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Study online with La Trobe University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

Introduction to Human Physiology

The Human Journey: Archaeology and Evolution

Human Relationships with Animals and the Environment

Introduction To Behavioural Neuroscience 1B

Introduction To Behavioural Neuroscience 1A

Human Biosciences A

In this subject, you will first be introduced to concepts fundamental to the understanding of Human Physiology such as the organisation of the human body, homeostasis, basic cell structure and function, body fluids and the movement of molecules within body fluid compartments. The basics of nervous system and endocrine system function in the context of physiological regulation and homeostasis will then be explored. This information will provide the foundation for the study of major organ systems of the body including the muscular, digestive, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. This subject will also include content on metabolism of nutrients and acid-base homeostasis.

Map the complex architecture of the human body and learn how it’s organised and structured. Navigate the journey of the smallest cell to the largest organ. Observe how the body performs and adapts, responding to stress and disease to maintain life.

In this subject, you are introduced to the study of anatomy. An overview of anatomical terminology, basic tissue types and a variety of techniques used to visualize the human body will be given followed by a more detailed study of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Anatomical principles and terminology will be applied to relevant body systems and the concept of integrated function of multiple systems in one body region will be introduced through the study of the trunk. You will be taught via an online-only OR blended (on-line and face-to-face) approach.

Human Biosciences B

This subject introduces you to human physiology - how the body works. You&#39;ll learn how the body is organised and the basics of cell structure and function, and how processes in the body are controlled. This will provide the foundation for the study of the major body systems important for support and movement (muscular system); regulation, integration and control (nervous and endocrine systems); fluids and transport (blood, heart, cardiovascular and immune systems); energy, maintenance and environmental exchange (respiratory, digestive and renal systems, metabolism); and the continuity of life (reproductive systems).

This subject serves as an introduction to the biological bases of behaviour. Nerve cells are the basic building blocks of the brain. Therefore their functioning and methods of communicating form the basic principles of brain and nervous system functioning. Hence this subject includes introductory lectures on the elements of the nervous system that contribute to the conscious and unconscious aspects of behaviour. There is an emphasis on understanding how the cells of the nervous system function and communicate with each other, thus allowing us to explain how sensory information, drugs, and hormonal changes influence behaviour, as well as how behaviour influences the brain.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is concerned with the function of biological systems at the molecular level. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is central to most studies in biology and life sciences and is directly related to biomedical research and biotechnology. In this subject, students are introduced to gene structure and function, DNA replication, transcription and translation; molecular biology; protein structure and its relationship to protein function and enzyme kinetics. Students will investigate a typical biochemistry technique and conduct research on a specific protein.

Study cells up close to learn how they are made up, function and convert food into energy to sustain life. Discover why protein is critical to a cell’s structure and performance, and how it helps to regulate the body’s tissues and vital organs.

Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry is concerned with the function of biological systems at the molecular level. It is central to most studies in biology and life sciences and is directly related to biomedical research and biotechnology. In this subject, you are introduced to cell biology and cell metabolism, building on the concepts developed in BCM201 (Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). You will study the generation of energy in cells through the oxidation of carbohydrates and lipids; the formation of ATP, the energy currency of cells; lipids, cellular membranes and compartmentation; and the signalling processes that co-ordinate and regulate cellular activity. The practical exercises illustrate some basic experimental and data analysis skills and reinforce concepts in metabolism and cell biology.

Study the structure and role of living cells to understand the biological processes that give and sustain life. Learn how the composition of cells can change and cause disease, and how proteins and DNA interact to create health benefits.

Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology

‘The Human Journey; archaeology and evolution&#39; looks at the origins and evolutionary paths of humans, from our earliest potential ancestors 7 million years ago, to the first occurrence of own species around 300,000 years ago. To do this we examine the fossil, archaeological and behavioural records of our ancestors as well as looking at the climatic and environmental backdrop to our evolution. The subject is built around a historical understanding of how key discoveries have changed our understanding of our ancestry and case studies of pivotal archaeological and fossil sites, including the active research of the teaching staff - who have discovered key early human fossils in Africa. The subject takes a global outlook, from our earliest origins in Africa, the dispersal of the first human species out of Africa and into Asia and Europe, to the origin and relationship of our own species to our close cousins the Neanderthals and Denisovans.Taught by La Trobe researchers working at key palaeoanthopological and archaeological sites such as Drimolen and Amanzi Springs in South Africa, the subject presents upon their active fieldwork and research within a historical context to understand our evolution, and to explore how views of our human ancestry have changed through time - highlighting the shared ancestry of all humans alive today and the epic journey that our ancestors took to becoming us.Please note that the online instance of the class are not asynchronous and require attendance at live online practical classes using 3D scan data.

In this subject, you will explore contemporary theoretical approaches and empirical findings relevant to various neural structures, processes, and functions underlying humans&#39; thinking, feeling, and behaviour. In particular, you develop a sophisticated understanding of brain development, visual perception, motor and cognitive development, as well as different neuroimaging techniques. The subject also provides an overview of a wide range of neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions, and enables you to critically analyse the benefits of different neuropsychological assessments.This subject consists of timetabled lectures and tutorial classes. It is typically taken by students in their second or third year.

Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

This subject provides students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to analyse and address questions concerning how humans interact with animals (anthrozoology) and how they interact with the natural environment (ecopsychology). Throughout the subject, students are provided with a broad overview of relevant theories and methods of scientific inquiry. There is an emphasis on developing practical solutions to challenging social issues such as the use of animals, land and water in food production, conservation of endangered species and companion animal breeding and training. Online learning materials are used to provide information about contemporary issues, with tutorials providing many opportunities for students to engage in discussion, debate and further analysis.

The ability to sense and respond to our environment is critical to the survival of all living things, from the simplest of single celled organisms right up to complicated animals like us. In this subject, you will explore how we sense our environment, and how our brains use this information to guide behaviour. You will focus on four broad areas; first, you will investigate the senses, smell, taste, vision, hearing, and touch. Then, you will learn how hormones affect multiple body systems to get us ready to act on our environment. Next, you will learn about the internal processes that keep our bodies working efficiently. Finally, you will uncover the mechanisms of learning and memory. This subject consists of self-guided online lessons and timetabled workshop classes. It is typically taken by students in their first year.

La Trobe University Biology Short courses | Open Universities Australia

Course results for La Trobe University Biology Short courses

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