University Preparation for Science

The School of Biological Sciences in association with the Centre for Continuing Education offers University Preparation Courses. More information can be found at the Centre for Continuing Education website

 

 

Semester 1

Semester 2

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Geology

 

BIOLOGY

The Biology part of the UPC course is HSC level and gives the background to topics that will be dealt with in depth during First Year Biology.

Textbooks

Gilgour OFG and Riley PD., Mastering Biology, 3rd ed. Macmillan 1999.

Staff: Dr Osu Lilje, osu@bio.usyd.edu.au, tel 9351 5785) School of Biological Sciences, Carslaw Building, University of Sydney

Assignment Details

Assignment 5%

Examination 15%

Location of course: Carslaw lecture room 173

BIOLOGY SYLLABUS

Week 1 - ecology

  • food chains
  • food webs
  • ecological ‘pyramids’
  • sampling

Week 2 - cells and organisms

  • cell theory and the development of microscopes
  • structure and function of cells
  • cell cycle
  • classification of cells
  • constituents of cells

Week 3 - flowering plants
  • plant structure
  • nutritional requirements of plants for growth
  • flower structure and function
  • pollination syndromes

Week 4- mammals

  • digestive system
  • circulatory system
  • respiratory system
  • urinary system
  • homeostasis - nervous and endocrine systems

 

Week 5 - diversity and evolution
  • classification
  • diversity of organisms
  • evidence for the process of evolution

Week 6 - reproduction and genetics

  • asexual and sexual reproduction
  • DNA structure and function
  • meiosis and gamete formation
  • structure and function of mammalian reproductive system
  • fertilisation - internal and external
  • mendelian genetics