Course Title: Biology of the Cell

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Biology of the Cell

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2272

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

BIOL2272

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023

BIOL2375

City Campus

Undergraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2013

Course Coordinator: A/Prof Terry Piva

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6503

Course Coordinator Email: terry.piva@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 220.04.14

Course Coordinator Availability: Available by appointment only


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to cell biology. It will cover the molecular and physical structures of cells, their biochemical and physiological functions and their components, as well as the genetic basis of inheritance.

Areas covered include:

  • Structures and functions of cells and organelles
  • Protein structure and function · Macromolecules
  • DNA and RNA structures
  • Cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis
  • Basic genetics and inheritance
  • Cell membrane structure, transport and signalling pathways
  • Metabolism and energy transduction pathways
  • Functions of specialised cells in the human body

This course will lay the foundations for advanced studies in biochemistry, physiology, molecular and cell biology.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes in the following disciplines:

BP231 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  • Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating knowledge across disciplines contributing to biomedical science (PLO 2)

BH102 Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

This course contributes to capability development in the following Domains of the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia:

  • Critical analysis, research and education (Domain 8)

BP147 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine)

  • Knowledge capability (PLO 1)
  • Technical capability (PLO 2)

BP311 Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

  • Exhibiting depth and breadth of scientific knowledge
    Develop a broad and coherent body of knowledge particularly in biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and toxicology (PLO 1)

BP278 Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine), and, BP280 Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic)

  • Provide specialised health care within a patient-centred, evidence-based framework (PLO 1)
  • Communicate effectively in a range of forms (written, online, oral) and with diverse audiences (patients, community/public, agencies and health professionals) (PLO 5)
  • Work independently and in teams, specifically to lead and contribute to inter-professional care partnerships (PLO 6)

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) for BP279 Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy):

  • Manage all aspects of clinical practice to comply with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards in an evolving healthcare industry (PLO 5)
  • Work autonomously and collaboratively, to lead and/or contribute to inter-professional healthcare partnerships (PLO 6)


Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Recognise the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as the specialisation of cells in a multicellular organism
  2. Identify subcellular structures, organelles and understand their functions
  3. Explain the basic processes involved in DNA replication, transcription and translation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems
  4. Relate the role of DNA in the control of cell division and reproduction
  5. Recognise the fundamental aspects of inheritance and relate this to how genes pass on particular characteristics
  6. Describe the biological processes of mitosis and meiosis
  7. Define the nature and roles of macromolecules in cellular functions
  8. Recognise basic metabolic processes in a cell and how such processes are regulated
  9. Perform basic laboratory techniques in a competent manner


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Online quizzes
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

Assessment Task 2: Practical reports
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9

Assessment Task 3: In semester timed online test assessment
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

Assessment Task 4: End of semester timed online test assessment
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.