Faculty of Science
Anatomy and cell biology

Search : Index : Faculty of Science

Faculty of Science

1. Majors
    1.1. Anatomy
    1.2. Neuroscience
    1.3. Cell biology
    1.4. Reproduction and development
2. Bachelor of Science (Honours)
3. Further Information
Subject Lists
    200-level subjects
    300-level subjects

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology is very active in both teaching and research. Our undergraduate teaching and learning specialises in three main areas: cell and developmental biology; neuroscience; and human anatomy. These disciplines represent some of the most active fields of research in the biological sciences today. Training in these areas will open up many exciting and rapidly expanding career opportunities in the biomedical sciences. Strong research groups within the department are supported by excellent external funding and departmental infrastructure. Our outstanding research performance underpins and invigorates our undergraduate teaching.

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology offers undergraduate majors in human anatomy, neuroscience, cell and molecular biology (with the School of Botany) and reproduction and development (with the Department of Zoology). All of these majors require students to undertake the life sciences package in first year. Subjects taught by the department complement majors in other areas.

1. Majors

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology coordinates the anatomy and neuroscience majors and teaches several subjects in the cell and molecular biology (coordinated by the School of Botany) and reproduction and development (coordinated by the Department of Zoology) majors. Detailed course plans for these majors are listed under Majors.

1.1. Anatomy

The anatomy major enables students to undertake studies in anatomy and embryology at 200- and 300-levels. The two 200-level subjects provide an introduction to basic principles of topographic anatomy and the embryological origins of adult body structures. The 300-level subjects focus on the anatomy of the head and neck and the organisation of connective tissues and joints. These subjects can be combined with studies in neuroscience or cell and developmental biology, allowing students to undertake studies in the areas that best suit their anatomical leanings. This major is designed for students interested in a solid grounding in anatomy with an intention of a future career in research or academia, or for those students interested in a career as a health professional.

1.2. Neuroscience

At 200-level, students wishing to do the neuroscience major take a new subject 516-209 Introductory Neuroscience, taught in conjunction with the Department of Physiology. This subject provides a broad introduction to neuroscience, covering topics ranging from molecular and cellular neuroscience to higher level brain functions. It can be combined with complementary 200-level subjects in physiology, zoology, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, psychology or behavioural sciences. At 300-level, students take two core subjects in neuroscience, taught by the Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Physiology, together with a range of elective subjects which enable them to focus their interests in a particular area of neuroscience. This major provides ideal training for a career in basic or clinical neuroscience within university departments, research institutes and hospitals.

1.3. Cell biology

Students who choose this major undertake a core of 200-level subjects in cell biology, tissue and organ biology and molecular biology taught by the Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, the School of Botany and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This provides a suitable background for third year studies in the areas of cell and developmental biology. A range of 300-level subjects in these areas is offered by the Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, the School of Botany and the Department of Zoology. This major will equip you for a career in many exciting new areas of biomedical science, including stem cell research and functional genomics.

1.4. Reproduction and development

This major requires the student to take a core of 200-level units in cell and tissue biology (taught by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and School of Botany) and animal structure and function (taught by the Department of Zoology). At the 300-level, the major comprises a core of two subjects in reproductive and developmental biology, offered by the Departments of Zoology and Anatomy and Cell Biology plus a choice of elective subjects in cell biology or marsupial biology.

2. Bachelor of Science (Honours)

For information about the faculty and departmental entry requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours). These requirements should be considered when planning your course.

3. Further Information

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 5814
Fax: +613 9349 5219
Web: http://www.anatomy.unimelb.edu.au

200-level subjects

516-201 Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs
516-204 Anatomy 1
516-207 Anatomy 2
516-208 Structure & Function of the Brain
516-209 Introductory Neuroscience

300-level subjects

516-302 Developmental Biology
516-303 Anatomy of the Head and Neck
516-304 Functional and Applied Anatomy
516-305 Structure & Function of the Brain
516-306 Developmental Neurobiology
516-307 Project Study in Anatomy & Cell Biology