Comparison of Human Biology Courses at Macquarie University, ANU, and University of Canberra

This paper gives a comparison in terms of the institutions research and teaching facilities and human biology course units offered by Macquarie and other two universities The Australian National University and University of Canberra. The comparison is based on human biology courses which offer human biology as the major filed of specialisation when studying human biology units offered by these universities.

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Abstract
This paper gives a comparison in terms of the institutions research and teaching facilities and
human biology course units offered by Macquarie and other two universities The Australian
National University and University of Canberra. The comparison is based on human biology
courses which offer human biology as the major filed of specialisation when studying human
biology units offered by these universities.
Introduction
Macquarie University is a well-known higher learning institution offering different human
biology courses (Courses.mq.edu.au, 2018). Consequently, the institution pride itself in
offering students with high quality cutting edge facilities, equipment and conducive learning
surrounding. Likewise, other universities offering human biology include The Australian
National University and University of Canberra. This essay analyse the research facilities of
these universities and different units courses offered in relation to teaching human biology.
Comparison in terms of research and teaching facilities for the different universities
Macquarie University provides its students with a world-class learning environment which
comprises cutting edge research facilities and equipment. The institution has modern teaching
laboratories which are equipped with modern equipment(Handbook.mq.edu.au, 2018).
Certainly, these modern laboratory consists of world-class and highly interactive encouraging
learning setting. The laboratory are fitted with modern digital technology where every student
in the laboratory has access to a networked computer, microscopes, and digital camera.
Accordingly, the networked computer allow students to create their virtual libraries of images
from the laboratory exercise which allow them to easily share the same with their tutors and
course mates. The availability of the digital microscopy enable learners to use microscopes in
a completely novel manner by projecting the microscopic images on computer screens and

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projectors boards. Certainly, this allow students to share their discoveries with other students
which makes each practical to look like a nature documentary.
There is interactive learning which is achieved through the application of digital technology
by tutors who are in a position to highlight relevant elements to the entire class. This has been
made possible because the digital technology provide options to capture a specific image,
analysis of these images using analysis software and sharing of copies on USB drives for
inclusion in students reports. Therefore, interaction between tutors and students has been
improved because of the portable teacher stations and the networking technology which allow
tutors to monitor the progress of each student. Also, Macquarie University has modern
molecular laboratories particularly those of DNA and RNA analysis of different biological
investigations.
On the other hand, the National Australian University and the University of Canberra have
exceptional teaching laboratories equipped with the best research equipment. It offers an
interactive computing, microscopy and image analysis which has allowed peer-to-peer
learning and real-time online integrations of findings and teacher feedback. These
laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art computer facilities which are designed to allow
both small and large group learning.
Comparison between human biology units in different universities
The National Australian University
The requirement for completing a course majoring in human biology at the Australian
National University calls for 48 units. Accordingly for the first twenty four units are
accomplished through the following courses that is Biology 1 which comprises Ecology,
Evolution and Genetics. Biology 2 which deals with Cell Biology and molecular Biology,
genes which is concerned with genes replication and expression and human physiology each

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carrying sic units totalling to 24 (Programsandcourses.anu.edu.au, 2018). The remaining 24
units are categorised into four groups with each group consisting of six units. The first unit
has the following course code title research design and analysis in Biological Anthropology,
introduction to quantitative Biology, experimental design and analysis in Biology,
introduction to environmental and social research and quantitative methods in psychology.
The second groups consists of the following course code titles cell Biology, general
microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry and nutrition, cell physiology in health and disease.
Ecology of health and disease and exquisite corpse – insight into the human biology. The
third group consists of hallmarks of cancer, infection and immunity, parasitology, advanced
and applied immunology, human anatomy, genetics of human disease 1 and 2, biology
research project, cellular neuroscience, system neuroscience, human evolution, evolution and
human behaviour and ancient health and disease. The forth groups consist of Biology, society
and ethics and Big questions in Biology.
Macquarie University
In the case of Macquarie University the major requirements to complete human biology is to
complete a minimum of 36 credit pints in the following units. These units are classified into
different levels starting with level 100 to level 300 (Courses.mq.edu.au, 2018). Therefore the
units for level 100 are offered under the following course code titles Human Biology, Genes
to Organisms, Biology in Practice, Foundation of Chemical and Biomolecular Science 1, 2,
and 3, introduction to anatomy, introduction to Psychology I, II, and III, organisms to
organisms, Biological basics of behaviour, anatomy of limps and back, human evolution and
diversity and introduction to statistics. Level 200 has the following course code titles Systems
Physiology, Neurophysiology, Illness and Healing, Genetics, Comparative Physiology,
Experimental design and data analysis for Biology, Analysis and Measurement, Biochemistry
and Cell biology, Contemporary health issues, anatomy of head, neck and trunk,

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Neuroanatomy, Principles of in health and disease I, Evolution, mind and culture,
Psychology, health and wellbeing and Biopsychology and learning. Level 300 comprises the
following course code titles Advanced human physiology, Human genetics theory, Symbiosis
in health and disease, Medicinal Chemistry, Macromolecules, Medical microbiology,
biochemistry and cell Biology, Radiographic physics, practice and protection I and II,
research methods for health sciences I and II, Health promotion, Principles in health and
disease II, and III, Philosophy and cognitive science, Principles of Behaviour Change,
Clinical and experimental neuroscience and Biostatistics and epidemiology.
Canberra University
The major in human biology offered at University of Canberra is specifically specialised in
cells to organisms (Canberra.edu.au, 2018). In order to complete this course one has to attain
eighteen credit points which are offered under the following unit codes Concept in Biology,
Systemic anatomy and physiology, Human physiology and the lifecycle, advanced
Physiology, Pathobiology and regional Anatomy and Physiology.
Results
Figure 1: Teaching facilities

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These institutions have been well-equipped with the state-of-the-art teaching laboratories
which have been designed to allow for a first educational experience in a safe and ergonomic
environment. Accordingly, this state-of-the-art enable the introduction of modern teaching
approaches such as the development and execution of digital laboratory manuals (DLMs) for
teaching key practical skills in biological research.
Figure 2: Interactive learning
The above figure shows how Macquarie University has realised interactive learning. For
example, interactive learning has been achieved through the application of digital technology
whereby tutors are in a position to highlight relevant elements to the entire class.
Discussion
The state-of-the-art teaching provide leaners with a conducive environment. Certainly, the
laboratories for these institutions are well furnished with modern equipment such as notebook
computers for practical sessions by concentrating on microscopy, and genetic analysis.
Indeed, the state-of-the-art digital microscopy as well as well software has enabled instructors

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to transmit images from any laboratory microscope to a projector board for the entire class
(Peng et al., 2015, p. 253). As a result, students are capable of working at their pace and at
the same time still be able to share and join in the class session. Therefore, this networked
systems have made it possible for instructors to students the latest research computing and
analysis methods.
Similarly, human biology allow learners the opportunity to further their education in a range
of careers such as medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. Therefore, based on these results, it is
beyond reasonable doubt that Macquarie University stand as the best option for students with
interest in majoring in human biology since it offers many courses which allow students to
specialise in human biology. These courses include “Bachelor of Science with a major in
Human Biology; Bachelor of science- Global Challenges with a major in Human Biology;
Bachelor of Archaeology with a major in human biology and Bachelor of Arts a major in
human biology"(Courses.mq.edu.au, 2018).
Certainly studying human biology course at Macquarie University allow students a better
chance to undertake research in human physiology and anatomy particularly with the help of
the state-of-the-art digital microscopy. Also, this is a stepping-stone to undertaking other
careers like medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, paramedicine and pharmacy. Not
to forget, human biology also offers integrated skills in human structure and functionality
(Brothwell, 2014). At the same time Macquarie University has high-quality laboratory
services with a strong foundation for further studies in health related careers.

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