UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

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 2026 in Semester 1 and Summer B at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 15 units, leading on to 30 units in all.

Credit points: 6
Offered in 2026: Semester 1, Summer B; Clayton
Assessment: No exam; 3 tasks
Workload: 144 hours; per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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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.

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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 2026

Teaching period	Campus	Mode
First semester	Clayton	Flexible
Summer semester B	Clayton	On campus

Assessment

Theme testsQuiz / Test
50%
Laboratory AssessmentsExercise
10%
Final projectProject
40%

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 9 areas of study in the 2026 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 30 units in all.

When is MCB2011 offered?

In 2026, 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 Anatomy and developmental biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical engineering; Genetics and genomics; and Human pathology, and 3 other areas of study.

More details

Credit points: 6
Level: 2
Study level: Undergraduate
Faculty: Faculty of Science

Type: Coursework
EFTSL: 0.125
Student contribution: SCA Band 2
Study abroad: Available
Handbook years: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 202520262027