Students studying at Campbelltown campus should refer to 300543 - Cell Biology. The cell is the basic unit of life and some basic processes, such as membrane function and the reactions involving DNA, occur in cells of all living organisms. This unit introduces the important biological chemicals involved in those processes and the study of the processes themselves. The unit also examines phenomena such as cell replication, sex cell formation, inheritance, and cell metabolism that are shared by all eukaryotes (animals, protistans, fungi and plants). The biochemical capture of the sun's energy (photosynthesis) is also studied. The evolutionary links between these cellular processes form a framework for the unit, and students consider the origin of life and their own evolution. In addition, students are introduced to the immense potential of recombinant DNA technology.

Students studying at Campbelltown campus should refer to 300539 - Biodiversity. This unit examines the diversity of living organisms, how these organisms are classified, and how evolutionary processes resulted in such diversity. The unit also addresses the role of cells, tissues and organs in the structure and function of living whole organisms, how these organisms acquire and assimilate the resources necessary for growth, and how they excrete waste, maintain function and coordinate growth and reproduction. The role of ecosystems in maintaining life is also studied. Students conduct basic investigations using techniques such as microscopy, sectioning, staining and dissection.

This unit introduces students to the study of botany so that they will develop a knowledge and understanding of plants. The unit covers the topics of plant anatomy, evolution, morphology and taxonomy, economically important plants and an introduction to Australian plants.

This unit introduces students to the study of the mechanisms by which plants function and provides an understanding of these mechanisms. The unit covers the basic concepts of plant physiology, photosynthesis, respiration, photomorphogenesis, phytohormones, mineral nutrition, water relations and the regulation of plant growth and development. This unit is designed to provide a basic knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin horticulture.

The unit will explore the positive and negative aspects of interactions between plants and micro-organisms in the environment. This includes plant pathological viruses, bacteria and fungi, their mode of action, life cycle and symptomatology. Beneficial associations include rood nodules, mycorrhizae, rhizosphere effects and soil nutrient cycles. The response by plants and their natural defence mechanisms to infection and their positive interactions with micro-organisms will also be investigated.

This unit aims to build plant protection skills for students wishing to learn a detailed understanding of arthropods causing plant damage, their characteristics, physiology and behaviour, ecology and taxonomy.

This unit enables students to study the biology of Australian plants. The unit covers the topics of origins of the flora of Australia, Gondwanan plants, vegetation structures in Australia, ecology of Australian plants, physiology of Australian plants and the uses of Australian plants.

This unit introduces theories and techniques of plant biotechnology that are applicable to crop production and improvement. It will furnish students with an understanding of the scientific principles used in the biotechnological approaches to manipulating plants and their genomes. Emphasis will be placed on providing sufficient information and technical expertise to allow graduates to enter commercial, industrial and research employment. The ethical and environmental impacts of genetic engineering and biotechnology are also emphasised.