GNA2022 The dynamic cell
Faculty of Science
GNA2022 The dynamic cell is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 6 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 12 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before GNA2022
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After GNA2022
2 units list GNA2022 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PROHIBITION: MCB2022 and MOL2022
COREQUISITE: Must be enrolled in the Master of Genome Analytics (or with permission from the unit coordinator)
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
In this unit you 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.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In-semester quizzes and assessmentQuiz / Test30%
- Evaluation of workshop and practical activitiesDemonstrationThreshold hurdle40%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExaminationThreshold hurdle30%
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
Explain the mechanisms that enable cells to move in response to external stimuli;
- 2
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;
- 3
Outline the mechanisms that drive gene expression and the way in which gene expression is regulated;
- 4
Illustrate how our understanding of cellular and molecular processes is enhanced through the use of animal models, microscopy and laboratory techniques;
- 5
Demonstrate skills in laboratory techniques relevant to cell and molecular biology, and the ability to analyse experimental data by integrating concepts and knowledge.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories36 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Workshops12 hours
A total of 12 hours per week including:
- 2 hours of lectures;
- Up to 4 hours of workshop and laboratory activities and
- Up to 6 hours of independent study per week
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Meredith O'Keeffe
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for GNA2022?
GNA2022 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after GNA2022?
GNA2022 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including GNA5011 and GNA5200. Those lead on to 6 units in all.
When is GNA2022 offered?
In 2026, GNA2022 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is GNA2022?
The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does GNA2022 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.