Last chance to study this subject for 2025—enrol by 20 July
Need help? Contact a student advisor.
This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Genes to Organisms
UndergraduateMAQ-BIOX11102025
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 28 July 2025
- Price from
- $1,195
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Genes to Organisms
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- define how biological information is encoded in the structure of the genetic molecule, DNA
- describe how large macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins are constructed from simpler building blocks
- explain how eukaryotic cells are constructed, in terms of the structure and functions of organelles
- describe how genetic information is transmitted through the generations, and the evolutionary process
- discuss modern applications of genetics and genomics
- analyse scientific data and use the basic elements of scientific writing to write reports.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
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.
Participatory task: Some practical classes will require on-campus attendance
- Final Exam (45%)
- Paper dissection (25%)
- Practical problem set (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units): BIOL115
NCCW (2020 and onwards): BIOL1110 Genes to Organisms
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - The practical classes for this subject are held over four days at the Macquarie University campus in North Ryde (Sydney, NSW)
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA subject offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in subjects through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-BSC-DEG
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