Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Genes to Organisms
Undergraduate | MAQ-BIOX1110 | 2020
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 18 weeks
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
- explain the flow of biological information in living systems
- 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: Participation in practical classes held over four days at the Macquarie University campus in North Ryde.
- Mid semester Exam (15%)
- Final Exam (40%)
- Reflective Writing (20%)
- Database project (15%)
- Online quizzes (10%)
- Practical Participation (0%)
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.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
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). Tentative dates for on-campus Sessions 1 & 2 will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of August 2020. On-campus Sessions 3 & 4: 15th and 16th of September 2020. These dates will be confirmed.
- 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.
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