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Biomolecules and Cells (BIOL10002)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject builds on students’ prior knowledge, exploring the diversity and unity of life through the lens of five core concepts: evolution, cell theory, regulation, transmission of information and interconnectedness in biological systems. These concepts will be studied at the molecular, cellular, and individual level. Topics will include the evolution of life from the abiotic to the individual, the molecular and physical structure of the cell, cell replication and gene expression, homeostasis and physiological systems regulation, respiration, and interactions within and between organisms.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of life from the molecular level to the multicellular;
  • recognize cells as the fundamental structural and functional unit of life with respect to their molecular machinery, cellular function and cellular interaction;
  • explain the importance of information being conserved or modified within, and transferred between, cells and organisms;
  • describe the chemical nature of biological processes and the way cells and organisms regulate their (internal) environment;
  • explain the interconnected and interacting nature of living systems by drawing on examples of networks at the molecular, cellular and individual levels;
  • identify biology as an evolving science based on concepts developed from observations, experiments, and data analysis;
  • identify connections between major concepts in biology; and
  • design and carry out a research project.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding and application of the scientific process in theoretical and practical settings;
  • use appropriate protocols for making observations and recording data;
  • competently use appropriate equipment;
  • use quantitative reasoning and analysis;
  • integrate biology with other disciplines;
  • collaborate effectively in a team;
  • understand the social, legal and ethical implications of studying and practising biology and of biological discoveries; and
  • demonstrate well developed information literacy and communication skills.

Last updated: 19 April 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Admission into the B-BMED Bachelor of Biomedicine

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10008 Introductory Biology: Life's Machinery
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10009 Biology: Life's Machinery
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

Pre 2021: BIOL10004 - Biology of Cells and Organisms

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: 19 April 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Four quizzes, held online or in class time, spaced approximately quarterly in the semester, 2.5% each

  • 400 words
Throughout the teaching period10%

Five assessment tasks associated with the practicals/workshops, which will include assessment of competencies and techniques within the practical class and quizzes before and/or in classes, 5 x 200 words, 1000 words in total, 5% each

  • 1000 words
Hurdle requirement: Successful completion of practical work is required to pass the subject. This includes 80% attendance at practical sessions and an overall 50% pass in the practical/workshop assessment tasks		Throughout the teaching period25%

A written project report

  • 600 words
From Week 11 to Week 1215%

Written examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%

Last updated: 19 April 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorsLauren Salo and Mark Green
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours• 36 Lectures (3 per week) • 15 hours of practical (5 x 3 hours per fortnight) • 15 hours of workshop/tutorial activities (5 x 3 hours per fortnight); 4-5 of these hours will be set aside for independent work on the project report
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022
    Last self-enrol date11 March 2022
    Census date31 March 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022
    Assessment period ends24 June 2022

    Semester 1 contact information

    BIOL10002-info@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Additional delivery details

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.

Last updated: 19 April 2023

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    Sadava DE, Hillis DM, Heller HC, Hacker SD, and Hall DW, Life: The Science of Biology 12th edition, Macmillan, 2020, ISBN 9781319315788

  • Subject notes

    This subject involves the use of animals that form an essential part of the learning objectives for this subject. Please note: There are some non-dissection alternatives for those who have strong philosophical objections and these and other alternatives can be discussed with the subject co-ordinator.

    Required Equipment - Laboratory coat.

    B-BMED students who fail this subject with a mark of 45-49%, who do not fail any other subjects in the same semester may be eligible for a progression supplementary exam for this subject in line with the Assessment Procedure (point 15). Students will be contacted via email by the University Results final release date if they are eligible.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseBachelor of Biomedicine
  • 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: 19 April 2023