Human biology is the interdisciplinary study of our species, ranging from molecules and cells, through tissues and systems to the interactions of humans with their environment. This major has a focus on the basic principles that underlie normal human physiology and the molecular basis of disease. These studies will be situated within the larger context of biological and biochemical mechanisms common to all life forms. This major provides a solid grounding for further study in biological and biomedical science, including medicine and allied health areas. It is also of value to a range of careers including global health and disease, laboratory research and support, pharmaceutical industry and sales, and biotechnology.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
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Apply their conceptual knowledge of biological principles and processes to the study of human health and disease.
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Solve problems and critically analyse issues using interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human structure and function at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.
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Explain how biology is an evidence-based discipline involving observation, experimentation and hypothesis testing and how it relates to other scientific disciplines.
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Develop and implement experimental strategies to investigate different biological and experimental systems and analyse and present results of these investigations.
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Critically assess biological information and apply it to theoretical, experimental and professional contexts.
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Employ their collaborative and independent educational experiences of laboratory, project and course work in other contexts.
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Clearly communicate biological processes and principles to both science literate and non-science literate audiences.
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Recognise how biology contributes to resolving ethical, social, medical and environmental issues and the expectations this places on their professional practice.
Requirements
This major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics
BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology
BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression
BIOL3006 Human Physiology
6 units must come from completion of a course from the following list:
BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology
BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology
BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
6 units must come from completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL2117 Cell Biology
BIOL2142 General Microbiology
BIOL2151 Genetics
BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition
BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease
BIOL2191 Ecology of Health and Disease
BIOL2222 Exquisite Corpse - Insight Into The Human Body
6 units must come from completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer
BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity
BIOL3142 Parasitology
BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology
BIOL3186 Human Anatomy
BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1
BIOL3205 Genetics of Human Disease 2
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project
NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience
NEUR3112 Systems Neuroscience
BIAN3113 Human Evolution
BIAN3124 Evolution and Human Behaviour
BIAN3125 Ancient Health & Disease
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL3191 Biology, Society and Ethics
BIOL3201 Big Questions in Biology
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