SLE357 - Advanced Cell Biology

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 2: Chris Lim
Prerequisite:

SLE111, SLE212, SLE254

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with:

SLE206

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour online live lecture per week, 6 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester

Content

This unit will focus on biological processes occurring between cells and their environment. Emphasis will be placed on animal cells, but key concepts of plant cells will also be discussed. Topics will include cellular architecture, function and evolution, bio membranes and transport processes, the cytoskeleton, cell signalling and signal transduction, the control of the cell cycle as well as communication between cells and cellular communities. Students will learn modern techniques in cell culture, tissue engineering and microscopy that inform an advanced understanding of dynamic cell function, which is directly relevant to real-world applications in research and development. Students will discuss controversial topics in cell biology and their impact on society and demonstrate skills in communication and teamwork.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Explain, discuss, and apply principles and concepts of cell biology to determine solutions for problems at an advanced level.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

 

ULO2

Work responsibly and safely in the laboratory environment to conduct cell biological experiments and enhance skills using appropriate instruments and equipment.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO6: Self-management

ULO3

Apply and evaluate methods of experimentation and use software packages to analyse data to explore and expand knowledge in familiar and unfamiliar situations.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO4

Work collaboratively in a team to develop and present a clear and informative presentation highlighting opposing views on a controversial topic in cellular biology and apply advanced communication skills to appropriately illustrate ideas.

GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO7: Teamwork
GLO8: Global citizenship

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week

Assessment 1
Cell biology concepts

Students will be required to answer a series of content-related questions online each fortnight.

30% (5 x 6%)

Every two weeks starting week 3

Assessment 2
Post-practical analysis

Students will be required to complete 4 worksheets to answer a series of questions after each practical class.

20% (4 x 5%)

The day before practicals 2, 3, 4 and 5

Assessment 3
Scientific debate (group task)

Students will work in groups of 3 to produce a 3-4 min video debating assignment.

20%

Week 9

Assessment 4
Laboratory skills challenge

Students will apply knowledge and technical skills to evaluate, execute and resolve familiar and unfamiliar real-world laboratory scenarios.

30%

Week 12

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Hurdle requirement

To be eligible to obtain a pass in this unit, students must achieve at least 50% in the practical component (post-practical analysis and practical experience (laboratory) skills challenge), in addition to the normal requirement of at least 50% overall for the unit.

Learning Resource

Prescribed text(s): Alberts, 2023, Essential Cell Biology, 6th edition (or 5th edition), Garland Publishing.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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