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Molecular Analysis of Cell Function (BCMB20003)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Subject Coordinator
Dr Heather Verkade
heather.verkade@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
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.
Intended 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.
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
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
For BSc degree:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
This subject may also be taken as a corequisite (with the approval of the subject coordinator).
For BBiomed degree:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Other combinations of subjects that provide a similar background may be considered by the coordinator.
Corequisites
Refer to prerequisite details.
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.
Recommended background knowledge
Level 1 Biology is strongly recommended.
A biomedical or biological practical subject such as
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20005 | Techniques in Molecular Science |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
or equivalent is strongly recommended.
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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Mid Semester Test 1
| Week 5 | 15% |
Mid Semester Test 2
| Week 9 | 15% |
Weekly online quiz and written assessments
| Throughout the semester | 20% |
Final Exam
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Heather Verkade Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours One 2-hour face-to-face workshop per week and online videos equivalent to two 1-hour lectures. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Subject Coordinator
Dr Heather Verkade
heather.verkade@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Time commitment details
An estimated total time commitment of 170 hours.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
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
- Subject 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 Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024