BIOC3005 Cellular Biochemistry

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)

If this unit does not have an online alternative, then students who are presently unable to enter Western Australia and whose studies would be delayed by an inability to complete this unit, should contact the unit coordinator (details given on this page) to ascertain, on an individual case-by-case basis, if alternate arrangements can be made to support their study in this unit.

AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Online timetabled 100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
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
Content
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.
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.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 overall and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.
Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Robert Tuckey
Unit rules
Prerequisites:
[(BIOC2203 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell or BIOC2001 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell) and (BIOC2202 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function or BIOC2002 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function)]
Incompatibility:
BIOC3352 Cellular and Metabolic Biochemistry; PHYL3300 Mammalian Cell Biology
Contact hours
lectures: 26 x 1 hour; labs: 5 x 6 hours; journal clubs: 7 x 1 hour
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus. Copies of textbooks and other readings will be made available for students to access from the Library, online wherever possible as well as in print.