore how the properties of proteins can be modulated by other molecules, or engineered to develop proteins with new functions or properties for use in biotechnology, medicine, bioremediation and industry. Our practicals, other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to a wide range of currently utilised techniques for protein biochemistry ranging from protein visualization, quantification, purification and enzymatic activity, to in silico and virtual reality studies. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with senior level skills and knowledge to support your studies and careers in the cellular and molecular biosciences. Protein Function and Engineering (Advanced) has the same overall structure as BCMB3002 but the material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. Students enrolled in BCMB3902 participate in a partially varied practical and tutorial program that focuses on developing skills in experimental design, critical thinking, data analysis and communication.

Diseases are ultimately the result of an imbalance of cellular function. Causes for such dysfunction are diverse and include mutations of our DNA, altered gene expression and external stimuli such as infection. This unit will investigate how defects in key cell functions including gene expression, signalling, biomolecular interactions and metabolic processes lead to diseases. The molecular causes and biochemical processes that underlie cancer, aging and neurodegeneration will be used to illustrate the relationships between these processes and how our understanding of these commonalities is allowing us to solve complex health problems. Associations to other diseases will be integrated into the course to give a broader understanding of how key biochemical processes are linked to a wide range of disorders. In the practicals you will use experimental approaches to study cell proliferation and death, protein misfolding, the hallmarks of cancer and some neurodegenerative diseases. By the end of this unit you will have gained foundational skills and knowledge that will support further studies and careers in the life and medical sciences.

Diseases are ultimately the result of an imbalance of cellular function. Causes for such dysfunction are diverse and include mutations of our DNA, altered gene expression and external stimuli such as infection. This unit will investigate how defects in key cell functions including gene expression, signalling, biomolecular interactions and metabolic processes lead to diseases. The molecular causes and biochemical processes that underlie cancer, aging and neurodegeneration will be used to illustrate the relationships between these processes and how our understanding of these commonalities is allowing us to solve complex health problems. Associations to other diseases will be integrated into the course to give a broader understanding of how key biochemical processes are linked to a wide range of disorders. In the practicals you will use experimental approaches to study cell proliferation and death, protein misfolding, the hallmarks of cancer and some neurodegenerative diseases. By the end of this unit you will have gained foundational skills and knowledge that will support further studies and careers in the life and medical sciences. The lecture component of this advanced unit will be the same as for the mainstream unit BCMB3003. In the practicals you will investigate similar concepts, however, the experiments are designed to cover a wider range of techniques, and you will analyse the results in more depth. You will present scientific findings in a poster session to academics from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES). In addition, to relate the course content to current research and application, you will attend a series of four research seminars relating to the lecture content that will be given by experts in their field.

The sequencing of the human genome was a landmark achievement in science and medicine, marking the 'Age of Genomics'. Now we can access the blueprints for life, but need to uncover how those blueprints work, allowing organisms to respond to internal and external environmental changes, and how we can utilise this plethora of DNA sequence information to improve human and planetary health. This unit will investigate the function of the genome by examining the proteome, metabolome and beyond. You will investigate links between the central dogma of molecular biology and the complexities of living genomes - from modifications that massively increase diversity to the dynamic metabolome. You will explore fundamental cellular processes and discover how they are shaped by the proteome via gene expression, post-translational modification and protein complex formation. These processes will be examined in the context of human health and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders (e. g. type 2 diabetes) to demonstrate how global approaches can define, diagnose and help develop treatments for disease. You will practice methods employed in the post-genome era, including the 'Multi-omics' approaches that provide a global view of living systems, and discover how they are applied to solve problems in biology, biomedicine and agriculture. By the end of the unit students will understand why global 'omics approaches are needed in the post-genome era and know how best to apply such tools to given biological and biomedical problems.

The sequencing of the human genome was a landmark achievement in science and medicine, marking the 'Age of Genomics'. Now we can access the blueprints for life, but need to uncover how those blueprints work, allowing organisms to respond to internal and external environmental changes, and how we can utilise this plethora of DNA sequence information to improve human and planetary health. This unit will investigate the function of the genome by examining the proteome, metabolome and beyond. You will investigate links between the central dogma of molecular biology and the complexities of living genomes - from modifications that massively increase diversity to the dynamic metabolome. You will explore fundamental cellular processes and discover how they are shaped by the proteome via gene expression, post-translational modification and protein complex formation. These processes will be examined in the context of human health and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders (e. g. type 2 diabetes) to demonstrate how global approaches can define, diagnose and help develop treatments for disease. You will practice methods employed in the post-genome era, including the 'Multi-omics' approaches that provide a global view of living systems, and discover how they are applied to solve problems in biology, biomedicine and agriculture. Beyond the Genome (Advanced) has the same overall structure as BCMB3004 but focuses on a more advanced level of practical work, data analysis and interpretation, using cutting-edge technologies. By the end of the unit students will understand why global 'omics approaches are needed in the post-genome era and know how best to apply such tools to given biological and biomedical problems.

Nutrition is a multidisciplinary science that covers the role of food in health and disease. Advances in biomolecular science have increased the focus of nutrition on the metabolic pathways that transform nutrients. This unit of study aims to explore fundamentals in nutritional science to develop an understanding of the core concepts in human nutrition through exploring the role of macro- and micro-nutrients and their interaction across the lifespan, mostly in the healthy individual. The focus will be the biochemical reactions that take place in cells, how these are influenced by different nutrients and what are the implications for the whole body. This unit of study will consider the structure and chemical characteristics of nutrients, their metabolism, and their roles in health and disease. This unit of study will explore how animal models, cell culture techniques and human trials have contributed to advancing nutritional science. Examples from current research will be used to illustrate how nutrients are metabolised, mostly in health, and the expanding scope of research in human nutrition.