UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

BMS1132 The molecular basis of life

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

BMS1132 The molecular basis of life is a level 1, 12-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
12
Offered in 2027
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Has an exam
and 4 other tasks
Workload
24 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Before BMS1132

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

After BMS1132

No unit lists BMS1132 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Must be enrolled in one of the following:

  • M2003 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  • B2021 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  • E3004 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  • L3004 Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  • S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the core principles of molecular biology and biochemistry that underpin the flow of genetic information and cellular function. Students will examine how genetic information is stored, replicated, and expressed through DNA replication, transcription, and translation, and compare how these processes are regulated in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

 You will investigate protein structure and function, including enzymatic activity, energy production, and the mechanisms that direct protein trafficking and sorting within eukaryotic cells. You will also investigate DNA mutation, recombination, and the molecular systems responsible for DNA repair and maintenance, and the impact these have on health and disease.

 You will develop practical skills using contemporary molecular techniques, alongside the ability to interpret and critically analyse experimental data. A key focus will be on the application of scientific reasoning to real-world biomedical problems and communicating scientific information effectively through written, oral, and visual formats.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Laboratory Reports (3000 words) (Pass/Fail)WrittenCompetency hurdle
    -
  • Oral Presentations (Pass/Fail)PresentationCompetency hurdle
    -
  • In-class tests (Pass/Fail)Quiz / TestCompetency hurdle
    -
  • Final Project (Pass/Fail)ExaminationCompetency hurdle
    -
  • Reflection (Pass/Fail)WrittenCompetency hurdle
    -

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

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

  1. 1

    Explain the molecular mechanisms that allow the storage, inheritance and expression of genetic information, specifically the processes of genome replication, gene transcription and mRNA translation.

  2. 2

    Compare and contrast the regulatory mechanisms that control cell function at the levels of RNA synthesis, mRNA processing and protein activity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

  3. 3

    Differentiate the various mechanisms of protein trafficking within eukaryotic cells, including how proteins are targeted and transported to, and sorted between organelles.

  4. 4

    Explain the relationship between the structure and function of proteins as the main machinery of the cell, including the principles of enzymatic activity and energy production.

  5. 5

    Assess the causes and consequences of DNA mutation and recombination, and describe the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA maintenance and repair.

  6. 6

    Use molecular tools and technologies to perform, interpret and critically analyse experiments in biomedical sciences.

  7. 7

    Apply scientific reasoning skills and knowledge in molecular biology and biochemistry to investigate real-world scenarios in biomedical sciences.

  8. 8

    Present, describe and discuss scientific information and experimental data using appropriate written, verbal and visual formats.

  9. 9

    Demonstrate personal and professional responsibility, employing reflective practice for ongoing development.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures48 hours
  • Laboratories30 hours
  • Workshops24 hours

Approximately 11 hours of teacher directed study per week, including 4 hours of lectures, 2 hours of pre/post-class modules, 2 hours of workshops and 3 hours of laboratories.

Approximately 12-13 hours per week of self-directed study.

Total per week = Up to 24 hours

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Fasseli Coulibaly
Dr Jessica Gibbons
Dr Danielle D'Souza
Chief Examiners
Dr Jessica Gibbons

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BMS1132?

BMS1132 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is BMS1132 offered?

In 2027, BMS1132 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

How much work is BMS1132?

The handbook expects about 24 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does BMS1132 have an exam?

Yes, it has an exam, alongside 4 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
12
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
School of Biomedical Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.250
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available
Handbook years
2027