BIOS 3027 Molecular Biology of the Cell
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 301251
Coordinator Liza Cubeddu Opens in new window
Description Molecular biology is central to many fields of the biomedical and natural sciences, and includes genetics, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, and forensics. Through comparative studies of different organisms, this Unit will explain fundamental concepts and methods in the study of DNA and RNA, extending to the application of molecular biology in more advanced fields such as genomics. Subjects will include DNA replication; transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression; microarrays, and an introduction to bioinformatics. Practical work will provide opportunities to become familiar with the methods of molecular biology, with an emphasis on the development of problem solving and analytical skills.Students may be required to travel to a different campus to undertake this unit.
School Science
Discipline Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject
Pre-requisite(s) BIOS 2014 OR
BIOS 2018
Incompatible Subjects BIOS 3015 Human Molecular Biology
BIOS 2026 Molecular Biology
Learning Outcomes
- Recall common terms and definitions of molecular biology
- Explain how genomes are organised and how this relates to the control of gene expression.
- Describe mechanisms of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation
- Compare and contrast common approaches to analyse DNA and RNA at the level of a single gene and of a whole genome.
- Plan, complete and become proficient in conducting experiments in molecular biology.
- Communicate and problem solve experiments as part of a laboratory group.
- Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and analysis.
Subject Content
-The structure and organisation of DNA and RNA: relating form to function
-What is a gene? Locating genes within a genome and in different organisms
-The organisation of genome
-The theory and practice of cloning
Theme 2: Synthesis of DNA, RNA and Protein
-DNA Synthesis (Replication) and DNA replication- Termination of replication and role of telomerase
-RNA Synthesis (Transcription)
-RNA processing
-The genetic code
-Protein synthesis (Translation)
Theme 3: Controlling the genome ? DNA repair and the regulation of transcription
-The regulation of gene expression: Nucleosome modification and Chromatin remodelling
-Types of mutations
-DNA repair pathways
-Homologous recombination and its importance in DNA repair and meiosis
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Item | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online multiple choice quiz (online problem solving) | 1 hour | 15 | N | Individual |
| Laboratory Practical Component and Critical Analysis | 1,500 words | 45 | N | Individual |
| Final Exam Written, with multiple choice | 2 hour | 40 | N | Individual |
Prescribed Texts
- Michael M. Cox, Jennifer A. Doudna, Michael O�fDonnell, (2015) Molecular Biology- Principles and Practice, 2nd Edition W. H. Freeman, New York
Teaching Periods
Spring
Campbelltown
Day
Subject Contact Liza Cubeddu Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
Day
Subject Contact Liza Cubeddu Opens in new window