Cell and Developmental Biology
Study in Cell and Developmental Biology is offered by the Disciplines of Anatomy and Histology and Physiology, in the School of Medical Sciences, as well as Developmental Biology in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.
About the major
Cell and Developmental Biology aims to understand how cells proliferate, differentiate and become coordinated to form diverse complex multicellular organisms. Such knowledge is applicable to understanding the origin, function and diversity of complex life and is directly relevant to problems in multiple disciplines, from improving crop yields to better understanding processes in cancer, wound healing, and even the application of stem cells for organ replacement. Cell and Developmental Biology provides undergraduate units of study that are transdisciplinary in nature.
Requirements for completion
A major in Cell and Developmental Biology requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level core units
(vi) 6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project units
(vii) 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units
A minor in Cell and Developmental Biology requires 36 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level core units
(vi) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units
First year
BIOL1XX7 From Molecules to Ecosystems
and 6 credit points from: BIOL1XX6 Life and Evolution or CHEM1XX1 Chemistry 1A.
Second year
BIOL2X29 Cells
and 6 credit points from a selection of BCMB2X02 Proteins in Cells or GEGE2X01 Genetics and Genomics.
Third year
Core: BIOL3X26 Developmental Biology
12 credit points from selective units:
HSTO3003 Cells and Development: Theory,
HSTO3004 Cells and Development: Practical (Adv),
PHSI3X10 Reproduction, Development and Disease,
BIOL3029 Molecular Plant Biology,
BCMB3X04 Beyond the Genome.
In your third year you must take at least one designated project unit.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, with a minimum of 24 credit points at 4000-level or above. Of these 24 credit points, you must complete a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points.
Honours
Meritorious students may apply for admission to Honours within a subject area of the Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Admission to Honours requires the prior completion of all requirements of the Bachelor's degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units. If you are considering applying for admission to Honours, ensure your degree planning takes into account the completion of a second major and all OLE requirements prior to Honours commencement.
Unit of study requirements for Honours in the area of Cell and Developmental Biology: completion of 36 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework.
Contact and further information
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
W http://sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
E
School of Medical Sciences
Anderson Stuart Building (F13)
Eastern Avenue
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Associate Professor Mary Byrne
T +61 2 9114 0978
E
Professor Frank Lovicu
T +61 2 9351 5170
E
Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Cell and Developmental Biology will be able to:
- Exhibit a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the principles, concepts and methods of cell and developmental biology.
- Integrate deep knowledge of the role and relevance of cell and developmental biology to society with concepts in human health and the continuation of life, across different social and cultural contexts.
- Source, collate, synthesise and critically evaluate information about phenomena in cells and development from a range of sources.
- Collect, accurately record, interpret, analyse, and draw conclusions from data generated in the interrogation of cells and developmental biology.
- Work effectively and responsibly in individual and team contexts.
- Communicate concepts and findings in cells and development, across a range of modes for a variety of purposes and audiences, using evidence-based arguments that are robust to critique.
- Critically analyse observations of cells and developmental biology to propose and test hypotheses through experimentation.
- Address authentic problems in cell and developmental biology, working responsibly and professionally, and with consideration of cross-cultural perspectives, within collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.
- Acquire an awareness of regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to cell and developmental biology in their effective, responsible and safe research practice.