Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit aims to introduce students to essential elements of cell biology. Participants in this unit will cover Introductory Microbiology; Eukaryotic Cell Biology; and Development and Cancer. The subject provides an essential foundation for understanding cell biology and its use in biological research and the pharmaceutical industry.

This will involve:

• Microbiology
• Cell Biology (introduction)
• Molecular Biology and Genomics
• Cell signalling
• Development
• Cancer

Objectives

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of basic microbiology including basic technologies, classification of microorganisms, and principles of microbial genetics
2. explain and analyse molecular biology experiments
3. demonstrate an understanding of eukaryotic cell biology by being able to explain the processes of normal cell function including how it is regulated by signalling processes
4. Compare and contrast how organisms develop and respond to internal and environmental signals
5. explain how cell control can be deregulated and predict its consequences
6. analyse experiments and experimental techniques that are used in the study of cell biology

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 65%; mid-semester exam : 15%; written assessment: 10%; practical assesssment: 10%.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Helen Irving

Contact hours

36 hours of lectures; 3 hours whole class tutorials; 6 hours computer aided learning; 3 hours problem based learning; seven 3 hour practical classes

Prerequisites

PSC1081 Physiology I
PSC1082 Physiology II
PSC1021 Organic Chemistry I
PSC1022 Organic Chemistry II
PSC2011 Pharmaceutical Biochemistry

or equivalent subjects.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.monash.edu.au/muso/support/