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Molecular Aspects of Cell Biology (BCMB30003)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator
A/Prof Diana Stojanovski
Administrative Coordination
Past Students, Future Students and General Enquiries
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject describes the molecular mechanisms underpinning eukaryotic cell organisation, morphology and behaviour and their importance in biomedicine. We will explore the relationships between cellular organisation and the biological functions of normal and stressed cells, as well experimental strategies for investigating the molecular basis of these relationships. The subject matter includes the compartmentalisation of eukaryotic cells; intracellular trafficking of biomolecules; the 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.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Explain the common principles that govern protein trafficking in eukaryotic cells
- Discuss mechanisms regulating cell adhesion, cell migration, and intracellular signalling pathways
- Propose experimental approaches to interrogate intracellular protein trafficking events, cell movement and intracellular signalling events
- Analyse and interpret imaging data using computer-based software
- Read, interpret and assess the current scientific literature on molecular cell biology.
- Discuss the design, choice, use and ethical considerations of model organisms and cell lines in molecular cell biology
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- The ability to analyse and interpret scientific literature and related resource materials.
- The capacity to develop ideas from theoretical principles to practical explanations.
- The capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
- The ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| 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
None
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
5-10 written assessments totalling approx. 1600 words and prepared figures
| Throughout the semester | 35% |
Mid Semester Test 1
| Around week 5 | 10% |
Mid Semester Test 2
| Around week 10 | 10% |
Written Exam
| During the examination period | 45% |
Attendance at 70% of workshops Hurdle requirement: Attendance at 70% of workshops i.e. 10-11 x 2 hour workshops | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Diana Stojanovski Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 hours of workshops per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Subject Coordinator
A/Prof Diana Stojanovski
Administrative Coordination
Past Students, Future Students and General Enquiries
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
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 Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology specialisation Major Genetics Major Genetics Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Immunology Informal specialisation Genetics Major Immunology - 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.
- 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: 4 March 2025