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 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 15 units, leading on to 28 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 45%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 12 hours
- per semester
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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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- GEN3990Genetics in action research projectNo reviews yet
- HUP3011Human pathology 1: Understanding disease processesNo reviews yet
- HUP3022Human pathology 2: Pathology of human diseasesNo reviews yet
- MCB2022The dynamic cellNo reviews yet
- MIC2011Introduction to microbiology and microbial biotechnologyNo reviews yet
- MIC3011Molecular microbiologyNo reviews yet
- MIC3022Molecular virology and viral pathogenesisNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
PROHIBITION: MOL2011 and BMS1062
PREREQUISITE: BIO1011 and BIO1022
If you are a Biomedical Engineering student in E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) you are exempt from this rule.
Overview
In this unit you will explore the construction, components and maintenance of the cell, focusing on: the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; the properties and functions of membranes; how cells replicate, die, communicate, and form communities; and how cells are genetically programmed.
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In semester assessmentOtherThreshold hurdle40%
- Mid-semester testIn class test15%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle45%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Relate the structure and composition of cells to their function and explain how mammalian cells differentiate to form tissues and organs.
- 2
Explain the roles of different cellular compartments and organelles in cellular functions.
- 3
Describe the general principles of gene organisation and the control of gene expression and give examples of how expression is controlled.
- 4
Explain how cells communicate with each other and the environment.
- 5
Outline the factors that control cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and movement.
- 6
Describe the fundamental approaches and uses of recombinant DNA technology.
- 7
Demonstrate practical skills in the molecular biology techniques that are used to study DNA, RNA and protein and use online databases to retrieve and analyse information on genes, proteins and molecular processes.
- 8
Utilise appropriate microscopy techniques to visualise cells and intracellular organelles.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories45 hours
- Practical activities36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
A total of 12 hours per week including up to 6 hours of directed learning ( such as lectures, practicals and workshops) and 6 hours of 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 9 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.
- BIOCHEM05Level 2 unitsBiochemistryNo reviews yet
- BIOCHEM07CoreBiochemistryNo reviews yet
- BIOMDENG01Parts C. and D. Biomedical engineering knowledge, application and professional practiceBiomedical engineeringNo reviews yet
- DEVBIOL01Additional developmental biology unitsDevelopmental biologyNo reviews yet
- GENEGENO03Core unitsGenetics and genomicsNo reviews yet
- HUMPATH01Core unitsHuman pathologyNo reviews yet
- IMMUNOL03Core unitsImmunologyNo reviews yet
- MICROBIO03Level 1 and 2 unitsMicrobiologyNo reviews yet
- MOLBIOL02Level 1 and 2 unitsMolecular biologyNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Danielle Rhodes
- Professor Helen Abud
- Associate Professor Priscilla Johanesen
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Julia Young
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 28 units in all.
When is MCB2011 offered?
In 2021, MCB2011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is MCB2011?
The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MCB2011 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 45% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include MCB2011?
MCB2011 is part of Biochemistry; Biomedical engineering; Developmental biology; Genetics and genomics; and Human pathology, and 3 other areas of study.