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

The Bachelor of Science allows you to follow a path to suit your intended career in the sciences. You will undertake an in-depth study of the Biology  – the study of all living things, encompassing diverse subdisciplines, including cell and developmental biology, behaviour, biodiversity, conservation, ecology, genetics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology. You&#39;ll learn about the function and processes that influence the ecology and evolution of organisms. You’ll consider taxa ranging from microbes to fungi, plants and animals, with a focus on Australia’s unique biodiversity. Following our philosophy of learning by doing, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge and skills, with foundational quantitative methods, to independently analyse, research and creatively solve problems. You’ll be equipped to adapt and thrive in future enterprises and employment with skills such as working collaboratively on industry- and research-related projects, and effectively communicating scientific concepts in multiple modes to a range of audiences.Supporting the primary study in Biology, students will study a minor in human biology. This popular area of biology encompasses all aspects of what it is to be human, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, anthropology, ecology and epidemiology. Core units in the degree will address the quantitative skills needed by all scientists. Scientists need to be able to understand, analyze and communicate data.Critical employability skills will be addressed both in the core units and through embedded learning in the discipline units of the majors.The course integrates real-world learning activities, culminating in a Science Capstone unit.By providing both in-depth discipline education as well as the broader skills required by all scientists the degree will provide a world-class science education.The Bachelor of Science will help you develop skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking through practical work and peer-assisted learning. Our science staff are recognised for their excellence in teaching and many are known internationally for their research, ensuring you are taught with the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.Please note: Some subjects in this degree require you to attend laboratory sessions in Sydney.

Benefit from the guidance of teachers whose research findings are known on a global scale. Use this research to conduct case studies. Take a hands-on approach with a lab component. Specialise in biology, including genetics, genes and life processes.

Bachelor of Science

Human Biology

Biological Basis of Behaviour

Organisms to Ecosystems

Genes to Organisms

Human Evolution and Diversity

This unit is for anyone interested in humans, and how humans interact with the rest of the living world. BIOX1210 will give you an introductory overview of several fundamental topics essential for understanding the structure, function, and processes within the human body. The subjects covered in the course include basic introductions to anatomy and physiology, cellular metabolism, reproduction, genetics, disease, and human evolution. To understand issues such as genetic engineering, cloning, assisted reproductive technologies, antibiotic resistance or the emergence of new human diseases requires a familiarity with modern biological knowledge. We aim to equip you with this knowledge and help to unlock a journey of self-discovery about incredible mysteries within your own body. The unit content is dealt with in such a way that students without prior studies in biology will not be at a disadvantage, however biology students are also encouraged to take this unit.

Develop your knowledge of human biology, and gain understanding of current scientific and social issues including DNA technology, genetic engineering and cloning. Designed for students who are new to biology, but applicable for all biology students.

This unit is suitable for all students interested in behaviour. It covers a range of topics relevant to today&#39;s society in a manner accessible to all students. Basic mechanisms are covered, together with function and evolution. Lecture topics include explanations of behaviour, evolution, evolutionary origins of behaviour, basic neuroscience, perception, learning, brain and behaviour, and topics in animal behaviour. Lectures culminate with some reflections on the lives of humans in our modern world and the role of culture in human evolution.

Venture into the animal kingdom. Track how genes and environment influence the function and evolution of animal behaviour. Study genetics. Sense how people and animals communicate. Reflect on human life today and the role of culture in evolution. 

This subject introduces students to the essential concepts in current biology. BIOX1310 builds on the laboratory, statistical and communication skills obtained in BIOX1610. BIOX1310 forms the first step for students pursuing a career in the biological sciences, and provides a basis for students in other disciplines who wish to maintain an interest in this dynamic field. The theme of this subject is evolution. The first part of the subject is concerned with the origin of life and discusses current theories on how life may have arisen on a previously lifeless planet. We discuss evolutionary theory in detail including some of the genetic principles that underlie evolution. In the second part we introduce the major groups of organisms examining their diversity and how they function. In the final part we discuss the ecological interactions between organisms from the small scale to global patterns. Throughout the subject, these core concepts are illustrated with examples from current research. BIOX1310 is designed as a companion subject to BIOX1110 in Session 2 and requires attendance at on-campus sessions.

This subject deals with the nuts and bolts of life on earth. Throughout the subject there is a single unifying theme – that all of the processes that give rise to life are derived from DNA. We show students that DNA controls life by acting as a blueprint for the construction of proteins, and that those proteins build cells which act as the basic structural and functional units of all life. To demonstrate these processes to students, we start by talking about the structure and function of DNA to show how it can act as a simple code for the construction of proteins. Students are then shown how proteins are constructed from the DNA code, and how those proteins can be used to build and maintain cells. Having established these basic principles, the subject then goes on to explain how cells construct multicellular organisms during development, and how the proper functioning of those organisms is maintained by regulating cellular activity. We also demonstrate that the DNA code is essentially immortal because it can be copied from generation to generation, from cell to cell. This subject requires attendance at on-campus sessions.

This unit explores the evolution of our species, what makes humans distinct, and how we have developed the biological, cultural and technological diversity we now see around us. The unit examines new research, highlighting the most recent discoveries and theoretical breakthroughs, encouraging students to learn more about the major debates, key discoveries, and important theories in the study of human evolution. Specifically, the unit provides students with a background in evolutionary theory, genetics, anthropology, paleoarchaeology, and comparative primatology in order to address a number of topics: the development of the human brain; bipedalism; language; families; social life; sexuality; reproduction; hunting; diet; art; stone tools and technology; language; domesticated plants and animals; cities; and the first civilisations. The unit also demonstrates how an evolutionary perspective offers new insights into modern human diversity, including both cultural and biological differences among us. The unit does not require a background in the biological or evolutionary sciences. It provides an excellent foundation for understanding and evaluating important contemporary issues.

Evolve your thinking on human development and biological and cultural diversity. Study Darwin's breakthroughs alongside the most recent evolutionary research. Examine language origins. Join in ongoing debates about the study of human evolution.

Evolution is a dynamic process that has occurred over many millions of years (deep evolution) and continues to this day (contemporary evolution) shaping all aspects of vertebrate biology. This unit considers the major events in vertebrate evolution: invertebrate chordate to vertebrate; jawless to jawed; water to land; ectothermy to endothermy; and land to air. The newly emerging synthesis of evolutionary and developmental biology is having considerable impact on current vertebrate evolutionary theory, as are molecular techniques for constructing phylogenies. These topics are discussed in relation to deep and contemporary evolution of vertebrate groups. Lecture topics also discuss the main traits associated with each group of vertebrates including anatomy, physiology, brains and behaviour. The practical work reinforces the lectures by focussing on the comparative anatomy, morphology and behaviour of representative vertebrate groups.

Vertebrate Biology and Behaviour

Ongoing advances in molecular technology, statistics and bioinformatics have revolutionized our ability to gather and apply genetic information. This unit deals with the distribution of genetic variation among individuals, populations and species, and the relevance of such variation to evolutionary processes. Specific topics include selection and adaptive potential; mutation; inbreeding; population divergence; speciation; effective population size and extinction risk. Approaches to the study of genetic variation are explored at levels ranging from pedigree analysis to molecular genomics. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of evolutionary genetics to the conservation, management and restoration of wild populations.

Evolutionary and Conservation Genetics

This subject explores the biological diversity of plants and animals. Relationships between structure and function are emphasised. The unit also discusses how organisms have adapted to specific environments. There is a strong emphasis on evolutionary processes and how these have generated biological diversity. A comparative approach is taken, with adaptation discussed in the context of evolutionary trees and the fossil record. The unit is suitable for students interested in organismal biology, science education, and research.

Diversity of Life

Genetics occupies a central role in modern sciences, with profound implications for basic and applied research in biology, medicine and agriculture, as well as for a number of philosophical issues in human affairs. This unit offers a balanced approach to teach introductory principles of genetics. It combines sections on classical, molecular and population genetics presented in an integrative way. The practical sessions offer students the possibility of learning essential techniques and skills in modern molecular genetics.

Genetics

This unit will cover the fundamentals of emergence of disease in the context of global change. Beginning with an overview of the biology and ecology of different pathogens and progressing to their epidemiology, rapid evolution, and application of modern diagnostics for their detection, diagnosis and source tracking. Past and present epidemics and case studies will be used to investigate host-switching, evolution, adaptation, virulence and transmission theory. Approaches to investigating and managing emerging Infectious disease such as One Health and Planetary Health will also be explored in this unit.

Ecology and Evolution of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Macquarie University Undergraduate Biology Subjects | Open Universities Australia

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