Biological Sciences

COURSES OFFERED

• Doctor of Philosophy
  
• Honours Master of Science by Research
  
• Honours Master of Science in Biotechnology
  
• Master of Science (Biotechnology)
  
• Master of Science (Biological Sciences)
  
• Master of Science (Forest Conservation and Management)
  
• Graduate Diploma in Science (Biological Sciences)
  
• Graduate Certificate in Forest Conservation and Management
  

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS
The following areas of research are available to candidates undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy and the Honours Master of Science:

Animal physiology

• Environmental physiology of higher vertebrates
  
• Metabolic physiology and thermoregulation
  
• Thyroid and adrenal function in higher vertebrates
  
• Ecological energetics
  
• Evolution of endothermy
  
• Physiological development in birds and marsupials
  
• Dietary fats and their effects on body function

Plant biochemistry

• Photosynthesis: studies on the carbon fixing enzyme rubisco, and its activation
  
• Turgor-volume regulation: regulation of glycerol synthesis by osmotic pressure in the salinity-resistant alga Dunaliella
  
• DNA amplification and analysis:. application of molecular biology techniques to species identification in algae
  
• Bioluminescence: applications to enzyme mechanisms and analysis

Cell and cancer biology

• Cyto protective mechanisms of clusterin, a novel extra-cellular heat shock protein
  
• Mechanisms of mitochondrial control of apoptosis
  
• Targetted alpha therapy of cancer metastasis
  
• The role of the plasminogen activation system in breast cancer invasion

Immunobiology and vaccine development

• Mechanism of somatic hypermutation in antibody variable region genes
  
• Mechanisms of rapid 'directional' molecular evolution
  
• Mechanism of acquired paternal transmission in mice
  
• Mechanisms of adjuvant action
  
• Development of recombinant vaccines against the human pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes
  
• Development of recombinant vaccines against the whooping cough bacterium, Bordetella pertussis
  
• Molecular and genetic analysis of Bordetella bronchiseptica
  
• Development of recombinant oral and intranasal vaccine delivery systems for the stimulation of immunity against veterinary pathogens
  
• Development of techniques to enhance the sensitivity of immunoassays

Ecology and population genetics

• Mating systems and population genetics of native plants
  
• Pollination systems of native plants
  
• Responses of plant and animal populations to bushfires
  
• Impact of herbivores on plant communities
  
• Plant succession and recolonization of disturbed land
  
• Seed and fruit dispersal by animals
  
• Avian ecology
  
• Invertebrate biodiversity
  
• Conservation biology

Marine ecology and genetics

• Evolutionary consequences of varying patterns of reproduction and dispersal.
  
• Conservation of marine ecosystems
  
• Chemical ecology: the relative importance of natural products as mediators of interactions between organisms, particularly compounds that play a role in preventing fouling of marine invertebrates
  
• Larval ecology and behaviour: pelagic and early benthic stages as determinants of subsequent patterns of invertebrate distribution and abundance
  
• Self-recognition and aggressive interactions in marine invertebrates

1. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Candidates for this degree enrol in BIOL999 (Major Thesis) and undertake a research project in one of the areas listed above. Enrolment may be full-time or part-time. Intending students should first contact the Postgraduate Coordinator in the Department of Biological Sciences (Dr Bill Buttemer).

2. HONOURS MASTER OF SCIENCE
The objective of this degree is to provide a grounding in experimental biological research. Graduates entering the degree who hold a Bachelor degree with Honours at a standard of Class II, Division 2 or higher are required to complete the 48 credit point BIOL999 Major Thesis.

Students entering the degree with qualifications below Honours Class II, Division 2 must complete subjects which aggregate to not less than 96 credit points. These will consist of at least 48 credit points including, normally, BIOL910 Advanced Topics in Biology A and BIOL911 Advanced Topics in Biology B, plus at least 16 credit points from 300-level Biology subjects specified by the Postgraduate Coordinator. The remaining 48 credit points will be obtained by completing the subject BIOL999 Major Thesis.

3. HONOURS MASTER OF SCIENCE (BIOTECHNOLOGY)
This program will cover the latest theory and procedures in Cellular and Molecular Biology and their application to Biotechnology. A specific research project in some aspect of Biotechnology is required. This degree is recommended for those students who wish to follow a career in research.

Entry into the course normally requires a Bachelors degree with Honours at a standard of Class II, Division 2 or above, in an appropriate discipline, or a Master of Science (Biotechnology) completed at an appropriate standard.

The Honours Master of Science (Biotechnology) is a research-based degree, examined principally by thesis.

For further information, consult research interests of particular staff members and contact the Co-ordinator of Biotechnology.
4. MASTER OF SCIENCE (BIOTECHNOLOGY)
(This is a fee-paying course only)
The Master of Science (Biotechnology) will produce graduates with up-to-date knowledge and technological expertise in specific areas of Cell and Molecular Biology, which are the basis for modern biotechnological research and development. Coursework to a value of at least 48 credit points is required.

Entry into the course normally requires a Bachelors degree with Honours at a standard of Class II, Division 2 or above in an appropriate discipline, or an appropriate Graduate Diploma in Science (Biological Sciences) completed at a satisfactory standard.

Candidates for the Master of Science (Biotechnology) will undertake the following:

Autumn Session

The Master of Science (Biological Sciences) is designed for applicants in education and industry who seek further knowledge and skills in biological sciences or who seek to qualify for a postgraduate research degree.

Entry into the degree requires a 3-year degree in biological life sciences or other relevant discipline from an accredited tertiary institution plus demonstrated proficiency in English.

Candidates for the Master of Science (Biological Sciences) will undertake the following:

BIOL910	Advanced Topics in Biology A
BIOL911	Advanced Topics in Biology B

Plus at least 16 credit points chosen from the following:

BIOL951	Research Techniques in Conservation
BIOL917	Aquatic and Environmental Toxicology
ENVI911	Directed Studies in Ecology
GEOS945	Remote Sensing of the Environment
GEOS946	Geographic Information Systems
GEOS947	Australian Prehistory

6. MASTER OF SCIENCE (FOREST CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT)

(This is a fee-paying course only)

This Masters program includes the Graduate Certificate in Forest Conservation and Management (32 credit points) plus a major project which is examined by thesis.

Students who have already completed the Graduate Certificate may convert this qualification to the Master of Science (Forest Conservation and Management) by completing the research project and thesis. Entry into the course normally requires a Bachelors degree with Honours at a standard of Class II, Division 2 or above in an appropriate discipline, or an appropriate Graduate Diploma in Science (Biological Sciences) completed at a satisfactory standard.

Candidates for the Master of Science (Forest Conservation and Management) must undertake the 32 credit points set out under the Graduate Certificate of Forest Conservation and Management plus:

BIOL995

Forest Management Research Project

7. GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE (BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES)

The purpose of the Graduate Diploma (Biological Sciences) is to provide graduates who have insufficient background in parts of Biological Sciences with the skills and knowledge necessary to enable them to proceed with further study.

Successful completion of appropriate subjects with a value of at least 48 credit points is required, the subjects being chosen from the undergraduate science schedule. At least 24 credit points must be from 300-level or 400-level Biology subjects.

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Science (Biological Sciences) will undertake at least 48 credit points, including:

BIOL320	Molecular Cell Biology
BIOL321	Cellular and Molecular Immunology
CHEM320	Biological Chemistry
STAT252	Statistics for the Natural Sciences
BIOL303	Biotechnology: Applied Molecular and Cell Biology
MGMT308	Introduction to Management for Professionals A

The selection of subjects will be approved by the Postgraduate Coordinator.

8. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN FOREST CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
(This is a fee-paying course only)

The Graduate Certificate is a 32 credit point program which provides candidates with the concepts and techniques of conservation ecology that are fundamental to effective forest management. The course is offered in two modules, BIOL951 Research Techniques in Conservation and a study tour, BIOL952 Sustainable Forest Management which integrates theory with field work in a range of locations in eastern Australia.

This Graduate Certificates articulates to a Master of Science (Forest Conservation and Management).

Entry to the course requires an undergraduate degree in a relevant area of Science (including forestry and agriculture) or a similar tertiary qualification with relevant work experience.