biology [n.]

1. the scientific study of living organisms. 2. the plants and animals of a particular area. 3. the features of a particular organism or class of organisms. DERIVATIVES biologist, noun.

Oxford Dictionaries

This page provides links to information and resources for units and topics covered in this subject at a range of Australian universities. It does not attempt to include all these. Be aware some units/topics have different titles in different universities, even though content may be the same or similar. Australian information is supplied wherever possible.

They are at undergraduate level and listed in alphabetical groupings for ease of access. Some information may be useful at a higher level.

There are multiple pages that can be accessed using either the page number boxes above or the other links.

This page looks at topics from A to L including Astrobiology, Bioethics, Cellular Biology, Human Biology & Development, Invertebrate Zoology and Living Systems.

The Second Page looks at topics from M to Z including Molecular Biology, Population Ecology, research, texts and tutorials.

All standard Glossaries are now found on this page, listed alphabetically.

In addition, there are journals, search engines, annual reviews, reference material and other general information where these are seen to be relevant.

Additional unit material will be included as time permits.

If you are aware of any worthwhile information which is not included, suggestions or additions are welcome and will be given every consideration.

A - F

Annual Reviews

Access reviews of research and discovery [abstracts, full text, PDF]. The beginning decade is with each link.

• Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering
  [1990s]
• Annual Review of Neuroscience
  [1970s]

Astrobiology

• Are we Alone ?
  University of New South Wales course. Take the course as a UNSW student, or as a non-award attendee. A wealth of information, links and more for those unable to take either option.
• Astrobiology
  From Wikipedia. Extensive information, embedded links, graphics, references, more.
• Astrobiology [NASA]
  ‘The study of life in the universe. Investigates the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life on Earth and beyond. Addresses three fundamental questions : How does life begin and evolve ? Is there life beyond Earth and how can we detect it ? What is the future of life on Earth and in the universe ?’
• Astrobiology Lecture Series [NASA]
  ‘These expert talks on various concepts of astrobiology are intended for high school and older audiences’. Requires RealPlayer [audio, video and slide presentations].
• Astrobiology Magazine
  Information topics, image galleries, news archive, other features including multimedia presentations.
• Astrobiology - The Living Universe
  ‘The web’s premiere educational resource for astrobiology, featuring in-depth information and interviews on exobiology, planetary biology, the origins of life and human spaceflight’. Now back in a new version.
• Astrobiology : The Living Universe [Thinkquest]
  Best suited at secondary level or an introduction for those thinking about this area.
• Australian Centre for Astrobiology
  ‘One of the few organisations in the world that is truly inter and multi-disciplinary in a way that is reflective of astrobiology. The only centre of astrobiological research in Australia. Key goals include contributing to the understanding of the origin of life on Earth and to set an Australian life-seeking instrument on the surface of Mars’. Try their journal Astrobiology. You can also get feeds of articles from this [see society home page].
• The Astrobiology Web
  Your online guide to the Living Universe. 26 directories, latest news, archived material, Top Stories, Hot Topics, related pages, feature articles, more.
  Well presented !

Bioethics

• BioethicsWeb …
  Gateway for Internet resources in Biomedical Ethics. ‘Offers Free access to a catalogue of Internet sites and resources covering biomedical ethics’. Search by keyword or topic.
• Bioethics Discussion Pages
• Centre for Bioethics & Human Dignity
  ‘To engage the issues of bioethics using the tools of rigorous research, conceptual analysis, charitable critique, leading-edge publication, effective teaching’. News, links, articles, more.
• Primer on Ethics and Human Cloning

Biotechnology

• AusBiotech
  ‘AusBiotech is dedicated to the development, growth and prosperity of the Australian biotechnology industry, by providing initiatives to drive sustainability and growth, outreach and access to markets, and representation and support for members nationally and around the world’.
• Biotechnology
  Links compiled by Biozone, New Zealand.
• Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Links
  Compiled by the University of Delaware.
• Biotechnology Australia
  ‘The Biotechnology Online Secondary School Resource provides balanced and factual information about biotechnology. It has been designed to fit with Australian State and Territory Science curriculums’.

Top of Page

Concepts in Biology

Check sections on Cellular Biology, Evolution, Molecular Biology and Genetics of Organisms as well.

• Cellupedia
  Possibly too simple for this level, but could prove a good introduction to concepts about cells, their anatomy and processes, especially for those who have not done much in this area.
• Concepts in Biology Online Learning Resources
  School of Biological Sciences - The University of Sydney. Websites, Modules, Self-assessment Modules.
• Connecting Concepts : Interactive Lessons in Biology
  ‘A series of interactive web-based lessons designed to give introductory undergraduate biology students opportunities to connect biology concepts. Click on any lesson below to begin’.

Cellular Biology

• CBE Life Sciences Education [Journal]
  Essays, articles, features, editorial, more. Full-text, PDF downloads.
• Cell and Molecular Biology Online
  ‘Online information on cell and molecular biology. Designed for research scientists, graduate students and post-docs, educators and students’.
  Well presented !
• Cell Biology
  ‘This group of web pages provides basic information about cell biology topics. Many of the photos are taken from texts used by our students. These are used as supplemental handouts and guides for the discussions in our lectures. Most of these topics focus on structure/function correlations’. University of Arkansas.
• Cell Biology Laboratory Manual
  ‘On-line data source for standard cell biology laboratories or for inquiry-based education’.
• Cell Biology Topics
  Part of a larger site for Biology topics.
• Molecular & Cellular Biology
  Journal covering developments, information covering extended period of time.
• Learn About : Common Molecules
  ‘By clicking on a category, information on the category and a list of clickable compounds is given; the latter will lead to a list on molecules. Individual pages on molecules can be reached by an Alphabetical list’.

Cell Theory

• Cell Theory
  Background to cell theory, its history, landmarks along its development and implementation.
• Cell Theory [2]
  History of cell theory, Classical Cell Theory, Modern Cell Theory, exceptions, types of cells, references, links to further information. From Wikipedia.
• Studying Cells Tutorial
  ‘Cell theory provides us with an operational definition of life. The tutorial on prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses explores this concept in more detail’.

Dictionaries & Related Texts

• Biology Dictionary
  ‘Partial biology dictionary by Susan A. Hagedorn. One of the best online biology dictionaries’.
• Biology-Online Editable Wiki Dictionary
  ‘Based on a Wiki system, which enables everyone to add and update content. All updates are closely monitored by our moderators’.
• Biology Terms [Babylon]
  ‘Biology dictionaries and glossaries dealing with a vast range of topics : Ecology, Palaeontology, Genetics, Climate Change, etc.’.

Embryonic Studies

• Embryo Images Online
  ‘Embryo Images Normal and Abnormal Mammalian Development is a tutorial that uses scanning electron micrographs as the primary resource to teach mammalian embryology. The 3-D like quality of the micrographs coupled with selected line drawings and minimal text allow relatively easy understanding of the complex morphological changes that occur in utero’.
• Embryological Development of the Human
  ‘Interactive tool for learning embryology and the clinical correlations associated with development’.

Top of Page

G - L

General Sites

• 101Science - Biology
  Extensive links under more than 80 topics from Animals to Zoology.
• ActionBioscience
  7 major bioscience challenges from biodiversity to literacy. Information for educators, including lessons. Articles, links.
• Bio-DOC
  ‘A clearinghouse for quality, rich-media resources for teaching and learning for the Biological Sciences. Find animations, videos, interactive exercises, and more as well as direct links to the source of the material. University students and professors have reviewed all resources for instructional quality’.
• BiologyBase
  Links to General Natural History/Biology Stuff, Museums and Zoos,Ecology and Field Biology, Marine Biology and Literature Searching. All annotated.
• Biology Humour
  These will hopefully provide a good laugh.
• Biology Links
  Harvard University. High quality links, in directories from Biochemistry to journals and zoology.
• Biology Online - Information in the Life Sciences
  Forum, online tutorials, dictionary, significant links pages.
• Biology Research
  Links to a range of databases, journals, bibliographies, more.
• Biozone Bio Links
  Impressive New Zealand list. 500+ links in biology, biotechnology and microbiology. In topics and subtopics to support health and science education.
• Cramster Biology Help
  ‘Global online study community centered on providing understanding to questions whether it’s related to homework, exam preparation or general learning’. Based on a specific textbook. Also other resources.
• Developmental Mechanisms Problem Set
  ‘Basic concepts of development in a variety of organisms. Learn about the experiments that gave scientists in the early 20th century insight into the mechanisms of development’.
• EverythingBio
  ‘A Free resource of biology information. Check the large Life Science glossary, search for a term in online textbooks, check biology images, more’. Links to related sites and has a directory of tools.
• General & Human Biology Weblinks
  ‘The General Biology Weblinks were created by Mark Decker at the University of Minnesota’. Grouped in major directories.
• Interactive Biology
  ‘Serendip provides annotated lists of links useful for learning/teaching in a variety of areas’. These are for Biology, while others cover Physics and Chemistry.
• MicrobeLibrary
  Subscribe for full-text but ‘Images, Animations and Videos’ are Free to access.
• MicrobeWorld
  ‘What is microbiology ?’, resources, hands-on activities, links for levels of development, news, current issues, more.
• Model Organisms
  The WWW Virtual Library. ‘Catalogue of internet resources relating to biological model organisms, and is part of the Biosciences area of the Virtual Library project. Other organisms listed under the Virtual Library sections for Genetics and Developmental Biology’.
• Selected WWW Links of Interest to Biologists
  Links provided under specific headings. Some annotated for easier reference.
• The Biology Project
  ‘Online interactive resource for learning biology’. Geared for undergraduate studies, but also covers lesson plans, activities for secondary school students. Includes Biochemistry, Developmental Biology and Cell Biology.
• The BioScience WebRing
  ‘Intended to allow those with an interest in biological sciences to locate sites of interest more easily on the WWW. We are now one of the largest science-based rings around’.
• The Whole Brain Atlas
  ‘Your brain in pictures. Each sub-page consists of a nifty graphic and plenty of medical terms. It’s one of the first [and best] examples of what the Web can do to help explain the human body’.
• The Interactive Fly
  Developmental biology about fruit flies.
• The National Biological Information Infrastructure
  The original site has been terminated but this page lists databases, websites, tools and applications that can still be found hosted by other bodies.
• Topics : Biology
  ‘Browsing this list may reveal, more easily than searching through the index/glossary, topics you wish to examine. Grouped by category’. Categories from Animals to Viruses [19 in all].
• What is Biotechnology ?
  An short but clear presentation by the CSIRO. There are also links to related sites. A second site on the same topic can be found at What is Biotechnology ? [BIO].

Top of Page

Human Biology & Development

Check sections on Evolution and Genetics of Organisms below.

• Anatomy
  Links from About.com. Covers systems, terms, cycles, more.
• Anatomy Videos
  ‘Edited directory of educational videos for medical students, doctors and healthcare professionals’. Extensive range available.
• Complex Population Dynamics
  Theoretical/Empirical Synthesis. Full-text article as part of complete book. You can also get the full text at this site.
• DNA from the Beginning
  ‘Organized around key concepts. Science behind each concept explained by animation, images, video interviews, problems, biographies, links’.
• Human Developmental Anatomy Centre
  ‘Acquires and maintains collections pertaining to general developmental anatomy and neuroanatomy’. Anatomy section is very good.
• Human Development Overview
  Animated presentation, day 1 to birth.
• Muscular and Skeletal Systems
  Quality information, accompanying diagrams. Links to other systems - click at the bottom to go to the next system.
• Nonlinear Dynamics and Population Biology
  Collection of annotated links.
• Population Dynamics
  Information, embedded links, references, external links to related information. From Wikipedia.
• Population Genetics Made Simple
  Text presentation.
• The Human Impact on the Natural Environment
  Andrew Goudie. Google Books.
• The Visible Body
  ‘Best human anatomy visualization tool available today. This entirely Web-delivered application offers an unparalleled understanding of human anatomy. Includes 3D models of over 1 700 anatomical structures, including all major organs and systems of the human body’.
  Exceptional !

Invertebrate Zoology

• Check additional links on the Zoology page and Human Evolution links on the Archaeology page.
• Animal Structure & Function
  Text presentation on the main concepts.
• Fundamentals of Biology Links
  Three sections on Animal Structure and Functions and one on seed plants
• Introduction to Phylogeny
  ‘One part of the larger field of systematics, which also includes taxonomy. Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying the diversity of organisms’. University of California Museum of Palaeontology.
• Mikko’s Phylogeny Archive
  ‘Private archive of phylogenetic trees’. Note the disclaimer. Two main sections.
• Phylogenetics
  Extensive information, embedded links. Haeckel, gene transfer, taxon sampling, more. Links, references, more. From Wikipedia.
• Phylogeny Packages
  ‘324 phylogeny packages and 45 free servers. An attempt to be completely comprehensive. The programs listed include both Free and Fee-based ones’.
• Structure and Function of Animals
  Presentation from Sparknotes.

Journals & Magazines

• Bioscience Education e-Journal
  ‘Aims are to promote, enhance and disseminate research, good practice and innovation in tertiary level teaching and learning within the biosciences disciplines’.
• The Scientist
  ‘Magazine of the Life Sciences, Every Day, Online’.

Living Systems

• Check further links on the Genetics page.
• Chemistry and Physiology of Growth
  Abstract, with access to full-text presentation in PDF format.
• The Generalised Theory of Life
  Sub-titled ‘The Abstract Theory of Spontaneous Organising and Evolving of Complex Systems - Towards a General Physical Understanding and Integral Computer Simulation of Life’ By a Russian scientist [in English].
• Laboratories for Measuring Physiological Processes
  In Plants and Animals. ‘Laboratory exercises were developed for a multi-section introductory biology course called “Structure and Function of Organisms” as well as for an advanced plant physiology course’.
• Physiology of Human Growth and Development
  ‘Background outlines on basic physiology and learning objectives for each segment of the course’ done at Berkeley.
• Physiological Processes
  From Intute.
• Physiological Processes
  ‘Characteristics and processes of individual organisms that are not the direct result of their interaction with other organisms or with the environment’. Use topics listed.
• RxPG News
  Annotated links to articles on evolutionary aspects of humans. RSS Feed available.
• The Chemistry and Physiology of Growth
  Full-text, online version at Internet Archive.

Top of Page

© D & B Mann Webmasters. All rights reserved. Last updated - 13 May 2012.
Best viewed at a resolution of 1280 x 800 or greater. We use and recommend Mozilla Firefox as the preferred browser.