Recommended Study Sequence

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300222 - Biology 2. This unit demonstrates the diversity of living organisms and viruses, with particular emphasis on those that affect human health. Students will discover how these organisms are classified, and how they have evolved. Besides exploring the breadth of biodiversity, the unit also examines the links between organisms. Evolutionary advances made by different taxonomic groups to develop mechanisms for reproduction and growth, respiration, maintaining water balance, excretion, digestion, and coordination will be compared. Ultimately human health depends on a sustainable environment and the study of ecosystems will link the biodiversity components of the unit.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300224 - Chemistry 1. This unit provides an introduction to the principles fundamental to all branches of chemistry. It focuses on atomic structure, periodicity, electronic configuration, structure and bonding, chemical equations, stoichiometry, the mole concept, gas laws, states of matter, intermolecular forces and properties of solutions, chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, scientific notation, and nomenclature. The unit will emphasise their application to biomedical science, but it is intended to provide a broad, rigorous foundation for studies in all areas of chemistry.

This unit provides an introduction to physics for science and medical science students as well as providing a basis for further study of more advanced physics for students pursuing courses in nanotechnology, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences. It provides a foundation to understand the physical principles which underlay scientific instrumentation and analysis Topics covered include systems of units; Introductory mechanics, Newton’s laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum; Electricity, electrostatics, DC and AC circuits and components, introductory electromagnetism; Waves and optics, electromagnetic radiation, reflection, refraction, image formation, polarisation, interference and diffraction.

This unit is designed to assist in the transition from secondary school mathematics to university first year level mathematics, and gradually bring students to the required standard. It provides a sound foundation in basic mathematical tools in the areas of algebra, probability and calculus, which are particularly relevant to first year mathematics and statistics core subjects. The algebra section revises basic arithmetic manipulation before introducing series, functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, solving equations, matrix manipulation and applications. The probability section covers basic concepts of probability, including permutations, combinations and probability calculations. The calculus section includes limits, differentiation, maximum and minimum values, graphing and integration. These mathematical methods and simple concepts are illustrated using practical examples derived from many different subject areas. Students entering without assumed knowledge of 2 Unit Mathematics are recommended to take this unit as an elective.

This level one hundred unit provides a solid foundation in the theory and applications of differential and integral calculus, as well as some introductory work on complex numbers and matrix algebra. This unit provides the necessary preparation for many of the later-stage mathematics units.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300221 - Biology 1. Cells are the foundations of life, and an understanding of cell structure and function is required for anyone working in the medical science field. Most diseases result from or lead to malfunctioning of some aspect of cellular processes such as transport across membranes or cell replication. Underlying normal cell function, however, are the molecules of which cells are composed. Consequently, the unit will introduce lipids, carbohydrates, amino and nucleic acids, then study the processes by which these molecules are manipulated to build and recycle organelles, store and transport energy and transmit genetic information in both the prokaryote and eukaryote domains. Accordingly, the unit will include cell replication, sex cell formation, Mendelian genetics as well as cellular respiration and DNA replication, transcription and translation. The role of DNA technology in biomolecular science will be an important component of the unit and will unify the several topics listed above.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300225 - Chemistry 2. This unit uses medicinal chemistry to continue the development of students' understanding of the basic foundations of chemistry begun in Principles of Chemistry. The unit focuses on introductory chemical and pharmacological kinetics, introduces coordination compounds such as haemoglobin, and goes on to an in-depth treatment of the structure, reactivity and nomenclature of the principal organic functional groups. These are discussed in the context of their role in life, medicine and disease. The unit provides a necessary foundation for subsequent studies in chemistry, biochemistry, and related areas.

Students will learn about exciting and sometimes contentious issues in the biomolecular sciences: including stem cell research; cloning and genetic engineering; new drug development; nanoscience and human health; circadian rhythms; origins of new viruses; the human genome and human health; NMR and health; fraud, plagiarism and ethics in science; finding new drugs; computer-aided drug design; biosafety and biosecurity. Guest lecturers will present special insights into new developments. Students will gain practical experience in skills which are essential for biomolecular science: scientific writing, locating and accessing information for researching a scientific topic, and oral presentation skills.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300219 - Biochemistry 1. This unit investigates protein structure, function, synthesis and degradation in both health and disease. Students will analyse how proteins fold and how this relates to function, illustrated by proteins such as oxygen carriers, enzymes, and gene regulators. The importance of bioinformatics for analysing protein structure, function and evolution will be emphasised. Discussion of enzyme structure and catalytic mechanisms will provide a deeper understanding of how catalytic proteins work. DNA, gene structure and gene expression (transcription and translation) will be investigated in some detail at the molecular level, including the impact of mutation on protein function. The relevance of post-translational modification, protein targeting and protein degradation for healthy cell function will also be discussed.

Microorganisms are important in all aspects of our lives. In this unit students will explore the diversity of microorganisms and their significance in the environment, in foods and industry as well as in health and disease. Students will be introduced to the structure, reproduction, classification, cultivation and enumeration of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The conditions required for growth and survival of microorganisms will be studied as well as physical and chemical methods of control. Students will conduct laboratory exercises designed to develop their skills in culturing and observing microorganisms.

This unit will provide a sound knowledge of the genetic basis of disease and genetic problems of human development. Students will learn basic genetic principles as they study examples of genetic problems in human health and disease. Topics include Mendelian and multifactorial genetics, autosomal and X-chromosomal abnormalities, population genetics, oncocytogenetics, and the use of DNA technologies in gene mapping, disease diagnosis, screening and therapy. The focus will be on cytogenetics since molecular genetics will be covered in other units.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300220 - Biochemistry 2. Understanding human metabolism at a molecular level underpins our understanding of human health and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Kinetics and regulation of enzymes will be studied as a preliminary to learning how metabolic pathways work. The central pathways of energy metabolism, their control and inter-relationships will be analysed in detail, including carbohydrate and fat metabolism; ATP synthesis involving electron transport and ATP synthase; and nitrogen metabolism, including aspects of amino acid degradation and urea synthesis. Emphasis will be placed on enzyme and hormonal regulations, the roles of different tissues in metabolic homeostasis; and the consequences for human health when enzymes or their regulations are defective.

This unit discusses the origins of genetic variation in prokaryotes and explores the structure and metabolic diversity of microorganisms from a variety of habitats including extreme environments. Studies of the biochemistry of prokaryotes focus on metabolic strategies for energy generation and growth in various natural environments. Students are introduced to the applications of microbial metabolism in food, wine and other industries. The principles of classification and identification of bacteria and yeasts are developed. This includes an introduction to molecular systematics and its impact on the classification of living organisms and in areas such as molecular diagnostics and epidemiology. The unit also addresses the principles and applications of recombinant DNA techniques in biotechnology and in the study of microbial physiology and genetics. Laboratory classes introduce students to techniques used to study microbial identification, physiology and genetics.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300234 - Molecular Biology. This unit concentrates on the Molecular Biology of eukaryotic cells (human) and studies gene regulation at an advanced level, leading into the processes and practical applications of DNA technology. Students gain a thorough grounding in major techniques involved in gene cloning, such as DNA manipulation using restriction enzymes, PCR, DNA fingerprinting. Cloning vectors, DNA libraries, genetic engineering in different types of eukaryotic cells and organisms and are studied. Students are introduced to functional genomics, bioinformatics and issues in biosafety and ethics relating to gene technology.

Cell signalling looks at the molecular mechanisms by which cells communicate and make responses to each other. Disorders of cell signalling have major impacts on human health and are involved in many metabolic disorders, brain function, the immune system, cancer and embryonic development. Knowledge of cell signalling pathways has important spin-offs for design of new drugs. This unit investigates the action of hormones, growth factors, cytokines and morphogens; their receptors and signalling pathways; and the cellular responses they trigger, such as altered metabolism, shape, differentiation, death. Students will expand their understanding of current developments by scientific reading and group discussion. Laboratory work will enable students to develop basic skills in cell culture techniques.

This unit covers a range of biochemical techniques and methodologies used for both analysis and purification of biological molecules. It includes advanced aspects of spectroscopy, centrifugation, radioisotopes; RNA isolation and detection, chromatographic principles and methods (gel filtration, ion exchange, affinity, hydrophobic interaction, chromatofocusing); electrophoresis principles and methods (SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing, pore gradient, two-dimensional, capillary); protein extraction and separation strategies. The methods and applications of proteomic research are included. The laboratory work parallels lecture material, and students gain hands-on experience in many of these techniques. The importance of quality control is emphasised and quality control programs are carried out concurrently with other laboratory work.

This unit builds on the molecular biology studied in second and third year, equipping students with detailed knowledge of the molecular basis of disease. Studying the molecular basis integrates many previously learned scientific principles in molecular biology and functional genomics into the context of disease.

The immune system relies on a complex interplay between cells, receptors and signalling molecules for its effective operation. Antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses will be examined from a molecular and biochemical perspective. Topics include B- and T-cell receptor gene expression, antibody structure, function, maturation; MHC genes and proteins; differentiation and activation of B and T cells; antigen processing and presentation; the roles of cytokines. The relevance of this knowledge for understanding disorders of the immune system will be emphasised throughout. Medical and diagnostic applications of hybridoma technology, antibody engineering and advances in vaccine development will be discussed. The laboratory course will develop technical and interpretative skills in relevant techniques.

This unit will aim to develop within the student an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the fundamentals of analytical chemistry. The student will be exposed to the theory and practice of a range of chemical analyses with emphasis on ‘wet’ or ‘classical’ methods, and an introduction to some instrumental methods. An important component of this unit is to develop within the student laboratory skills in chemical analysis. Topics covered in this unit include: the evaluation of analytical data; sampling and sample preparation; unit operations in analytical chemistry; stoichiometry and equilibrium; gravimetric analysis; volumetric analysis; separation methods; spectroscopic methods of analysis; electrochemical methods of analysis; analysis of real samples.

Students studying at Parramatta campus should refer to 300236 - Physical Chemistry 2. The unit provides the understanding of the chemical principles as applied to biological molecules (biomolecules). Chemical and electrochemical energy transformations approaching equilibria and rates of biological processes are studied and further explored for useful experimental and data-analysis skills. Selected areas including enzyme kinetics or membrane equilibria will be studied.

Students studying atParramatta campus should refer to 300230 - Inorganic Chemistry 2. This unit introduces students to a thorough study of coordination chemistry (discussing complexes, ligands, structure, isomerism, stability, reaction mechanisms, oxidation states, elements in the first transition series, and trends in the periodic table). That foundation is then used to study applications of coordination chemistry in biological systems, in medicine and in areas such as radiopharmaceuticals. The unit then moves on to areas of fundamental inorganic chemistry, including bonding, solution chemistry, and solid state chemistry. This unit also introduces many of the laboratory techniques and equipment that are used in synthetic procedures in coordination chemistry.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300301 - Organic Chemistry 2. This unit introduces organic chemistry from a biological and pharmaceutical perspective, emphasising the structure & reactivity of biological molecules as organic molecules and functional group manipulation as a tool for drug design and synthesis. Appropriate practical skills to achieve this are learnt in the associated practical work.

This unit has a modern approach to the study of the interaction between the human host, micro-organisms and parasites. Students will embark on a journey into the world of pathogenic micro-organisms exploring the molecular mechanisms by which these override host defences leading to disease. Topics include: Non-specific and specific defences (immune system) of the human body. Host-parasite interaction and pathogenesis of disease. Types of infection and epidemiology. Infectious diseases of the human body systems and associated aetiological agents. This will be supported with laboratory experience representing modern laboratory diagnostic procedures including molecular biology for the identification of infectious disease agents and how this information is applied to epidemiology.

Contemporary medicinal chemistry relies upon a rigorously planned and rational design of drugs based upon a full understanding of both chemistry and biology. An ability to determine and define the chemical structure of the drug, its target system, its site of action and its destruction mechanisms, has allowed the scientist to systematically tailor a drug to its specific purpose using quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and this methodology is emphasised within the unit. With the accelerating development of computer-based technologies this capability has been extended further. Drugs such as cimetidine and other histamine antagonists are used to illustrate the achievement and future uses of structure-activity relationships in rational drug design, whilst the laboratory work leads to a simulated quantitative structure-activity determination relating to antimicrobials.

This unit is an extension of ‘Human Physiology 1: Introduction to Human Physiology’. It provides greater depth and breadth of understanding of aspects of whole-body physiology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, locomotion, sleep, reproductive technology, psychoneuroimmunology, interactions with others or the environment, the life cycle.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300298 - Analytical Chemistry 3. This unit provides the student with skills to carry out the more advanced wet chemical analysis and provides an understanding of the principles of instrumental analysis, covering the areas of spectroscopy, chromatography, electrochemistry, thermal methods and automated methods of analysis. The techniques of analytical method development, inorganic and organic residue analysis, herbal analysis and forensic toxicology analysis will be discussed. Aspects of quality control and quality assurance will also be included.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300231 - Inorganic Chemistry 3. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry is based on the foundations laid in the unit Coordination Chemistry. It covers structure and bonding in inorganic chemistry, higher coordination numbers, lanthanide and actinides, followed by the bioinorganic chemistry of zinc and iron in mammalian and microbial systems. Kinetics and mechanism of inorganic reactions are examined. The important area of organo-transition metal chemistry and catalysis is introduced. Students build on their familiarity with the literature of inorganic chemistry and are introduced to several advanced databases of chemical information. The laboratory sessions develop knowledge of advanced techniques such as anaerobic syntheses and instrumental techniques of characterisation such as NMR, IR and electronic spectra. This is also used to develop an appreciation of the role of computer-based molecular modelling in inorganic chemistry.

Students studying at Parramatta campus should refer to 300299 - Chemistry Project 3. This unit provides the student with an introduction to thinking as a research scientist whilst developing methodological and practical skills in a particular area of interest. The student undertakes a minor research project under directed supervision, during which they outline the problem and undertake a full literature review, perform appropriate experiments, and analyze and discuss the results in a formal report.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300235 - Organic Chemistry 3. This unit introduces selected areas of more advanced organic chemistry, targeted largely on the tools to synthesise and identify organic molecules of biological and medicinal interest. The practical skills required are learnt through laboratory exercises which complement the theory.

Students studying atParramatta campus should refer to 300230 - Inorganic Chemistry 2. This unit introduces students to a thorough study of coordination chemistry (discussing complexes, ligands, structure, isomerism, stability, reaction mechanisms, oxidation states, elements in the first transition series, and trends in the periodic table). That foundation is then used to study applications of coordination chemistry in biological systems, in medicine and in areas such as radiopharmaceuticals. The unit then moves on to areas of fundamental inorganic chemistry, including bonding, solution chemistry, and solid state chemistry. This unit also introduces many of the laboratory techniques and equipment that are used in synthetic procedures in coordination chemistry.

Students studying at Parramatta campus should refer to 300236 - Physical Chemistry 2. The unit provides the understanding of the chemical principles as applied to biological molecules (biomolecules). Chemical and electrochemical energy transformations approaching equilibria and rates of biological processes are studied and further explored for useful experimental and data-analysis skills. Selected areas including enzyme kinetics or membrane equilibria will be studied.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300219 - Biochemistry 1. This unit investigates protein structure, function, synthesis and degradation in both health and disease. Students will analyse how proteins fold and how this relates to function, illustrated by proteins such as oxygen carriers, enzymes, and gene regulators. The importance of bioinformatics for analysing protein structure, function and evolution will be emphasised. Discussion of enzyme structure and catalytic mechanisms will provide a deeper understanding of how catalytic proteins work. DNA, gene structure and gene expression (transcription and translation) will be investigated in some detail at the molecular level, including the impact of mutation on protein function. The relevance of post-translational modification, protein targeting and protein degradation for healthy cell function will also be discussed.

This unit will aim to develop within the student an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the fundamentals of analytical chemistry. The student will be exposed to the theory and practice of a range of chemical analyses with emphasis on ‘wet’ or ‘classical’ methods, and an introduction to some instrumental methods. An important component of this unit is to develop within the student laboratory skills in chemical analysis. Topics covered in this unit include: the evaluation of analytical data; sampling and sample preparation; unit operations in analytical chemistry; stoichiometry and equilibrium; gravimetric analysis; volumetric analysis; separation methods; spectroscopic methods of analysis; electrochemical methods of analysis; analysis of real samples.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300301 - Organic Chemistry 2. This unit introduces organic chemistry from a biological and pharmaceutical perspective, emphasising the structure & reactivity of biological molecules as organic molecules and functional group manipulation as a tool for drug design and synthesis. Appropriate practical skills to achieve this are learnt in the associated practical work.

This unit will be on offer from 2007. Pharmacology is the study of the therapeutic interactions of drugs with the human body, focusing on the drug's mechanisms of action at the biochemical and cellular level, on adverse reactions and on clinical applications. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a sound understanding of fundamental aspects of this field to prepare for further study of advanced pharmacology or other biomedical sciences. The general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be discussed in detail. This will be followed by the discussions of the major drug categories that affect different organ systems. Research methods in pharmacology and drug development process will also be introduced.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300298 - Analytical Chemistry 3. This unit provides the student with skills to carry out the more advanced wet chemical analysis and provides an understanding of the principles of instrumental analysis, covering the areas of spectroscopy, chromatography, electrochemistry, thermal methods and automated methods of analysis. The techniques of analytical method development, inorganic and organic residue analysis, herbal analysis and forensic toxicology analysis will be discussed. Aspects of quality control and quality assurance will also be included.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300235 - Organic Chemistry 3. This unit introduces selected areas of more advanced organic chemistry, targeted largely on the tools to synthesise and identify organic molecules of biological and medicinal interest. The practical skills required are learnt through laboratory exercises which complement the theory.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300231 - Inorganic Chemistry 3. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry is based on the foundations laid in the unit Coordination Chemistry. It covers structure and bonding in inorganic chemistry, higher coordination numbers, lanthanide and actinides, followed by the bioinorganic chemistry of zinc and iron in mammalian and microbial systems. Kinetics and mechanism of inorganic reactions are examined. The important area of organo-transition metal chemistry and catalysis is introduced. Students build on their familiarity with the literature of inorganic chemistry and are introduced to several advanced databases of chemical information. The laboratory sessions develop knowledge of advanced techniques such as anaerobic syntheses and instrumental techniques of characterisation such as NMR, IR and electronic spectra. This is also used to develop an appreciation of the role of computer-based molecular modelling in inorganic chemistry.

Contemporary medicinal chemistry relies upon a rigorously planned and rational design of drugs based upon a full understanding of both chemistry and biology. An ability to determine and define the chemical structure of the drug, its target system, its site of action and its destruction mechanisms, has allowed the scientist to systematically tailor a drug to its specific purpose using quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and this methodology is emphasised within the unit. With the accelerating development of computer-based technologies this capability has been extended further. Drugs such as cimetidine and other histamine antagonists are used to illustrate the achievement and future uses of structure-activity relationships in rational drug design, whilst the laboratory work leads to a simulated quantitative structure-activity determination relating to antimicrobials.

This unit investigates the mechanisms and pathways of degradation of introduced compounds within the body and of their removal from the body; the relationship between chemical structure and stability of compounds within the body, including quantitative structure-stability relationships; the physical, metabolic and chemical stability within the body of representatives of each of the major types of drug class, relating this stability to molecular structure; the influence of the stability of drug compounds within the body upon the choice of drug delivery system used.

Students studying at Parramatta campus should refer to 300299 - Chemistry Project 3. This unit provides the student with an introduction to thinking as a research scientist whilst developing methodological and practical skills in a particular area of interest. The student undertakes a minor research project under directed supervision, during which they outline the problem and undertake a full literature review, perform appropriate experiments, and analyze and discuss the results in a formal report.

Cell signalling looks at the molecular mechanisms by which cells communicate and make responses to each other. Disorders of cell signalling have major impacts on human health and are involved in many metabolic disorders, brain function, the immune system, cancer and embryonic development. Knowledge of cell signalling pathways has important spin-offs for design of new drugs. This unit investigates the action of hormones, growth factors, cytokines and morphogens; their receptors and signalling pathways; and the cellular responses they trigger, such as altered metabolism, shape, differentiation, death. Students will expand their understanding of current developments by scientific reading and group discussion. Laboratory work will enable students to develop basic skills in cell culture techniques.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300234 - Molecular Biology. This unit concentrates on the Molecular Biology of eukaryotic cells (human) and studies gene regulation at an advanced level, leading into the processes and practical applications of DNA technology. Students gain a thorough grounding in major techniques involved in gene cloning, such as DNA manipulation using restriction enzymes, PCR, DNA fingerprinting. Cloning vectors, DNA libraries, genetic engineering in different types of eukaryotic cells and organisms and are studied. Students are introduced to functional genomics, bioinformatics and issues in biosafety and ethics relating to gene technology.

The immune system relies on a complex interplay between cells, receptors and signalling molecules for its effective operation. Antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses will be examined from a molecular and biochemical perspective. Topics include B- and T-cell receptor gene expression, antibody structure, function, maturation; MHC genes and proteins; differentiation and activation of B and T cells; antigen processing and presentation; the roles of cytokines. The relevance of this knowledge for understanding disorders of the immune system will be emphasised throughout. Medical and diagnostic applications of hybridoma technology, antibody engineering and advances in vaccine development will be discussed. The laboratory course will develop technical and interpretative skills in relevant techniques.

This unit covers a range of biochemical techniques and methodologies used for both analysis and purification of biological molecules. It includes advanced aspects of spectroscopy, centrifugation, radioisotopes; RNA isolation and detection, chromatographic principles and methods (gel filtration, ion exchange, affinity, hydrophobic interaction, chromatofocusing); electrophoresis principles and methods (SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing, pore gradient, two-dimensional, capillary); protein extraction and separation strategies. The methods and applications of proteomic research are included. The laboratory work parallels lecture material, and students gain hands-on experience in many of these techniques. The importance of quality control is emphasised and quality control programs are carried out concurrently with other laboratory work.

This unit builds upon an understanding of the fundamental physical processes involved in the interaction of electromagnetic radiation of various energies with matter, and develops into analysis of spectroscopic data for structure elucidation, as an analytical technique and for monitoring chemical and biochemical processes. The relevance of these processes and techniques to all other areas of science, particularly chemistry and biology, is emphasised. Spectroscopic methods include advanced NMR spectroscopy, ESR spectroscopy, electronic and visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Whilst some basic spectroscopy is taught in a number of other chemistry units, this subject goes to a substantially deeper level.