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
Apply their conceptual knowledge of biological principles and processes to the study of human health and disease.
Solve problems and critically analyse issues using interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human structure and function at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.
Explain how biology is an evidence-based discipline involving observation, experimentation and hypothesis testing and how it relates to other scientific disciplines.
Develop and implement experimental strategies to investigate different biological and experimental systems and analyse and present results of these investigations.
Critically assess biological information and apply it to theoretical, experimental and professional contexts.
Employ their collaborative and independent educational experiences of laboratory, project and course work in other contexts.
Clearly communicate biological processes and principles to both science literate and non-science literate audiences.
Recognise how biology contributes to resolving ethical, social, medical and environmental issues and the expectations this places on their professional practice.
Other Information
To complete this major students must also complete the following course:
Students intending to take the Biochemistry Specialisation or the Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation will also need to complete:
These courses can form part of a Foundational Science minor, another science minor/major or sequence of science electives. If a student is in a Flexible Double Degree, the courses can only contribute towards one degree.
Advice for first year students: You should enrol in CHEM1101, BIOL1003 and BIOL1004. CHEM1201 is recommended. BIOL1008 is also recommended. If taken, BIOL1008 can contribute towards the Foundational Science minor.
Additional information:
- BIOL2202 is the recommended course from the Quantitative Skills list as it has been designed specifically for students to develop quantitative skills in biology. Note that some of the alternative courses listed have prerequisites, and it is your responsibility to choose courses for which you meet the requirements.
- Students should note that this major only requires 2 x 3000 level coded courses. In order to complete the overall Science degree requirements of 5 x 3000 level course from the Science course list, students will need to complete another 3 x 3000 level Science courses.
- For students taking BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of human biology.
Requirements
This major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:
24 units from the completion of the following courses:
BIOL1003 - Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics (6 units)
BIOL1004 - Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)
BIOL2161 - Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)
MEDN2001 - Medical Physiology and Pharmacology (6 units)
6 units from the completion of a Quantitative Skills course from the following list:
BIAN3014 - Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)
BIOL2001 - Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)
BIOL2202 - Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)
ENVS1003 - Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)
PSYC2009 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)
6 units from the completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL2117 - Cell Biology (6 units)
BIOL2142 - General Microbiology (6 units)
BIOL2151 - Genetics (6 units)
BIOL2171 - Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)
BIOL2174 - Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)
MEDN2222 - Exquisite Corpse - Insight Into The Human Body (6 units)
6 units from the completion of a course from the following list:
BIAN3113 - Human Evolution (6 units)
BIAN3124 - Evolution and Human Behaviour (6 units)
BIAN3125 - Ancient Health Disease (6 units)
BIOL3108 - Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)
BIOL3141 - Infection and Immunity (6 units)
BIOL3142 - Biomedical Parasitology (6 units)
BIOL3144 - Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)
MEDN3186 - Human Anatomy (6 units)
BIOL3204 - Genetics of Human Disease 1 (6 units)
BIOL3205 - Genetics of Human Disease 2 (6 units)
BIOL3208 - Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3209 - Biology Research Project (12 units)
NEUR3101 - Cellular Neuroscience (6 units)
NEUR3112 - Systems Neuroscience (6 units)
6 units from the completion a course from the following list:
BIOL3191 - Biology, Society and Ethics (6 units)
BIOL3201 - Big Questions in Biology (6 units)
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