Molecular Analysis of Cell Function

Subject BCMB20003 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: two x 1 hour lecture per week and two x 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment:

48 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Prerequisites:

For BSc degree:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

This subject may also be taken as a corequisite (with the approval of the subject coordinator).

For BBiomed degree:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Other combinations of subjects that provide a similar background may be considered by the coordinator.

Corequisites:

Refer to prerequisite details.

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Level 1 Biology is strongly recommended.
A biomedical or biological practical subject such as

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

or equivalent is strongly recommended.

Non Allowed Subjects:

Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject if previously obtained credit for pre-2009 subject Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Part A or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Part B.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Heather Verkade

Contact

Subject Coordinator

Dr Heather Verkade

heather.verkade@unimelb.edu.au

Administrative Coordinator

Mrs Irene Koumanelis

BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject investigates the molecular mechanisms by which cells regulate their replication, function and metabolism, i.e. the essential properties of living organisms. The focus of the subject is the examination of current or classic research that exemplifies these topics.

Subject content focuses on modern research techniques in biochemistry and molecular cell biology. Topics include: the regulation of protein folding and misfolding, gene expression regulation, the transduction of cellular signals, cytoskeletal remodelling and protein trafficking, and the regulation of cellular metabolism. These elegant biochemical processes are fundamental to human existence. This subject is designed to complement and extend both BCMB20002 and BCMB20005.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the subject the student should understand:

  • the structures of cells, proteins, membranes, DNA and chromatin, and the importance of these structures in regulation of the cell.
  • the way that the expression of genes is controlled and how this impacts cell structure and function
  • the importance of protein folding and the mechanisms by which this is controlled
  • the regulation of cellular processes within and external to cells and communicated by signal transduction molecules.
  • the metabolic mechanisms which cells use to extract, convert and store biochemical energy.
  • the transport of molecules into, out of, and throughout the cell, and the importance of the cytoskeleton in these processes.
  • how the scientific literature represents the analysis of the above topics.
  • how to interpret research data in these topic areas.
Assessment:
  • 3 hour exam held in the University examination period: 70%,
  • 2 x intrasemester test during semester (10% each): 20%,
  • Continuous assessment during semester:10%
Prescribed Texts:

Nelson and Cox, Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 6th edn., 2013

Recommended text: Alberts et al Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition, Garland Science

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • have an in-depth understanding of the biochemical regulation of cell function
  • understand the principles of sound project and experimental design, including data analysis
  • be critical thinkers
  • apply analytical skills to problem solving
Notes:

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and New Generation degrees), BSc or a combined BSc course.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
Selective subjects for B-BMED

Download PDF version.