Fundamentals of Cell Biology (CEDB20003)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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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 be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells to describe the range of cellular activities that are especially relevant to multicellular organisms;
  • Describe in detail the structure and function of eukaryotic cells (animal and plant) identifying cellular compartments where various cellular activities occur;
  • Explain how external signals can lead to changes in gene expression and protein synthesis; and
  • Explain how cells communicate, including through the use of electrochemical signals.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be better able to:

  • demonstrate skills in observation, data interpretation and reporting;
  • apply analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • analyse and integrate knowledge from various sources;
  • demonstrate collaborative learning skills. 

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10008 Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10009 Biology: Life's Machinery
Not available in 2025
 12.5

OR

Admission into or selection of one of the following: MC-SCIBIF Master of Science (Bioinformatics), MC-COMPBIO Master of Computational Biology

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

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

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Mid Semester Test

  • 45 minutes
Week 510%

Poster; group submission

  • 1 pages
Week 910%

Mid Semester Test

  • 45 minutes
Week 1010%

Weekly quizzes; open book Best 10 of a total of 12 quizzes (10 x 1.5%)

  • 10 minutes
Throughout the semester15%

Reflection tasks; delivered online

  • 10 minutes (each)
Throughout the semester5%

Exam

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Submission of at least 9 of 12 weekly worksheets (group or individual)Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorCharlotte Clark
    CoordinatorJenny Gunnersen
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 hours asynchronous online eLearning per week; 2 hours synchronous face to face workshops per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Principal Coordinator
    Dr Charlotte Clark
    charlotte.clark@unimelb.edu.au

    Coordinator
    Dr Jenny Gunnersen
    jenny.gunnersen@unimelb.edu.au

    Administrative Coordination

    Current Students

    Past Students, Future Students and General Enquiries

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: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025