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Unit of study_
BIOL2029: Cell Biology
2025 unit information
Cell biology is one of the most dynamic areas in science today. In both plants and animals, cell to cell communication and coordination of the cell cycle, as well as cellular division and migration, are vital for normal development of various tissues from stem cells. In this unit you will investigate, the diversity of cell types, how these different cells interact with each other, how the cell cycle is controlled, as well as studying the roles of cellular movement, differentiation and interaction in reproduction and development. In this unit, you will acquire a deep understanding of the established knowledge base and develop research skills to extend this knowledge. Discussions will incorporate recent advances in cell research including the regenerative potential of stem cells to replace damaged and diseased tissue and how the placenta can control the physiology of the mother and foetus. The laboratory program, provides you with hands on training in key techniques such as cell culture, cell signal transduction, mitochondrial physiology, drug discovery in marine organisms, digital microscopy and tissue specific gene expression. These skills will prepare you for a research pathway and/or a career that includes cell biology.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
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BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX7 or BIOL1XX8 or MBLG1XXX or MEDS1X01 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
?
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None |
| Prohibitions:
?
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BIOL2016 or BIOL2916 or BIOL2929 |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. apply skills developed in the operation of stereo and compound microscopes and their use in cell and tissue research
- LO2. apply competencies in calculating the concentration of cells and chemicals in a changed volume of solute
- LO3. develop skills in the culture of cells in vitro and the use of cell cultures for research
- LO4. generate your own unique cell biology data, apply key cell biology research techniques to solve novel questions and create a scientific manuscript
- LO5. understand the major pathways in intercellular and intracellular communication and signalling
- LO6. evaluate research on the molecular machinery that allows endocrine glands such as the hypothalamus and pituitary to control cellular processes in the body of animals
- LO7. understand the cytoskeleton and how it allows cells to function including movement and the formation of intracellular transport pathways and networks
- LO8. describe the mechanism and control of the cell cycle at the molecular level and how the loss of these controls can lead to cancer and cancer progression
- LO9. understand the molecular mechanisms that control apoptosis and how apoptosis is used in development
- LO10. evaluate current research on development processes in plants and animals.
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 ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
