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

This course focuses on developing your understanding of several selected molecular aspects of topics relevant to modern genetics. This course employs a problem-based approach applied to real life examples.The course aims to build on your basic knowledge in biology and cell biology and will help you develop the skills that professional scientists require during their career - advanced level critical thinking, communication and problem solving in classical and molecular genetics and developmental processes.Learning materials will cover theory in molecular biology and recombine DNA technology, genomics, prokaryotic genetics and gene regulation, classical genetics and recombination mapping in higher eukaryotes, eukaryotic gene regulation and developmental genetics, mutations, chromosome abnormalities and an introduction to population and quantitative genetics. This should provide you with detailed understanding and the necessary skills to analyse complex genetic systems encountered in the professional practice of biology or biotechnology, either in industry or in a research environment.

Zero in on the building blocks that make up organisms across the planet. Question how genes are structured and mapped. Consider concepts like inheritance and DNA repair. Look to the ethical quandaries that the study of molecular biology can raise.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

Please note: This subject was previously coded SCB320.
Bioinformatics is the computational management and use of biological information to solve biological problems. This unit will cover several aspects of this rapidly evolving field. Topics will include descriptions of genetic and biological databases and relevant tools available to retrieve and analyse the information within these. Sequence alignment will be covered in some detail. An introduction to proteomics will be given, including protein identification, molecular modelling and methods to determine protein structure. This subject is designed to enable students to evaluate biological data using bioinformatics techniques, and to become adept at performing such analyses.

Put the theory behind bioinformatics under the microscope. Step inside database and information systems and see how they’re organised. Identify biological proteins and analyse their structures. Manipulate DNA sequences and study molecular modelling.

Bioinformatics

This subject introduces you to the biology of eukaryotic cells, emphasising cells as the basic subject of life and their evolutionary origins. Topics covered include: diversity of cells, cellular macromolecules and molecular diversity; organelle structures and functions; cellular energetics; experimental techniques used to examine cells; membranes and movement of molecules; enzymes and enzyme regulation; cellular respiration, fermentation and photosynthesis; DNA, the genetic code, RNA and gene transcription, protein synthesis and cell division.
This subject lays the foundation for more advanced studies in biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular and organismal biology.

Discover the structure, diversity and function of living cells. Explore cell origin and evolution. Learn the specialised role of eukaryotic organelles. Put cells under the microscope from composition and respiration to division and regulation

Cell Structure and Function

This subject follows on from the introductory studies in microbiology undertaken in SCB140 Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics. Your study will increase your depth of knowledge and practical skills in microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms of importance to humans. Topics covered in lectures include microbial ecology, bacterial growth and metabolism, microbial genetics, taxonomy of bacteria, mycology, parasitology and virology. There is also an emphasis on bacteria of importance to humans and the subject covers medically important pathogens and organisms relevant to the fields of food, industrial and environmental microbiology. 
Please note the dates below for the compulsory requirements for this subject to attend laboratory classes at RMIT University&#39;s City Campus in central Melbourne. These practicals are a hurdle and attendance is mandatory in order to pass the subject.
In practical class you will study the key characteristics used in identification of important bacteria. You will also cover basic techniques in mycology and some tools used in environmental monitoring.

Get close to good and bad microorganisms. Reveal the bacteria that’s important to people, and expose pathogens. Grow skills about microorganisms that inhabit, create or contaminate food, used in industrial processes or found in the natural environment

Microbiology

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This subject is an introduction to animal structure and function. It provides an overview of the structure, function and reproduction of the vertebrates, with emphasis on humans. Topics include: the physiology of muscles; nerves; digestion; respiration; excretion; circulation; reproduction; and endocrine systems. A brief overview of methods for histological preparation of tissues for microscopic examination will be provided. Practical components include understanding cells and tissues and vertebrate dissections (fish, amphibians, birds and mammals). Physiology computer simulations are undertaken in students own time with an open book/fixed time examination during the practical week.
A pass mark in the final exam is not a hurdle. Attendance at the practicals is the hurdle.
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Get to know the structure and function of animals with a focus on mammals and people. Chart the reproduction cycle of major vertebrate groups. Compare anatomy of mammals with other animals from excretion to endocrine systems. Learn to examine tissue. 

Animal Structure and Function

*More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Canvas.

Become confident in recognising plant genus and species. Learn their characteristics, importance, application and place in the environment. Use taxonomy and classification to get acquainted with the unknown.

Plant Diversity

This course provides students with knowledge and understanding of, and practical skills in, immunology and the way it is applied in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and research. Topics covered include:An overview of the immune system including organs, cells and receptors.Recognition of pathogens; antigen processing and presentation; Co-stimulatory signals for T cell activation; Role of cytokines in lymphocyte maturation and activation. Immunity to infection and pathological consequences of immunodeficiencies; Immune responses to viral infections, HIV and AIDS; Molecular basis of antigen recognition. Antibodies and applications; Approaches to vaccination; Immunotherapies;Cancer immunology and vaccines; Transplantation immunology

Boost your knowledge and response to immunology in diagnostics and therapeutic research. Study pathogens and antigen processing and presentation. Expose immune responses and immune deficiency. Reveal antibodies, vaccines and vaccinations

Advanced Immunology and Cell Technology

Grasp the principles and methods of emerging gene technology. Study the structure and function of macromolecules. Examine gene cloning and expression systems. Learn how technology is used to change the genetic makeup of cells to diagnose and treat disease.

Gene Technologies

Gain an understanding of animal identification for future employment in agricultural, horticultural and environmental areas. You will finish the subject being able to examine animal structure and identify animals in phylum or better level using appropriate techniques. You will study invertebrates (sponges, cnidarian, flatworms, molluscs, annelids, anthropods, nematodes, echinoderms, etc.) and the vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). You will also learn about lifecycles, structure, function and reasons for importance of different groups of animals.

Take a virtual trek into the natural world and study the structures, lifecycles and functions of different animal groups. Explore animal reproduction and body processes. Identify the characteristics in fauna as varied as amphibians, worms, mammals and birds.

Animal Diversity

This course will provide you with an in-depth knowledge and practical skills on the structural and functional components of cells, tissues and organisms (at undergraduate year level 2). It provides a study of the chemical processes taking place in organisms and the technical skills needed to investigate these processes. It introduces key concepts of biological chemistry and relates them to cell physiology, with an emphasis on structure-function relationships.The course aims to develop your knowledge of different aspects of biochemistry through lectures, and the application of skills and knowledge is demonstrated in practical sessions, which help develop the employability skills required in biochemical analysis in a range of industries.The course also develops skills related to the critical assessment of scientific data and the presentation of scientific results used in all disciplines within the sciences.

Cultivate skills about structures, properties and functions of cells, tissues and organisms. Study biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and metabolism. Reveal chemical processes in organisms. Develop technical and biochemical investigation talents

Course results for RMIT University Undergraduate Biology Subjects

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