Handbook

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General information

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Organisation of the faculty

School of Molecular Sciences

Department of Biochemistry

The Department offers subjects that form part of the second and third years in a range of science degrees that may lead to an Honours degree in biochemistry. These subjects are BCH2BMA and BCH2BMB at second year level, and BCH3BMA and BCH3BMB at third year level. The Department also contributes to core subjects in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (MED3MSA and MED3MSB) and the Bachelor of Human Nutrition (NUT3ATN and NUT3CPN). These subjects provide instruction in both theoretical and practical aspects of biochemistry and may be taken with subjects offered by other departments in the faculty. It is thus possible to vary the course structure to obtain background experience suitable for different professional careers.

Postgraduate training to Masters and Doctoral levels is available.

Department of Chemistry

The Department offers subjects leading to the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Chemical Science, the Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry and the Bachelor of Nanotechnology/Bachelor of Science. These subjects are intended to provide a thorough and balanced training in chemistry that serves as an excellent prelude to postgraduate research, further courses in allied subjects, industrial appointments, or a career in teaching. Students may major solely in chemistry, or jointly in chemistry and another discipline.

Students intending to proceed to Honours in chemistry are selected based on their performance in the final year of the pass degree course.

Department of Genetics

In the area of Genetics, the Department offers subjects at first, second and third year levels as part of a number of science degrees. An Honours degree in genetics and a postgraduate diploma are available to graduates of La Trobe and other universities. Masters and Doctoral degrees by research are also available.

The subjects offered cover a wide range of topics in genetics, including molecular, ecological and conservation genetics, as well as genomics and molecular and organismal evolution, especially of the Australian fauna. Other areas taught include human biology and human genetics, including the origins of modern humans, forensic genetics, life style and disease, there is also a strong emphasis on the use of model organisms (nematodes, vinegar flies and model plants) to study a wide range of biological phenomena. All subjects include a significant practical component.