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 2025 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 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 12 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before MCB2022
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MCB2022
7 units list MCB2022 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- BCH3021Cellular organisation: Organelle structure and function in health and diseaseNo reviews yet
- BCH3042Cell signal transduction: Role in cancer and human diseaseNo reviews yet
- BCH3052Protein biology: From sequence to structure and diseaseNo reviews yet
- GEN3990Genetics in action research projectNo reviews yet
- MIC2011Microbiology foundations and global applicationsNo reviews yet
- MIC3011Molecular microbiologyNo reviews yet
- MIC3022Molecular virology and viral pathogenesisNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: MCB2011
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
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 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- In semester quizzes and assessmentQuiz / Test30%
- In-semester workshop and practical (laboratory) assessmentsDemonstrationThreshold hurdle40%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExaminationThreshold hurdle30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the mechanisms that enable cells to move in response to external stimuli.
- 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
Outline the mechanisms that drive gene expression and the way in which gene expression is regulated.
- 4
Illustrate how our understanding of cellular and molecular processes is enhanced through the use of animal models, microscopy and laboratory techniques.
- 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
Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate research findings either orally or in writing with reference to published literature as appropriate.
- 7
Work effectively as a member of a team.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops12 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachOnline 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
Facilitated by educators, students will collaboratively work through a range of activities to explore and extend concepts introduced in the on-line lessons.
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.
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.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Alberts Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition (Garland Science).
Where it fits
MCB2022 is part of 5 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Meredith O'Keeffe
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 2025, 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 Biochemistry, Biomedical engineering, Microbiology and Molecular biology.