BMS3031 Molecular mechanisms of disease
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
BMS3031 Molecular mechanisms of disease is a level 3, 12-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs BMS1052, BMS2031, BMS1021, BMS1062, BMS2042, BMS1031, BMS2011, BMS2052, BMS1011, BMS1042, BMS2021 and BMS2062 and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BMS3031
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
- BMS1052Human neurobiologyNo reviews yet
- BMS2031Body systemsNo reviews yet
- BMS1021Cells, tissues and organismsNo reviews yet
- BMS1062Molecular biologyNo reviews yet
- BMS2042Human geneticsNo reviews yet
- BMS1031Medical biophysicsNo reviews yet
- BMS2011Structure of the human body: An evolutionary and functional perspectiveNo reviews yet
- BMS2052Microbes in health and diseaseNo reviews yet
- BMS1011Biomedical chemistryNo reviews yet
- BMS1042Public health and preventive medicineNo reviews yet
- BMS2021Human molecular cell biologyNo reviews yet
- BMS2062Introduction to bioinformaticsNo reviews yet
After BMS3031
2 units list BMS3031 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in one of the following:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including double degree programs)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholar Program)
Prohibition: BMS3021
Overview
This unit will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate human diseases and the specific biotechnologies used to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.
Relevant areas studied in this unit may change from year to year but will generally include a number of topics related to pharmacology, cancer, cardiovascular disease, development and stem cells, infection and immunity, metabolic disease and obesity, and neuroscience.
The small group work in the unit is designed to build employability skills for graduates.
Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, research skills and on communication skills in the context of biomedical research.
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Workshop assessments41%
- Professional development2%
- In-semester tests27%
- End of semester exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Threshold hurdle30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Integrate, apply and build upon knowledge from previous core units in the study of the molecular mechanisms and defects that cause human disease, including how developmental errors and gene abnormalities may lead to abnormalities in protein structure and function.
- 2
Discuss and evaluate the role of molecular techniques in the diagnosis of human diseases and the design of targeted therapies or specific treatments.
- 3
Explain and predict the principles of pharmacokinetics and how these can influence the therapeutic use of drugs.
- 4
Explore and analyse how patient factors (including genetics) can lead to interindividual variation in responses to drugs.
- 5
Describe and apply skills required to undertake biomedical research activities and apply this to develop a career plan.
- 6
Synthesise, integrate and summarise information from fundamental principles and techniques in biomedical sciences, then apply it to broader contexts.
- 7
Work effectively and collaboratively in small teams and evaluate peer and self-performance.
- 8
Present data and scientific ideas, in oral, written and visual forms using scientific language or plain English as appropriate.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures48 hours
- Applied sessions24 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
12 hours per week of directed learning including lectures (5hr), workshops (1hr), small group learning (3hr) and group and online activities (3hr), plus 12 hours of self-directed learning including private study and independent research
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Kylie Wagstaff
- Dr Daniel Andrews
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Daniel Andrews
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BMS3031?
You need BMS1052, BMS2031, BMS1021, BMS1062, BMS2042, BMS1031, BMS2011, BMS2052, BMS1011, BMS1042, BMS2021 and BMS2062 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after BMS3031?
BMS3031 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including PHA3032 and PHA3042.
When is BMS3031 offered?
In 2023, BMS3031 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BMS3031 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.