MCB2011 Molecular biology and the cell
Faculty of Science
MCB2011 Molecular biology and the cell is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 and Summer B at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 15 units, leading on to 29 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1, Summer B
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
Reviews
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Requisites
Before MCB2011
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MCB2011
15 units list MCB2011 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- BCH3021Cellular organisation: Organelle structure and function in health and diseaseNo reviews yet
- BCH3031Functional genomics and molecular medicineNo reviews yet
- BCH3042Cell signal transduction: Role in cancer and human diseaseNo reviews yet
- BCH3052Protein biology: From sequence to structure and diseaseNo reviews yet
- GEN2041Foundations of geneticsNo reviews yet
- GEN3030Molecular, cellular and developmental geneticsNo reviews yet
- GEN3040Genomics and its applicationsNo reviews yet
- GEN3051Medical and forensic geneticsNo reviews yet
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- HUP3011Human pathology 1: Understanding disease processesNo reviews yet
- HUP3022Human pathology 2: Pathology of human diseasesNo reviews yet
- MCB2022The dynamic cellNo reviews yet
- MIC2011Microbiology foundations and global applicationsNo reviews yet
- MIC3011Molecular microbiologyNo reviews yet
- MIC3022Molecular virology and viral pathogenesisNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
PROHIBITION: BMS1062
PREREQUISITE: BIO1011
If you are a Biomedical Engineering student in E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) you are exempt from this rule.
Overview
This unit explores the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular life. You will examine how genetic information is stored and expressed, how protein function is regulated, how cells divide, communicate, differentiate and die, and how disruptions in these processes can cause dysfunction and disease. You will also learn about the tools and technologies that are used to study the genome, transcriptome and proteome, driving scientific discovery and innovation. This flexible unit combines online learning activities with hands-on experiences in our world-class molecular biosciences laboratory to support your learning.
This multidisciplinary unit builds a strong foundation for further studies in biochemistry, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology. If you’re curious about the molecular and cellular basis of life, this unit is for you.
MCB2011 is offered in the summer semester (5 weeks) and in semester one (12 weeks).
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| Summer semester B | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Theme testsQuiz / Test50%
- Laboratory AssessmentsExercise10%
- Final projectProject40%
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
Relate the structure and composition of cells and organelles to their biological function;
- 2
Compare and contrast genome structure and organisation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes;
- 3
Describe and evaluate the regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression;
- 4
Explain how proteins are folded, modified and transported within cells;
- 5
Discuss the processes by which cells divide, communicate, differentiate and die;
- 6
Assess the strengths, limitations and applications of molecular tools and technologies;
- 7
Apply your knowledge of molecular and cellular biology to real-world scenarios;
- 8
Collect, analyse, interpret and communicate scientific data in a professional format..
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions8 hours
- Laboratories15 hours
- Assessments6 hours
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
A total of 144 hours per semester, inclusive of both directed learning activities (e.g. online learning modules, laboratory classes) and independent self-directed study.
The structure of this unit is designed for active learners and will teach you core foundation knowledge, include case-based teaching and online material. Theoretical concepts will be complemented by hands-on classes that are designed to teach skills and techniques, including techniques that are currently utilised in research laboratories.
Learning resources
Required resources
Alberts - Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th Edition.
Where it fits
MCB2011 is part of 1 area of study in the 2027 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Helen Abud
- Dr Danielle Rhodes
- Dr Danielle D'Souza
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Danielle Rhodes
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MCB2011?
MCB2011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after MCB2011?
MCB2011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 15 units, including BCH3021, BCH3031, BCH3042, BCH3052, GEN2041 and GEN3030. Those lead on to 29 units in all.
When is MCB2011 offered?
In 2027, MCB2011 runs in Semester 1 and Summer B at Clayton.
How much work is MCB2011?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MCB2011 have an exam?
No. MCB2011 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include MCB2011?
MCB2011 is part of Biomedical engineering.