Course Title: Developmental and Cell Biology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Developmental and Cell Biology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2319

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

BIOL2319

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023

Course Coordinator: Dr Juliana Antonipillai

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7339

Course Coordinator Email: juliana.antonipillai@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.02.034A-2


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

OR

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

This course expands on the first year course BIOL2272 Biology of the Cell, and details the latest advances in the exciting field of Cell Biology and the powerful new approaches it provides for understanding human health and disease.

You will study the structural and functional organisation of cell organelles; the properties of cell membranes and cellular transport processes.
You will also be given an appreciation of how cells control their shape and movement; the manner in which they communicate with one-another, divide, grow and die, sexually reproduce and differentiate as well as their role in embryology, and organogenesis.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course is designed to develop student’s knowledge and capabilities in the following areas: Cell diversity and structure, membrane functions, protein trafficking, cell communication, cytoskeleton, cell division, growth and death, meiosis, fertilization, differentiation and organogenesis.

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes for BP231 Bachelor of Biomedical Science and BP293 Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science:

  • Demonstrate a coherent understanding of biomedical science (PLO 1) 
  • Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge (PLO 2)
  • Critically analyse and solve scientific problems (PLO 3)
  • Be an effective communicator of science (PLO 4)


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of organelle structure and function;
  2. Understand the role of membranes and the cytoskeleton in cellular function;
  3. Describe how cells communicate;
  4. Describe the biological processes of mitosis and meiosis;
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of fertilization and the development of tissues and organs during embryonic development;
  6. Keep adequate written records, analyse, interpret and present data clearly, as well as demonstrate problem-solving skills at an intermediate level.


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.

The learning activities of this course takes place in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. The theory and practical components of the course are integrated throughout the teaching of this course and focuses on how a cell develops and functions, and in particular concentrating on the role that organelles play in these processes.

The practical component of the course is designed to build fundamental skills in cell culture techniques as well as critical analysis.  Students are required to interpret their results in a contextual framework based on their knowledge and technical capabilities.

Tutorials are designed to enhance the material delivered in lectures.  They are also designed to give the student feedback on their progress and better understanding of the material taught in the course.

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: Tutorial Quizzes
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Assessment Task 2: Mid-semester Assessment
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

Assessment Task 3: Lab-based Written Reports
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLO 6

Assessment Task 4: End of Semester Assessment-Short Answer Online Theory Assessment
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

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.