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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.

Theory topics in this unit include protein targeting, signal transduction and the life cycle of cells—growth, differentiation, cancer and cell death, mechanisms of metabolic regulation, the role of enzymes and energy generation to gain understanding of how cells cope with environmental changes and stress.

The teaching laboratory component encompasses tissue culture, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of changes in gene expression upon cell stimulation and/or differentiation. Alternatively, there is opportunity to engage in a project within a research laboratory of the School of Molecular Sciences which may be offered to eligible students enrolled in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, and in this unit and BIOC3003 Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function within the same semester of study.

Students who achieve an average grade of 70 per cent or more in the second-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology core unit(s) are eligible. Research projects are approximately 8 weeks in length. Students undertaking a research project do not participate in the teaching laboratories of this unit nor BIOC3003 Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function.

All students, whether undertaking a research project or the teaching laboratories must complete the Laboratory Components assessment item for this unit.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (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) laboratory components; and (3) journal club oral presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Heng Chooi and Associate Professor Peter Arthur
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: 26x 45-min

Laboratories: 5x 6-hours OR a 60-hour research project (subject to availability and in combination with BIOC3003)

Journal Club Workshops: 7x 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.