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Unit outline_

BIOL2029: Cell Biology

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX7 or BIOL1XX8 or MBLG1XXX or MEDS1X01
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOL2016 or BIOL2916 or BIOL2929
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Murray Thomson, murray.thomson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Murray Thomson, murray.thomson@sydney.edu.au
Min Chen, min.chen@sydney.edu.au
Marcus Heisler, marcus.heisler@sydney.edu.au
Osu Lilje, osu.lilje@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Written answers.
60% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Tutorial quiz Quiz 1
Short answer and multiple choice questions
5% Week 04 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO2
Assignment Report
Research manuscript
20% Week 08
Due date: 23 Apr 2023 at 23:59
Approximately 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Tutorial quiz Quiz 2
Short answer and multiple choice questions
5% Week 12 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO3 LO2
Assignment Laboratory work
Laboratory class performance and lab book portfolio
10% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2023 at 23:59
Completion of lab manual
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Quizzes: The 2 quizzes will be run during practicals and are held in the laboratory. The questions will cover the lecture material from the previous weeks, and will also relate to the previous practical classes, focussing on the main principles, overall results, and key conclusions. There is a practice quiz for you to see the format on the Blackboard site. Please make sure you are on time, to avoid losing valuable time and marks.
  • Report: The report is prepared on an individual basis and is based on the work that you did in a nominated lab session. The report needs to be thoroughly researched, well organised and properly referenced, typed, and contain all the sections listed in the report guideline that will be provided to you.
  • Laboratory work: During each laboratory session, you need to record all the original results of your experiments and write answers to any questions.
  • Exam: The theory exam will consist of questions that require written answers. Each of the lecturers will set questions relevant to their lecture material. Examples of exam papers from previous years are available in the library and on the Learning Management System web site. 

    This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.

    If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Visualising cells Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Principles of cell signalling Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Cell biology techniques Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Cellular control by mitochondria Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO10
Signalling through G-protein coupled receptors Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO10
Arabidopsis model plant A Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Week 03 Phospholipase and calcium cell signalling Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6
Cell signalling through enzyme coupled receptors Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Signal transduction and motility in Euglena (Arabidopsis plant B) Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Cellular endocrinology Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6
Cell culture Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Arabidopsis model plant C Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 05 Cell signalling routes in gene regulation Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO10
Cell signalling in plants Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO10
Explant cell culture Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Function and origin of the cytoskeleton Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Actin and actin binding proteins Lecture (1 hr) LO7
The mitochondrion Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 07 Cell contraction via actin and myosin Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Microtubules and cellular traffic Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Week 08 Intermediate filaments and cell migration Lecture (1 hr) LO7 LO10
The mitotic and cytokinetic apparatus Lecture (1 hr) LO7 LO8 LO10
Compound and digital microscopy/ Set up for plant cells Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1
Week 09 Plant cells and development Lecture (1 hr) LO10
Control of the cell cycle Lecture (1 hr) LO8
Plant cells and development 1 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO4 LO10
Week 10 Cell junctions Lecture (1 hr) LO7 LO10
Overview of development Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10
Plant cells and development 2 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO4 LO10
Week 11 Mechanisms of pattern formation Lecture (1 hr) LO10
Cell death Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10
Analysis of tissue specific gene expression 1 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 12 Tissues and the extracellular matrix Lecture (1 hr) LO7 LO10
Cancer in cells and tissues 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO8
Analysis of tissue specific gene expression 2 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 13 Cancer in cells and tissues 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO8
Stem cells and tissue renewal Lecture (1 hr) LO8 LO10
Bioactive molecules from sea anemones Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Students are required to attend all practical classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Alberts B., Johnson A., Lewis J., Raff M., Roberts K., Walter P. (2022) Molecular Biology of the Cell (Seventh edition).  Garland Publishing Inc., New York & London, available from booktopia.com.au ISBN-9780393884852

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         
LO8         
LO9         
LO10         

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Thanks everyone for your terrific feedback, it was so good to see that the majority of you came away from this unit with positive impressions about aspects of learning such as, finding the unit engaging enjoying the lectures and feeling supported by the staff This year it was very evident that there was such a fantastic community spirit amongst all the students in the practical classes on Wednesday and Thursday and all the staff looked forward each week to coming to the lab, so it is great to hear that many of you did too. In particular, I noticed that all the students were so easy going and supportive of each other, which was lovely to see and be a part of. I have to mention how much I enjoyed chatting with you in and after the lectures, I am so glad that you all quickly became comfortable with an informal interactive lecture format. When I look back at what we discussed in the labs and the lectures I agree with those of you who said there were some fascinating and stimulating topics. Most of all I hope that you developed confidence in your lab-based capabilities and developed your curiosity and drive for science. All the best for Semester 2, cheers, Murray

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.