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Unit of study_
BIOL1009: From Molecules to Cells and Organisms
2025 unit information
Complex interactions between molecules and cells form the basis for life on earth. In this unit, you will explore scales of organisation from molecules to cells and organisms. The unit begins the journey of life with the synthesis of biomolecules, follows on through the expression and regulation of genes, to the complex communication between molecules, and then to cells and how cells are integrated to form a complex organism. You will learn how single cells divide and differentiate to create simple and complex multicellular organisms which experience disease and death. Concepts of cellular energy, communication, and enzymes, all of which combine to drive life processes, will be explored. In this unit, you will gain an understanding of the fundamental role of cells in normal bodily functions and recognize that disturbances to organism homeostasis have a molecular and cellular basis. You will also investigate the impacts and interactions between microbial and human life, including the development of drugs and biotechnology. You will participate in inquiry-led laboratories and workshops that require problem solving, collaboration and teamwork. By doing this unit you will be developing the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to solve problems in the pharmaceutical, life and medical sciences.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BIOL1X07 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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HSC Biology. Students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (offered in February) |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Describe information transfer from DNA to proteins, cell regulation and gene expression, cell generation of energy (metabolism and photosynthesis).
- LO2. Explain the biological organisation from molecules to cells and cellular communities which integrate to form a dynamic network in an organism.
- LO3. Describe cell differentiation and diversity. Explain cell compartmentalisation and consequences for function in prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- LO4. Describe modern molecular techniques, including genomic and proteomics and the role of microbes in health and disease and biotechnology.
- LO5. Solve problems: (i) propose and test hypotheses to explain biological phenomena (ii) identify and use appropriate technical and analytical skills to collect data (iii) analyse quantitative data to critically evaluate evidence for biological explanations.
- LO6. Demonstrate appropriate and effective communication: (i) produce written, visual, and oral explanations to communicate to a scientific audience and to the general public (ii) contribute to both independent and group tasks.
- LO7. Demonstrate development in personal and professional responsibility: (i) evaluate and debate arguments on biological phenomena in a respectful and ethical manner (ii) reflect on your development as a student and the responsibility you have to find and apply information and work ethically, responsibly and safely.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
