Units: Biomedical Science

BMS100 Human Structure & Function
This unit will examine the structural organisation of cells and tissues and the functioning of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems in the support of life and movement. Students will also identify anatomical and physiological characteristics and features within each system that are important in understanding the control and support of movement and physical activity.

BMS220/320 Pathology
This unit is designed to introduce to students fundamental concepts in general and systemic pathology. Students will undertake study in cell and tissue injury and the body's reaction to injury. The biological processes associated with ageing and neoplasia will be discussed, as well as the principles of xenobiotics. The applications of the core concepts of general pathology will be addressed in systemic pathology.

BMS221 Biochemistry
This unit is designed to introduce to the students fundamental concepts in Biochemistry and the molecular basis of life. Students will undertake study in the structures and functions of carbohydrate, lipid, protein, nucleotide and their metabolism. The concept of bioenergetics will be introduced in intermediary metabolism and the kinetics of enzymatic reaction in enzymology. There will be an emphasis on applied biochemistry in the integration of metabolism.

BMS222 Forensic Analysis
This unit is designed to introduce to students fundamental principles and uses of forensic science in the processes of law. Students will undertake study in the various methodologies and applications used in forensic context, with particular emphasis on biomedical forensic such as principles of serology, DNA analysis and fingerprint analysis. There will be exposure to other areas such as forensic toxicology, drug analysis and applications of microscopy.

BMS230 Microbiology
This unit is an introduction to the principles of microbiology and to the clinical, environmental and economic significance of micro-organisms, focusing primarily on bacteria, viruses and fungi. The unit provides an understanding of bacterial metabolism, nutrition & growth requirements and how they are applied in the cultivation, control and differentiation of bacteria. Special attention is paid to the role and significance of different classes of bacteria in human infections. The unit includes a laboratory component that develops techniques for the safe and proficient microscopic, cultural and molecular examination and manipulation of bacteria.

BMS231/331 Reproductive Biology
This unit is designed to introduce to students fundamental concepts of basic and clinical reproductive biology. Students will undertake study in early embryonic development including genetic determinants and sexual differentiation through to adult reproductive life, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. The common abnormalities and disease processes affecting the reproductive system will be addressed as well as laboratory procedures and investigations. There will be emphasis on recent advances in reproduction in areas such as prenatal testing, immunology and molecular biology of reproduction. The bioethical problems surrounding issues such as stem cell research and reproductive technology will be discussed.

BMS340 Human Genetics and Evolution
This unit focuses on three main areas of molecular genetics, all of which are constantly expanding as research continues to unfold the expression of the human genome. The structure, organisation and expression of the human gene will be discussed in relation to mutations, genetic diseases and cancer biology. The third area of emphasis is in population genetics where the linkage between genome diversity and human ancestry will be examined. The laboratory component includes techniques of DNA extraction and gene amplification using PCR.

BMS345 Neuroscience
The aim of this unit is to introduce a more detailed study of the mammalian nervous system. The unit will cover the structure and function of the neuron, brain and spinal cord. The functional aspects of the nervous system will be examined in relation to the autonomic nervous system, somatosensory system and the control of motor function. The unit also introduces the basic concepts in the development of neural structures.

BMS103 Anatomy & Physiology of Body Systems
This unit is designed to complement other units in human anatomy and physiology that are offered in the Physiotherapy and Biomedical Sciences programs. Students will undertake study in the structures and functions of the following body organ systems - body fluid, renal and the urogenital system, gastrointestinal, endocrine and the reproductive systems. The special senses will be discussed in relation to vision, hearing and equilibrium. Emphasis will be on functional and applied anatomy and physiology in addition to gross and microscopic anatomy and basic physiology. The mechanisms underlying physiological regulation will be further explored in the tutorial sessions.