Undergraduate - UnitBMS1021 - Cells, tissues and organisms

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Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Offered	Clayton First semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Prof John Bertram (Anatomy and Developmental biology)

Synopsis

The chemical constituents of living cells and biological reactions. Cell structure and function. Animal diversity and evolution. Functional systems. The relevance of the microbial world in biomedical science. Tools for studying cells including histology, different types of microscopy, tissue culture and specialised cell staining techniques.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand the structure and function of cells and their diversification into multicellular functional systems and organisms;

2. appreciate the tools and techniques used to study the structure and function of single cells, tissues and organisms;

3. know the principles behind and practical use of the microscope as a key tool in biomedical sciences;

4. be aware of safe laboratory procedures;

5. have skills to use the library facilities to critically evaluate a given topic; and

6. have basic scientific communication skills gained from problem-based projects involving independent or group activities.

On completion of this unit, students will have skills enabling them to:

1. conduct simple laboratory experiments involving safe laboratory practice, data collection and analysis;

2. prepare and submit a laboratory report;

3. complete quality essays based on literature research, critical reading and synthesis of ideas;

4. operate basic biomedical equipment such as a microscope, balances, pH meters; and

5. effectively use computers to access internet information and to communicate globally.

Assessment

Written theory examination: 65%
Practical reports and laboratory presentations: 20%
Essay: 15%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor John Bertram

Contact hours

3 lectures and a 3-hour practical or equivalent per week

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in course code: 2230; 3356, 3528, 3879, 3975; 3976, 4417

Prohibitions

BIO1011, BIO1022