UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

MCB2022 The dynamic cell

Faculty of Science

MCB2022 The dynamic cell is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 7 units, leading on to 14 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 30%
and 2 other tasks
Workload
12 hours
per semester

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Requisites

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 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • In semester quizzes and assessmentQuiz / Test
    30%
  • In-semester workshop and practical (laboratory) assessmentsDemonstrationThreshold hurdle
    40%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExaminationThreshold hurdle
    30%

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. 1

    Explain the mechanisms that enable cells to move in response to external stimuli.

  2. 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. 3

    Outline the mechanisms that drive gene expression and the way in which gene expression is regulated.

  4. 4

    Illustrate how our understanding of cellular and molecular processes is enhanced through the use of animal models, microscopy and laboratory techniques.

  5. 5

    Demonstrate skills in laboratory techniques relevant to cell and molecular biology, and the ability to analyse experimental data by integrating concepts and knowledge.

  6. 6

    Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate research findings either orally or in writing with reference to published literature as appropriate.

  7. 7

    Work effectively as a member of a team.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures24 hours
  • Laboratories36 hours
  • Workshops12 hours
  • Teaching approachOnline learning
  • Teaching approachResearch activities
  • Teaching approachActive learning

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 self-directed independent study per week

Interactive on-line learning will form a key component of the unit. On-line lessons will be paired with on-line learning activities to consolidate concepts and check understanding.

The theory and concepts provided through on-line material and lessons will be complemented by a wide range of hands-on laboratory activities designed to teach laboratory skills, techniques, data analysis, experiment design hypothesis formulation, problem-solving and communication skills.

Facilitated by educators, students will collaboratively work through a range of activities to explore and extend concepts introduced in the on-line lessons.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Alberts Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition (Garland Science).

Where it fits

MCB2022 is part of 1 area of study in the 2027 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Meredith O'Keeffe
Chief Examiners
Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MCB2022?

MCB2022 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after MCB2022?

MCB2022 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 7 units, including BCH3021, BCH3042, BCH3052, GEN3990, MIC2011 and MIC3011. Those lead on to 14 units in all.

When is MCB2022 offered?

In 2027, MCB2022 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

How much work is MCB2022?

The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does MCB2022 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include MCB2022?

MCB2022 is part of Biomedical engineering.

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