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Molecular Aspects of Cell Biology (BCMB30003)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator
Assoc Prof Marie Bogoyevitch
Adminstrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
To complement the information explosion of the new genomic era, it is essential to appreciate the cellular architecture of cells and how the delivery of proteins to their correct locations in the cell is crucial for the complex intracellular signalling pathways that control cell morphology, organisation and behaviour. Topics covered include compartmentalisation in eukaryotic cells; intracellular RNA and protein traffic; the molecular structure, function and biogenesis of subcellular organelles; protein folding and maturation; vesicle-mediated transport; structure and function of the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules and their role in diseased states such as malignancies; cellular stress responses and linked signal transduction events; cytoskeletal structures and the signal transduction processes regulating the assembly and disassembly of actin-cytoskeleton; molecular processes determining cell movement and shape changes; imaging of processes within live cells. Students should acquire an understanding of the relationships between molecular design, cellular organisation and biological function of normal, stressed and malignant eukaryotic cells, as well as detailed knowledge of the major experimental strategies for investigating the molecular basis of these relationships. In addition to these specific skills, students will think critically from consideration of the lecture material and research papers, expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations through observing and reporting research literature.
Intended learning outcomes
This subject will provide a molecular explanation to facets of cell biology. This molecular level understanding of cell biology builds upon material provided in biochemistry and molecular biology year 2 level subjects and extends material taught in other biochemistry and molecular biology year 3 level subjects such as Functional Genomics & Bioinformatics and Protein Structure & Function. It will effectively complement offerings in other Departments that focus on cell biology, infection and immunity, neurobiology etc.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Critical analysis of research papers and other resource material.
- Capacity to develop ideas from theoretical principles to practical explanations through observing and reporting research literature.
- The capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
- The ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
BSc students
Before 2009:
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A (521-211)
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B (521-212)
2009 and subsequently:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Note that the pre-2009 subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A” and the 2009 subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology” are not identical despite having the same subject code. Only the subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology” offered in 2009 and subsequently acts as a stand-alone prerequisite.
BBiomedicine students
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Other combinations that provide similar background will be considered by the coordinator.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject if previously obtained credit for pre-2009 subject (521-303) Molecular Aspects of Cell Biology.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 3 hour written exam held in examination period (70%);
- two 1 hour written examinations held during semester (7.5% x 2 = 15%);
- 1,000 word essay assessment due mid-semester (15%).
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Marie Bogoyevitch Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours three x 1 hour lecture, and one x 1 hour tutorial per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Subject Coordinator
Assoc Prof Marie Bogoyevitch
Adminstrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Time commitment details
170 hours.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Alberts et al Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th or 6th edition, Garland Science
- Subject notes
Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Genetics Major Genetics Informal specialisation Animal Cell Biology Informal specialisation Plant Cell Biology and Development Informal specialisation Reproduction and Development Informal specialisation Animal Cell Biology Informal specialisation Plant Cell Biology and Development Informal specialisation Microbiology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Genetics Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Immunology Major Immunology Informal specialisation Reproduction and Development Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology Informal specialisation Microbiology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Genetics Major Genetics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022