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Unit of study_
BCMB3001: Gene and Genome Regulation
2025 unit information
Virtually every cell in your body contains the same DNA, but each one of your cell types uses a distinct subset of genes to define its function throughout its lifetime at every step along its developmental pathway. This unit of study will lead you to appreciate the mechanisms by which cells switch on or switch off genes at different times, in different places and in response to different signals. You will discover how our cells walk the fine line between repairing genetic damage and generating genetic diversity. You will also explore how manipulation of the genome through natural or targeted mutation can contribute to, prevent or treat disease. Our practicals, together with other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to a wide range of currently utilised techniques for modern molecular biology, ranging from laboratory-based experiments to bioinformatics, in silico and virtual reality studies. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with senior level skills and knowledge to support your studies and careers in the cellular and molecular biosciences.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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6 credit points from (BCMB2X01 or BMED2802 or MBLG2X01 or MEDS2003) and 6 credit points from (BCHM2X71 or BCHM2X72 or BCHM3XXX or BCMB2X02 or BCMB3XXX or BIOL2X29 or BMED2401 or BMED2405 or GEGE2X01 or MBLG2XXX or MEDS2002 or PCOL2X21 or QBIO2001) |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BCHM3X71 or BCMB3901 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Intermediate biochemistry and molecular biology |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. outline the basic principles and describe in detail the constituent elements of gene and genome architecture, and attribute these features to their functions in regulation of gene expression
- LO2. describe the mechanisms involved in gene regulation; illustrate the roles of different sets of proteins and nucleic acids in this process
- LO3. identify the main species of RNA that contribute to gene regulation; investigate how these species contribute to complexity and genetic diversity
- LO4. explain the mechanisms by which the cell maintains the genome; analyse which features drive fidelity or diversity
- LO5. understand and predict how changes in DNA/RNA sequence can affect gene expression and outputs of the genome
- LO6. compare the various ways in which gene expression can be regulated; assess which features of the genome can be manipulated to modify cellular function, development and contribute to disease
- LO7. explain, with examples, the difference between qualitative and quantitative measurements; determine which of the different techniques should be used, and implement methods to visualise and characterise the properties of gene expression regulation in an accurate and reproducible manner
- LO8. collect experimental data and adapt, develop and trouble-shoot experimental procedures for novel contexts and requirements
- LO9. assess the quality of data, interpret and draw conclusions from data obtained in the laboratory
- LO10. summarise and identify the key points from biochemical data from a range of published sources; synthesise and communicate the findings.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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