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 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 Campbelltown campus should refer to 300548 - Human Metabolism and Disease. This unit develops understanding of the metabolic processes by which an organism degrades food molecules to generate energy and converts excess food molecules into internal fuel stores. Topics include: bioenergetics; structures of key molecules; glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis and breakdown; fatty acid oxidation and synthesis; amino acid catabolism; urea synthesis; citric acid cycle; electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Emphasis is on regulation and integration of the pathways, including their responses to hormonal regulation. The effects of altered dietary and hormonal status on metabolic pathways and their consequences for the organism will be discussed.

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.

Students studying at Campbelltown campus should refer to 300549 - Human Molecular Biology. This unit 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 such as restriction mapping, DNA sequencing, PCR, DNA fingerprinting, southern blotting and gene cloning. Cloning vectors, DNA libraries, genetic engineering in different types of cells and organisms and functional genomics are studied. Students are introduced to bioinformatics and issues in biosafety and ethics relating to gene technology.

This unit in analytical microbiology aims to introduce students to analytical techniques for the detection, identification and enumeration of microorganisms in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and environmental materials.

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.

This unit focuses on the science that is critical to our understanding of the basic biology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. This unit prepares students for future innovations in prevention, management and cure of catastrophic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, fatigue illnesses, rheumatic diseases, cancer and infectious and genetic diseases.

This unit deals with the molecular mechanisms within cells that co-operate to create a system that feeds, moves, responds to stimuli, grows and divides. The unit will initially build on existing knowledge of the properties that are common to most eukaryotic cells and that are necessary to an understanding of how any individual cells live, reproduce and form mammalian tissue.

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.

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 complements the Level 2 unit, Human Physiology 2.2, and provides the student with a deeper and broader understanding of the physiological systems. The nervous system, including the senses of taste and smell, and muscle physiology are studied in depth.

This unit has been replaced by 300623 Genetics in Spring 2009. The scientific study of heredity is called genetics and this unit is designed to introduce the student to a wide range of genetic concepts. To begin, the principles of heredity will be introduced. The student will investigate the nature and organisation of heredity; the various levels and mechanisms of expression of inheritance, the basis of variation within populations and the genetic basis of biological evolution. Modern genetics underlies such diverse fields of study as biotechnology, agriculture, plant and animal breeding, biodiversity and ecosystem management and accordingly, the unit will include a series of case studies that demonstrate the importance and diversity of genetics as a discipline.

From 2009 this unit is being replaced by 300656 - Laboratory Quality Management. This unit is directed towards the accreditation of a laboratory for chemical or microbiological testing. Throughout their undergraduate studies, students will have acquired and developed a wide range of practical skills. Competency in the laboratory, however, encompasses much more than the ability to demonstrate a range of manipulative skills. This unit focuses upon the importance and coordination of good laboratory management, teamwork, calibration, record keeping and laboratory manuals. Students are required to develop, establish and operate a Laboratory Quality Management system designed for a specific class of chemical or microbiological test. The quality system is then subjected to a mock accreditation following the guidelines laid down by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Students will staff the laboratory system under evaluation while academic staff and visitors act as the assessors.