UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

BCH3021 Cellular organisation: Organelle structure and function in health and disease

Faculty of Science

BCH3021 Cellular organisation: Organelle structure and function in health and disease is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2021
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before BCH3021

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After BCH3021

No unit lists BCH3021 as a prerequisite in the 2021 handbook.

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: One of BCH2011, BCH2022, BMS2021, MOL2011 or MOL2022 or MCB2011 OR MCB2022

PROHIBITION: BTH3741

Overview

This unit provides an advanced understanding of the structure-function of the individual structural organelles and components of the cell in the context of cell biology and disease processes. Topics include the cytoskeleton, the formation of the membranes, the intracellular trafficking of proteins, the cellular internalization/export of proteins. Overriding themes of this subject are:

1. to view the cell as a dynamic unit composed of a series of interacting organelles

2. to understand the cell as a semi-independent biological entity in constant contact and communication with the extracellular environment and with other cells in multicellular organisms.

Offerings in 2021

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • In-semester quizzesOther
    10%
  • Practicals and syndicatesOther
    35%
  • Essay
    15%
  • Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes)Exam
    40%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the structure of eukaryotic cells and explain the function of key organelles;

  2. 2

    Outline how different organelles are formed and positioned within cells and how these organelles respond to a changing environment;

  3. 3

    Explain the mechanisms that target and move proteins to the correct organelle and how protein mis-localisation and organelle dysfunction may lead to human disease;

  4. 4

    Discuss how the application of fluorescence-based imaging and other technologies enhances our understanding of cells, organelles and cellular proteins;

  5. 5

    Organise, plan and successfully execute laboratory experiments relevant to molecular cell biology, as well as analyse and report the results in a meaningful way;

  6. 6

    Conduct literature-based research, identify key knowledge and concepts and build coherent arguments and explanations either in writing or in oral presentations;

  7. 7

    Work effectively as a pair or in a group to achieve academic tasks collaboratively with respect for each other.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials12 hours
  • Lectures24 hours
  • Laboratories57 hours
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • Two 1-hour lectures and one 4-hour practical/tutorial/self-directed learning exercise per week

Learning resources

Technology resources

It is essential that you bring USB memory sticks to practical classes to transfer / store digital data.

Where it fits

BCH3021 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Associate Professor Timothy Cole
Unit Coordinators
Professor Phillip Bird

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BCH3021?

BCH3021 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is BCH3021 offered?

In 2021, BCH3021 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does BCH3021 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include BCH3021?

BCH3021 is part of Biochemistry.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available