This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

MCB2022 - The dynamic cell

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Coordinator(s)

Dr Mark Prescott

Offered

Clayton

Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

In this unit students will study the cell as a dynamic unit capable of responding to environmental, cellular and molecular cues that can result in a range of outcomes such as: motility; movement or rearrangement of internal structures; alterations in the production, processing or disposal of oligonucleotides, proteins and organelles; repair of damaged components; assembly and disassembly of molecular machinery or communication pathways; switching genetic pathways on or off; and changes in cell proliferation, lifespan, function, or interactions with other cells.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

Explain the mechanisms that enable cells to move in response to external stimuli.
Discuss the way in which DNA is replicated within the cell, the mechanisms for maintaining DNA integrity and the implications of acquiring errors in the DNA sequence.
Outline the mechanisms that drive gene expression and the way in which gene expression is regulated.
Illustrate how our understanding of cellular and molecular processes is enhanced through the use of animal models, microscopy and laboratory techniques.
Demonstrate skills in laboratory techniques relevant to cell and molecular biology, and the ability to analyse experimental data by integrating concepts and knowledge.
Demonstrate an ability to research original published scientific literature and effectively communicate the findings either orally or in writing.
Work effectively as a member of a team.

Assessment

Mid-semester test: 10%
End of semester examination: 50%
Evaluation of workshop/practical activities: 30%
Online quizzes: 10%

A pass in both the final examination and workshop/practicals must be obtained to pass the unit.

Workload requirements

Two hours of lectures and up to four hours workshop/practical activities per week

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Mark Prescott

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Biochemistry
Genetics
Microbiology
Molecular biology

Prerequisites

MCB2011. Alternatively, for students who have completed MOL2011, please consult with the Unit Co-ordinator.

Prohibitions

MOL2022. Please consult with the Unit Co-ordinator for exceptions.