UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit builds on the Level 2 units BIOC2001 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell and BIOC2002 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function. The topics of protein targeting, signal transduction and the life cycle of cells—growth, differentiation, cancer and cell death—are covered. Mechanisms of metabolic regulation, the role of enzymes and energy generation (which explains how cells cope with environmental changes and stress) complete the theory part of the unit. The laboratory practical component encompasses tissue culture and qualitative and quantitative analysis of changes in gene expression on cell stimulation and/or differentiation. The opportunity to engage in a research project in a research laboratory may be offered (depending on staff availability) to students who are enrolled in a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major and also enrolled in

this unit and BIOC3003 Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function. Students who have achieved an average grade of 65 per cent or more in their second-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology unit(s) are eligible to apply. The research project runs for about 10 weeks and replaces the teaching laboratory components of this unit BIOC3003 Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function. Students undertaking a research project still do the laboratory quiz and the mark for their written report on the project replaces the laboratory report written by students taking the teaching laboratory component.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 core unit in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Molecular Life Sciences; Biochemistry of Nutrition major sequences
• Level 3 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of cell function at the biochemical level, including the biochemical basis of cellular malfunctions that lead to stressed or diseased states, e.g. cancer, oxidative stress; (2) demonstrate research skills in cell culture, modern methods of quantitative analysis of gene expression and data collection, analysis and written reporting of results; and (3) use skills in literature research, comprehension and analysis of scientific publications and oral and visual presentation of scientific material.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) final Exam; (2) laboratories; and (3) oral Journal Club Presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the laboratories component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Alice Vrielink

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

two Unit(s) BIOC2001 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell
and Unit(s) BIOC2002 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function

Contact hours

lectures: 26 x 1 hour
labs: 5 x 6 hours
journal clubs: 7 x 1 hour

Note

BIOC3005 has a compulsory face to face laboratory component, which will need to be completed (at a later date) before a final grade can be awarded for the unit, if the unit is completed in an online mode.