I liked this unit. I enjoyed the first three modules which focused on biochemistry and microbiology but did not like the ecosystems module as much - though most people found either the first half or second half interesting. The labs were cool - refining microbiology techniques, synthetic biology and virtual reality. The synthetic biology had major assignments for it that were quite intense but the virtual reality was relatively chill and easy marks. Assessments in general were about as demanding as any other biology unit.

A decent unit. Lecture content is a bit meh and forgettable. The first two modules are pretty intense, and focus on Molecular Biology and the biochemistry of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration. The Microbiology and Ecology modules are more chill. The laboratory program really does feel like the core of this subject though. The first few labs are about laboratory skills (e.g. using a pipette and spectrophotometry) and learning how to do calculations for molecular biology. Then it moves on to the Synthetic Biology Project where you create transgenic E. coli, do a bunch of tests on the E. coli to make sure that it's expressing the inserted gene and propose applications for your transgenic E. coli. The last few weeks is about representing the Green Fluorescent Protein in virtual reality which is pretty different and unique for a biology unit.

Where to start? The lecture series is shared with normal and advanced streams. Lecturers were subpar and content ranges from molecular biology to ecology (?? it really is a life to death course). It's pretty much a given that if you like MB then you'll hate Ecol. Lab work is for special studies and packed a ton of 2nd and 3rd year work into a first year course. Virtually reality - playing games was the best part. Designing a molecular subunit of a transcription factor GABA1 - nah not for me. Synthetic biology - probs wont know whats going on but will benefit you in 2nd year. Also an ecology report to write worth 10% where you take a field trip like kindergarden kids. Alright unit I guess