The
Department of Biological Sciences offers subjects for students intending to
major in botany, zoology, genetics, ecology or biological sciences and a
variety of subjects for students enrolled in the BBiomedSci or BEnvSci. The
subjects may be combined with subjects from other departments such as
Chemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Geography and Environmental Science,
Biochemistry, Earth Sciences etc.
In the first year, students undertake subjects in biology, ie BIO1011 and
BIO1022 or BIO1042. In the second year, students have the choice of majors in
botany, zoology, genetics and environmental biology. If majoring in genetics,
students continuing into third year will enrol in at least three of the
subjects: GEN3031, GEN3041, GEN3052 and GEN3062. If majoring in plant or animal
sciences or environmental science, students will enrol in an appropriate
combination selected from 10 subjects. These are listed under ´Subjects
offered'. Students may undertake a fourth year of study for a BSc(Hons) degree
in a course combining studies of advanced topics with a research program under
supervision.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers three six-point, first-year subjects: BIO1011 in first semester is followed by either BIO1022 or BIO1042 in second semester. The combination BIO1011 with BIO1022 is a general first-year biology study. BIO1042 emphasises environmental aspects of biology. A complete 12-point, two-semester sequence in biology at first-year level is a prerequisite for the second-year subjects BOT2041, BIO2082*, GEN2041, GEN2052, ZOO2031, ZOO2042.
The
Department of Biological Sciences offers second-year subjects covering
genetics, botany, zoology, ecology, evolution and conservation biology.
First-year students planning to take second-year subjects in subsequent years
should take note of first-year prerequisites for second-year subjects, as
indicated below.
Various combinations of second-year subjects are possible. Students are
recommended to take one or more of the preferred combinations listed below that
focus on different sub-disciplines of the biological sciences.
1. For genetics: GEN2041 + GEN2052 + MOL2011 or MOL2022 + GEN2062.
2. For plant sciences (botany): BOT2041 + BIO2051 + BIO2022 + BIO2082* or
BIO2013*.
3. For animal sciences (zoology): ZOO2031 + ZOO2042 + BIO2051 +
BIO2022.
4. For environmental sciences: BIO2011 + BIO2031 + BIO2042 + one other
BOT, BIO or ZOO subject.
Students enrolling in both botany and zoology streams should take BOT2041,
ZOO2031, ZOO2042, BIO2051, BIO2022 and BIO2082* or BIO2103*.
Students enrolling in botany and environmental sciences should take BOT2041,
BIO2051, BIO2022, BIO2031, BIO2042 and BIO2082* or BIO2103*.
Students enrolling in zoology and environmental sciences should take ZOO2031,
ZOO2042, BIO2051, BIO2022, BIO2031 and BIO2042.
Students wishing to enrol in other combinations of subjects are strongly
advised to discuss their proposed course plan with a subject coordinator.
* THESE SUBJECTS ARE ALSO OFFERED AT THIRD YEAR (BIO3082 AND BIO3103).
Any student who intends to enrol in third-year subjects offered by the
Department of Biological Sciences must have passed subjects, offered by the
department, with a total value of at least 12 points at second-year level.
Details concerning specific prerequisites for third-year subjects are given in
the third-year subject descriptions.
Students
may complete major sequences in botany, ecology, genetics, zoology or
biological sciences by enrolling in three or four six-point third-year subjects
from the list below.
As a general rule, the prerequisite for each of these third-level subjects is
for students to have obtained a minimum of at least 12 points at second-year
level from subjects offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. Students
should note, however, that some third-year subjects do have some specific
second-year subjects as prerequisites. Details of these are given in the
subject descriptions.
Note that students wishing to proceed to BIO4000 are expected to take BIO3011
(Research methods in biology).
Students with a good academic record and at least a distinction average in subjects worth 24 points at third-year level may apply to enrol in an honours year (BIO4000 or GEN4000). Students undertake supervised research, present research seminars, participate in discussion groups, and submit essays on advanced topics. Special studies may be included to meet the needs of individual students. Students in BIO4000 may commence the honours year at the beginning of either semester. Students in GEN4000 start at the beginning of first semester. Further information is available from the head of department and at meetings held with prospective students during second semester.
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