| Effective Term: | 2027/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability |
| Unit Title: | Molecular Cell Biology |
| Unit ID: | SCMOL3001 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | (SCBCH2001) |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | (SCMED2031) |
| ASCED: | 010901 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
The unit examines the pathways by which cells receive external information and process this into specific biochemical responses. We begin with a survey of different mechanisms of cellular signalling and their roles in `normal` cellular activities and overall homeostasis. A diverse set of cellular processes is studied and the normal control mechanisms highlighted. This is followed by investigation of the dysfunction of signalling mechanisms in several disease states. The unit will also explore the use of advanced recombinant DNA technologies in research and diagnostics. The latest methods for investigating gene and protein function, gene therapy, virus detection and typing, recombinant vaccine production and personalized medicine will be explored. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | | | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | | | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| Skills: |
| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| Other outcomes: |
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| O6. | Analyse mechanisms of cellular communication and evaluate their roles in maintaining homeostasis. |
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| O7. | Critically interpret how signalling pathway dysfunction contributes to complex disease states. |
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| O8. | Apply advanced molecular and multi-omics technologies for diagnostic and research purposes. |
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| O9. | Develop and justify strategies to address and communicate scientific problems in molecular biology using scholarly literature and contemporary approaches. |
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| Unit Content: |
This unit will contain most or all of the following content: •Structure and function of eukaryotic cells and organelles review. •Trafficking between cellular compartments review. •Cell signalling and signal transduction. •Advanced regulation of gene expression: RNAi, epigenetics. •Endocrine control of cellular processes. •The cell cycle, apoptosis and cell death. •Pathogenesis associated with dysfunctional states. •Advanced molecular diagnostics: including high-throughput sequencing, transcriptome analysis and microarray technology. •Proteomics and metabolomics. |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.
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| FED TASK and descriptor | Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit | | Level | FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal | Students at this level will demonstrate an advanced ability in a range of contexts to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display high level skills in-person and/or online in: • Using and demonstrating a high level of verbal and non-verbal communication • Demonstrating a mastery of listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Demonstrating and showing empathy for others • High order skills in negotiating and conflict resolution skills\\ • Demonstrating mastery of working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 2
Leadership | Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery in professional skills and behaviours in leading others. • Creating and sustaining a collegial environment • Demonstrating a high level of self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect and justify decisions • Inspiring and initiating opportunities to lead others • Making informed professional decisions • Demonstrating initiative in new professional situations. | Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor | FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity | Students at this level will demonstrate high level skills in working in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically to generate and consider complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level • Analysing complex and abstract ideas, concepts and information • Communicate alternative perspectives to justify complex ideas • Demonstrate a mastery of challenging conventional thinking to clarify complex concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving to new situations for further learning. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy | Students at this level will demonstrate the ability to work competently across a wide range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Mastering, exploring, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information professionally • Collating, managing complex data, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding professionally to messages in a range of professional digital media • Contributing competently and professionally to digital teams and working groups • Participating at a high level in digital learning opportunities. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 5
sustainable and Ethical Mindset | Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery of considering and assessing the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting professional ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Demonstrate informed judgment making that considers the impact of devising complex solutions in ambiguous global economic environmental and societal contexts • Professionally committing to the promulgation of social responsibility • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Communicating lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to the diverse professional others • Generating, leading and implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines |
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| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | Professional Standards |
| 1. |
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Students will be assessed on their understanding of lecture content. |
Lecture Content Test |
25–35% |
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| 2. |
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Students will develop an understanding of cellular signalling mechanisms and investigate the molecular effects of selected bioactive molecules on cells, tissues, and organs. |
Written Report Assessment |
20–30% |
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| 3. |
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Students will be assessed on their understanding of tutorial content and their ability to apply key concepts in the development of a research proposal. |
Tutorial Assessment |
20-30% |
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| 4. |
1, 2, 3, , , , , |
Students will be assessed on their knowledge and application of lecture content. |
Final Test |
15–25% |
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