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.

We live in a society where environmental and ecological problems dominate public discourse. Reference is often made to ecology; terms and ideas that came originally from ecology are used in public discussions, and appear in legislation. This unit will introduce students to ecology: what is studied in ecology, how it is studied, what are the strengths and weaknesses or limitations of ecology. The scope of current ecological thinking will be covered, from the scale of individual organisms, through populations, and up to communities and ecosystems. Methods of study will be highlighted; the practical component of the course will introduce the techniques of conducting basic ecological investigations.

The scientific study of heredity is called genetics. 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.

Temperate aquatic ecosystems, freshwater, estuarine and marine are some of the most threatened ecosystems. Lack of understanding and pressures from urbanisation have caused alteration of these habitats, sometimes without regard to the ecological and social consequences. This unit will emphasise that to understand human impacts in our environment involves the logic and philosophy of science. On completion of this unit students will have knowledge of the main animal and plants in aquatic ecosystems and the techniques in experimental design and analysis needed to investigate estuarine, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Throughout this unit, the results of scientific and experimental work on temperate aquatic ecosystems, which inform decision-making and conservation of these habitats will be emphasised.

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 will develop a sound understanding of the principles and practices of conservation biology in both an Australian and International context. Ethical and historical aspects of conservation biology will also be considered in addition to the science of conservation. Students will gain an understanding of the processes that have led to, and are leading to, species extinction. Methods and issues associated with conservation are considered; these include the principles of population genetics, population viability analysis, and the use of modelling. Other issues and concepts covered include the uses of wildlife, illegal wildlife trafficking and trade, biosecurity and the types of international, national and local laws and agreements that relate to conservation in general. The unit emphasises the importance of biodiversity and scientific research in conservation biology.

This unit will begin with an introduction to the evolutionary placement of the vertebrates and the relative age and importance of the different groups. The focus will then shift to an investigation of the comparative anatomy, function and behaviour from an evolutionary perspective. There will be a particular emphasis on environmental adaptations.