Fundamentals of Cell Biology (CEDB20003)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator
Dr Jenny Gunnersen
jenny.gunnersen@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject builds on the basic cell biology concepts introduced in first year biology and develops students’ understanding of the processes that regulate the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Using examples from plant and animal cells, the subject will outline the cellular structures and molecular processes that are fundamental for regulating cell function in multicellular organisms. It will also explore the external signals (physical, molecular, electrochemical) that can lead to changes in cell behaviour, gene expression, protein synthesis or cell replication.
Intended learning outcomes
In completing this subject, students should:
- Develop a broad understanding of the structure of eukaryotic cells (plant and animal) and the compartments where various cellular activities occur.
- Identify the range of cellular activities that are especially relevant to multicellular organisation.
- Understand how external signals can lead to changes in gene expression and protein synthesis in cells.
- Understand how electrical properties of cells are harnessed for electrochemical signalling.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have:
- Developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The capacity to integrate knowledge from disparate sources.
- Developed collaborative learning skills in practical class groups.
- Developed skills in observation and interpretation.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
The following two subjects are prerequisites:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10004 | Biology of Cells and Organisms | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10005 | Genetics & The Evolution of Life | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
The following subject is a non allowed subject:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
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: 20 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- Three 40 minute multiple choice tests (10% each) in early, mid and late semester;
- 2 hour final examination (70%) in end of semester exam period.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Jenny Gunnersen Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours two x 1 hour lecture per week, 8 x 3 hour computer-aided learning (CAL) modules. 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
Dr Jenny Gunnersen
jenny.gunnersen@unimelb.edu.auAdministrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
48 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
This subject is not available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedicine.
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
This subject is available to students enrolled in the New Generation BSc, pre-2008 BSc, pre-2008 BASc, pre-2008 BBiomedSc.
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an Internet-enabled computer. During semester there will be limited access to computer laboratories.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Botany Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Zoology Major Botany Breadth Track Cell and Developmental Biology - Breadth options
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 20 March 2025