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 2020 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 8 units, leading on to 15 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2020
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 30%
and 2 other tasks

This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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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 2020

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • In semester quizzes and assessment
    30%
  • Evaluation of laboratory reportsThreshold hurdle
    40%
  • Examination (1 hour and 40 minutes)Threshold hurdle
    30%

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

    Appreciate 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 research original published scientific literature and effectively communicate the findings either orally or in writing.

  7. 7

    Work effectively as a member of a team.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures24 hours
  • Laboratories36 hours
  • Workshops12 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

Two hours of lectures and up to four hours workshop/practical activities per week

This unit will consist of two 1-hour lectures, and up to 4 hours of laboratory, online activities and workshops per week. The theory and concepts provided through on-line material and lectures will be complimented by a wide range of hands-on laboratory activities that are designed to teach laboratory skills, techniques, data analysis, experiment deign hypothesis formualtion and problem solving skills.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

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

Where it fits

MCB2022 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2020 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Professor Phillip Bird
Chief Examiners
Dr Peter Boag

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 8 units, including BCH3021, BCH3031, BCH3042, BCH3052, GEN3990 and MIC2011. Those lead on to 15 units in all.

When is MCB2022 offered?

In 2020, MCB2022 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

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 Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular biology.

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
Not available