Concepts in Cell & Developmental Biology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

120

BSc:
Any ONE of the following 200 level subjects:

BBiomed:

Pre-2008 degrees:
• Consult coordinator

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The subject develops a student’s knowledge of cell and developmental biology, introduced in second year subjects. The subject is arranged for students to gain an understanding of the approaches used to study cell biology and developmental biology and an appreciation of the major concepts involved in the development of a range of organisms – including microbes, invertebrates, vertebrates and plants. A particular focus is the range of approaches (genetic, cellular, anatomical and physiological) that are used to investigate biological systems and address current biological and biomedical problems, including human development, health and disease. This multi-disciplinary subject is co-taught by staff in the departments of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Botany, Genetics, and Zoology. A feature of this course is the application of this knowledge in pure and applied research and thus will provide a platform for students in many Life Science majors, including Biotechnology and Cell & Developmental Biology majors.

In completing this subject, students should:

• Gain knowledge and understanding of current concepts in cell and developmental biology.
• Familiarity with the genetic, molecular and cellular techniques used to investigate developmental and cell biology processes in various organisms.
• Gain an appreciation of how research in cell and developmental biology impacts on society.

• Three 40 minute multiple choice tests (10% each) in early, mid and late semester;
• One written report (1200 words; 10%) due towards the end of semester;
• Final 2 hour written examination (60%) in end of semester exam period.

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• B Alberts, A Johnson, J Lewis, M Raff, K Roberts & P Walter, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Latest edition, Garland Science.
• Wolpert L. Principles of Development, Latest edition, Oxford University Press.

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

In completing this subject, students should have:

• Ability to interpret scientific literature.
• Capacity to integrate knowledge across several disciplines.
• Appreciated the usefulness of basic research for understanding and solving current biological problems.
• Ability to critically analyse scientific data.

This subject is available to students enrolled in the New Generation B.Sc, B.Biomedicine; pre-2008 BSc, BASc, BBioMed Sc.