Course Title: Systems Biology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Systems Biology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2499

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 2 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Alexis Marshall; Dr Tahnee Manning

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: alexis.marshall@rmit.edu.au; tahnee.manning@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

Prior background in molecular and cell biology.


Course Description

Systems biology is an interdisciplinary field that explores biological systems as dynamic, interconnected networks rather than isolated components. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Systems Biology approach, integrating molecular to population-level insights through a multi-omics framework.

Building on fundamental concepts in molecular and cell biology, content will demonstrate how genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics converge to decode the structure, function, and regulation of biological systems. Key topics include cellular networks, metabolic pathways, and regulatory mechanisms, as well as how environmental and intracellular signals influence gene expression, translation, and ultimately, biological function across different scales—from cells to tissues, organisms, and populations.

Practical workshops and laboratory sessions will offer hands-on experience in generating and analysing omics datasets from model organisms, equipping students with the technical expertise to handle high-throughput data, computational modelling, and data integration.

This course will develop your advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills, preparing you to analyse and interpret complex biological processes. By bridging theoretical and applied systems biology, you will gain the practical and analytical expertise required for careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, and data-driven biological sciences in both academic and industry settings.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):

GC186 - Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology

PLO 1.2 Understanding Science - You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology
PLO 2.1 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will demonstrate cognitive skills in mastery of advanced theoretical knowledge in biotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems in existing and new areas.
PLO 2.2 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.

GD101P03 - Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology

PLO 1.2 Understanding Science - You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology
PLO 2.1 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will demonstrate cognitive skills in mastery of advanced theoretical knowledge in biotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems in existing and new areas.
PLO 2.2 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
PLO 3.1 Application of knowledge and skills. You will critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by - Demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy in research and/or professional practice
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to biotechnology

MC111P03 - Master of Biotechnology

PLO 1.2 Understanding Science - You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology
PLO 2.1 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will demonstrate cognitive skills in mastery of advanced theoretical knowledge in biotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems in existing and new areas.
PLO 2.2 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
PLO 3.1 Application of knowledge and skills. You will critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by - Demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy in research and/or professional practice
PLO 5.3 Personal and professional responsibility - You will demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to biotechnology

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Critique complex data generated through advanced systems biology techniques in the context of contemporary scientific research.
  2. Interpret key concepts in systems biology in real-world and research-based contexts.
  3. Evaluate complex data with consideration of ethical principles to propose and justify evidence-based solutions for issues in biotechnology and biomedical science.
  4. Advocate for complex systems biology concepts and findings to diverse audiences, employing advanced scientific communication strategies and adhering to ethical standards.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn in this course by:

  • studying learning materials from content and participation in activities where theoretical material will be introduced, including discussion and exploration of key research literature
  • undertake laboratory activities designed to provide practical application and analysis of systems biology methods and resulting datasets
  • completion of written assignments focusing on the analysis, presentation and discussion of biological omics data requiring application of theoretical knowledge to experimental data
  • private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

Weekly learning resources are set up and available in Canvas.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, which may include books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Literature Review Assignment (written)
Weighting 35%
This assessment supports CLOs 3–4

Assessment Task 2: Journal Club Assignment (written)
Weighting 30%
This assessment supports CLOs 3-4

Assessment Task 3: Practical Reports (written)
Weighting 35%
This assessment supports CLOs 1-4

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.