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 course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL1003 | Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics | 6 |
| BIOL1004 | Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology | 6 |
| BIOL2161 | Genes: Replication and Expression | 6 |
| MEDN2001 | Medical Physiology and Pharmacology | 6 |
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIAN3014 | Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology | 6 |
| BIOL2001 | Introduction to Quantitative Biology | 6 |
| BIOL2202 | Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology | 6 |
| ENVS1003 | Introduction to Environmental and Social Research | 6 |
| PSYC2009 | Quantitative Methods in Psychology | 6 |
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL2117 | Cell Biology | 6 |
| BIOL2142 | General Microbiology | 6 |
| BIOL2151 | Genetics | 6 |
| BIOL2171 | Biochemistry and Nutrition | 6 |
| BIOL2174 | Cell Physiology in Health and Disease | 6 |
| BIOL2191 | Ecology of Health and Disease | 6 |
| BIOL2222 | Exquisite Corpse - Insight Into The Human Body | 6 |
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL3108 | Hallmarks of Cancer | 6 |
| BIOL3141 | Infection and Immunity | 6 |
| BIOL3142 | Parasitology | 6 |
| BIOL3144 | Advanced and Applied Immunology | 6 |
| BIOL3186 | Human Anatomy | 6 |
| BIOL3204 | Genetics of Human Disease 1 | 6 |
| BIOL3205 | Genetics of Human Disease 2 | 6 |
| BIOL3208 | Biology Research Project | 6 |
| BIOL3209 | Biology Research Project | 12 |
| NEUR3101 | Cellular Neuroscience | 6 |
| NEUR3112 | Systems Neuroscience | 6 |
| BIAN3113 | Human Evolution | 6 |
| BIAN3124 | Evolution and Human Behaviour | 6 |
| BIAN3125 | Ancient Health & Disease | 6 |
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL3191 | Biology, Society and Ethics | 6 |
| BIOL3201 | Big Questions in Biology | 6 |