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Unit Guide
BMS2021
Human molecular cell biology
Semester 1, 2018
Handbook link:
http://monash.edu.au/pubs/2018handbooks/units/BMS2021.html
Table of contents 1
BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Table of contents
Unit handbook information 4
Synopsis 4
Mode of delivery 4
Workload requirements 4
Unit relationships 4
Prerequisites 4
Prohibitions 4
Co-requisites 4
Chief Examiner(s) 4
Unit coordinator(s) 4
Lecturer(s) 5
Academic overview 5
Learning outcomes 5
Teaching approach 6
Assessment summary 6
Assessment requirements 7
Assessment tasks 8
Referencing requirements 13
Assignment submission 13
Returning assignments 13
Resubmission of assignments 13
Special Consideration 13
Extensions and penalties 13
Examination(s) 14
Feedback to you 15
Unit Schedule 16
Your feedback to us 18
Previous student evaluations of this unit 18
Learning resources 19
Required resources 19
Technological requirements 20
Clinical placements/fieldwork 20
Other information 20
Policies 20
Academic Integrity 20
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Special Consideration 20
Clinical/Fieldwork Placement Procedures and Behaviour Guidelines 20
Word Count Guidelines 20
Honours Guidelines 21
Research Project and Minor Thesis Guidelines 21
Professional Editing Guidelines 21
Immunisation and Infection Risk 21
Police Checks 21
Working with Children Check Guidelines 21
Graduate Attributes Policy (within Course Design Policy) 21
Student Charter 21
Student Services 21
Monash University Library 21
Disability Support Services 21
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Unit handbook information
Synopsis
This unit covers the molecular principles of cellular metabolic regulation, metabolic
interrelationship of tissues, molecular events associated with the fed and fasted states, and the
generation of metabolic energy by oxidation of macronutrients.
It discusses hormone action and the molecular and cellular basis of diseases, and gives an
overview of tissue metabolism.
The autonomic control of energy, exercise and metabolism, and how drugs can modulate these
processes will be considered and discussed.
The unit will also cover the molecular mechanism of cell growth, differentiation and death, and
introduces the basic principles of developmental biology covering cell fate, pattern formation and
tissue morphogenesis during embryonic life.
Mode of delivery
Clayton (On-campus)
Workload requirements
6 hr directed learning (lectures, workshops and pre- and post- class learning activities)
Unit relationships
Prerequisites
BMS1011.
Prohibitions
BCH2022
Co-requisites
Must be enrolled in one of the following:
Chief Examiner(s)
Assoc. Professor Elizabeth Davis
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Unit coordinator(s)
Professor Janet Macaulay
Campus: Clayton
Building: Room: G15, 23 Innovation Walk
Phone: +61 3 990 53730
Email: Janet.Macaulay@monash.edu
Lecturer(s)
Name: Professor Michael Ryan
Campus: Clayton
Building: Room:
Phone:
Email: Michael.Ryan@monash.edu
Name: Dr Richard Loiacano
Campus: Clayton
Building: Room:
Phone:
Email: richard.loiacano@monash.edu
Name: Associate Professor Craig Smith
Campus:
Building: Room:
Phone:
Email: craig.smith@monash.edu
Name: Dr Caroline Speed
Campus: Clayton
Building: Room:
Phone:
Email: caroline.speed@monash.edu
Academic overview
Learning outcomes
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1.Discuss how energy and nutrients are supplied to mammalian cells and how metabolism is
regulated and integrated.
2.Discuss the mechanisms by which cells communicate to coordinate metabolism, cell
growth, differentiation and cell death.
3.Describe the mechanisms by which precursor and stem cells differentiate into mature cells.
4.Explain the molecular and cellular basis of selected diseases and how they can be
modulated by drugs.
5.Demonstrate an ability to present, analyse and interpret data from molecular and cell
biological experiments clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
6.Demonstrate the ability to work in a team.
Teaching approach
This unit uses a blended approach to learning which encompasses: lectures and workshops.
Lectures: There will be one 2-hour lecture per week. Many of these lecture sessions will have
required pre-class and post-class activities. These activities cover core content which will be
assessed. The lecture sessions will be interactive - so come prepared to participate!
The workshops (small groups) reinforce and extend the lecture sessions and related activities and
provide a learning environment in which knowledge can be applied and skills (eg critical thinking,
problem solving and communication) can be further developed. The workshops consist of case-
based learning; problem-based learning (data analysis); inquiry-based learning and peer assisted
learning.
Assessment summary
● Exam (3 hours) (55%)
● Small group learning sessions (35%)
● Online quizzes (10%)
Small group learning 35% Dates of specific workshops are available in the unit
sessions (Workshops) workbook and on the Moodle site
Online Quizzes 10% Closing dates for each quiz are available on the
BMS2021 Moodle site and listed above.
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Assessment requirements
Students are required to note the Faculty’s assessment policy (item 1.2.1) regarding threshold standards/hurdles at:
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy-2017.html
Students are required to refer to the University Academic Integrity policy and procedure at:
http://www.policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/conduct/student-academic-integrity-policy.html
Students should be aware that the University will monitor and act on information received about the use of cheat sites, paper mills and
other online resources that promote dishonest academic conduct. If a student has been found to have used any of these sources to
breach the Student Academic Integrity Policy, the University will pursue the matter in accordance with Part 7 of the Monash University
(Council) Regulations.
Assessment tasks 7
BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Assessment tasks
IMPORTANT: All assessment tasks must be attempted.
1. Discuss how energy and nutrients are supplied to mammalian cells and how metabolism is regulated and integrated.
2. Discuss the mechanisms by which cells communicate to coordinate metabolism, cell growth, differentiation and cell death.
3. Describe the mechanisms by which precursor and stem cells differentiate into mature cells.
4. Explain the molecular and cellular basis of selected diseases and how they can be modulated by drugs.
5. Demonstrate an ability to present, analyse and interpret data from molecular and cell biological experiments clearly and concisely
in oral and written form.
6. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team.
Details of task: Weekly workshop activities are detailed in the unit workbook and on the Moodle site.
Release date: Dates of specific workshops are available in the unit workbook and on the Moodle site
Due date: Dates of specific workshops are available in the unit workbook and on the Moodle site
Word limit: Refer to unit workbook and the BMS2021 Moodle site for details of specific workshops
Value: 35%
Presentation requirements: Refer to unit workbook and Moodle site for specific details of each workshop
Estimated return date: One week after submission
Hurdle requirements: N/A
Individual assessment in group tasks: Refer to unit workbook and moodlle site for further details.
Workshop
Week 4:
Mini case studies
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Week 5: Case study -
David’s development problems
Week 7:
Drugs and metabolism
Week 10:
Apoptosis
Criteria for marking: Refer to unit workbook and the BMS2021 Moodle site.
Workshop 1 Nil 1 -
Topic A
Introduction to workshops
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Workshop 6 Pre-Class: Online Quiz (10%) 6 3%
Topic B In-Class: Group MCQs, 2 x SAQs based on the case
Case study - Diabetes (90%)
Workshop 8 Nil 8 -
Topic D
Protein trafficking presentations preparation
Workshop 11 Nil 11 -
Topic E
Developmental biology exercise I
Additional information: N/A
1. Discuss how energy and nutrients are supplied to mammalian cells and how metabolism is regulated and integrated.
2. Discuss the mechanisms by which cells communicate to coordinate metabolism, cell growth, differentiation and cell death.
3. Describe the mechanisms by which precursor and stem cells differentiate into mature cells.
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
3. Describe the mechanisms by which precursor and stem cells differentiate into mature cells.
4. Explain the molecular and cellular basis of selected diseases and how they can be modulated by drugs..
After each set of lectures (topics A-E) an online quiz (moodle) will open for at least one week (There is not a quiz on Topic F). The
marks for all questions are equally weighted, adding up to 10% of your total mark for the unit.
These quizzes are designed to feedback on your learning. Experience from previous years would suggest that students performance in
the quizzes correlates more strongly to performance in the final exam than performance in small group sessions.
Topic F NO QUIZ
1. Discuss how energy and nutrients are supplied to mammalian cells and how metabolism is regulated and integrated.
2. Discuss the mechanisms by which cells communicate to coordinate metabolism, cell growth, differentiation and cell death.
3. Describe the mechanisms by which precursor and stem cells differentiate into mature cells.
4. Explain the molecular and cellular basis of selected diseases and how they can be modulated by drugs.
Details of task: The end of semester exam is a 3 hour exam consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions. It will assess the
material covered in the lectures and lecture related activities. The workshops are not specifically assessed in the exam but will aid in
your understanding of the content/concepts covered in the lectures and lecture related activities.
Release date: N/A
Due date: N/A
Word limit: N/A
Value: 55%
Presentation requirements: N/A
Estimated return date: N/A
Hurdle requirements: A pass in the final exam is required to pass the unit
Individual assessment in group tasks: N/A
Criteria for marking: Accuracy of answers
Additional information: N/A
Referencing requirements 12
BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Referencing requirements
To build your skills in citing and referencing, and using different referencing styles, see the online
tutorial Academic Integrity: Demystifying Citing and Referencing at
www.lib.monash.edu/tutorials/citing/
When submitting a piece of academic work, you need to properly acknowledge the material that
you have consulted. This allows others who read your work to verify facts or research the same
information more easily. References in Science are given in the form of a bibliography at the end
of your work. It is recommended that you use the Harvard style for your citations
Assignment submission
1. Students are required to submit continuous formative/summative assessment items (where
appropriate) via the University’s online Learning Management System - Moodle. If the assessment
/plagiarism/collusion declaration is being used within Moodle for an assessment item a separate
assignment a coversheet is not required.
Where hard copy assessment submission is necessary, assessments must include a cover sheet.
The cover sheet is accessible at: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/student-forms.html.
2. No hard copy submissions will be permitted for those assessments requiring online submission.
Returning assignments
Student submissions will usually be returned with marks and feedback one week after submission.
Resubmission of assignments
Faculty policy http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessmentr.html
Special Consideration
Refer to the University procedure: http://www.monash.edu/exams/changes/special-consideration
For all assessment items handed in after the official due date, and without an agreed extension, a
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
For all assessment items handed in after the official due date, and without an agreed extension, a
10% penalty applies to the total possible mark for that assessment item for the first day (or part
thereof) after the due date of submission. After that, a subsequent penalty of 10% per day (or part
thereof) will be applied for each day after the due date (including weekends, and public holidays).
If the assessment item is 7 or more days overdue, the work may be submitted and will be marked,
but not graded. A zero grade will be awarded.
Generally days of strict religious observance are known by students at the beginning of a
semester. It is expected that students will apply for special consideration in well in advance when
a clash or problem may arise. Students should be aware that that the timetabling of multiple units
in a discipline usually allows limited flexibility in making alternative arrangements.
Students who miss a small group exercise or online quiz must submit an in-semester special
consideration appliction, attach supporting documentation and submit to the School of Biomedical
Sciences Student Services via: http://my.monash.edu/ask.monash within two working days of the
exercise missed.
f you are unable to attend your end-of-semester exam, which appears in your exam timetable in
the Web Enrolment System(WES), then you need to apply for special consideration on WES.
For full details on special consideration, please visit the University's special consideration web site.
Examination(s)
Title: End of semester examination
Value: 55%
Details: Written examination of three hours duration, consisting of multiple choice and short
answer questions.
The end of semester examination is a Hurdle. In order to pass the hurdle you must achieve a mark
of 45% or greater in the exam.
Students who receive 45% or greater in the exam will pass the unit and receive the aggregate
mark of all assessment tasks as their final unit mark.
Students who fail the hurdle i.e receive 44% or less in the exam will NOT be offered further
assessment. The mark returned as your final mark for the unit will depend on your performance in
the other assessment tasks for the unit and on your final exam mark;
For students who have passed all other assessment tasks and have received between 40-44% in
the exam a mark of 48N will be returned as your final mark for the unit. You may be eligible for
supplementary assessment as determined by Faculty Board of Examiners.
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
For students who have NOT passed all other assessment tasks or who have received less than
40% in the exam a mark of 44N will be returned as your final mark for the unit. You will NOT be
eligible for supplementary assessment.
Students should consult the flowchart on the moodle site for further clarification of the policy.
Feedback to you
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessmentf.html
Monash aims to provide a learning environment in which students receive a range of ongoing
feedback. In BMS2021 students receive feedback on the quality of their learning through
undertaking weekly exercises that are graded and discussed in the workshops and online quizzes
where feedback is provided. These activities reinforce the material that is delivered in lectures.
Students are encouraged to draw on this variety of feedback to enhance their learning.
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Unit Schedule
For units with on-campus classes, teaching activities are normally scheduled to start on the hour
(teaching will commence on the hour and conclude 10 minutes prior to the scheduled end time).
Monash Week
Teaching beginning: LECTURE Small group session (workshop)
Week Monday
Refer to your individual Monash timetable for the dates, time and location of your sessions
Topic B Cell talk: communication networks inside and outside Dr Jessica Gibbons (JG)
the cell
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Topic C The autonomic control of energy, exercise and Dr Richard Loicano (RL)
metabolism
Topic D Trafficking, life and death of the cell Prof Mike Ryan (MR)
This topic will focus on human metabolic processes and their regulation. These will include
processes related to carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. The topic will start with a focus on
carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and then move to amino acid and nitrogen metabolism. The
varied strategies used to regulate these metabolic processes including; fuel distribution and
utilisation by different tissues in the body, transport of nutrients across cell membranes and
hormonal regulation will be a focus of this topic. The important role of enzymes in governing these
metabolic processes and their use in clinical diagnosis of disease is a critical aspect of this topic.
Varied nutritional status and metabolic diseases will be introduced as examples of altered
metabolic states.
Topic B: Cell Talk: Communication networks inside and outside the Dr Jessica Gibbons
cell
The specific molecular and systemic mechanisms by which cells communicate with one another to
co-ordinate growth, differentiation and metabolism will be discussed in the context of normal
systemic homeostasis and in the abnormal setting of human disease. These signalling pathways
range from direct cell-cell contact to the action of circulating endocrine hormones. Examples of
hormones, their cell receptors, the intracellular mediators, second messengers and pathways, and
the final effector proteins will be discussed within the lectures. Dysfunctional cell signalling
pathways underpin major disease states, such as cancer but also offer specific approaches for
clinical treatment and the development of novel drug therapies to treat human disease
Topic C: The autonomic control of energy, exercise and metabolism Dr Richard Loiacono
This topic will focus on the autonomic control of energy, exercise and metabolism. This will include
a general overview of the autonomic system but will focus on adrenaline and the noradrenergic
system. The topic will start with a focus how cells respond to adrenaline and agents that are active
at adrenergic receptors and then move to how the adrenergic arm of the autonomic system can
influence energy balance and metabolism. The liver is also responsible for metabolising many
xenobiotic agents (agents foreign to the body – like drugs) and so one aspect of this topic will
focus on this role of the liver. Agents that target adrenergic receptors have a role in exercise and
have been used in enhancing performance; aspects of this will also be covered in this topic.
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Topic D: Trafficking, life and death of the cell Prof Mike Ryan
This lecture module will introduce students to the molecular mechanisms by which the cell
undergoes mitosis. In particular, the importance of protein phosphorylation and degradation for
movement through the mitotic phases will be outlined. During interphase (post mitosis), a critical
process for the eukaryotic cell is the correct targeting of proteins to its intracellular organelles.
Students will be exposed to the different mechanisms by which this takes place with emphasis
placed on the targeting signals within proteins and the receptors and channels involved in ensuring
selectivity of proteins to the appropriate organelle. Finally, the key machinery and steps involved in
executing programmed cell death (apoptosis) will be outlined. This includes the role of caspases
and regulation of apoptosis by the bcl2 family of proteins.
This topic will introduce students to the basic principles of developmental biology, covering cell
differentiation, fate commitment, pattern formation and tissue morphogenesis during embryonic
life. The topic will start with a consideration of fertilisation, the establishment of the basic body
plan, and the formation of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm) and their
derivatives. How cells become specified and committed to specific developmental pathways will be
outlined. The regulation of development by differential gene expression will be considered, and
students will learn how errors in developmental regulation can lead to disease. Students will also
be exposed to some of the key experimental techniques used to study developmental
biology. Lastly, the concept and application of stem cells will be discussed, including therapeutic
and reproductive cloning.
Your feedback to us
One of the formal ways students have to provide feedback on teaching and their learning
experience is through the Student Evaluation of Teaching and Units (SETU) survey. The feedback
is anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied with
and areas for improvement.
● The small group activities (workshops) have been reviewed to ensure integration with the
lectures
● The timing of assessments has been reviewed
● The flow of topics has been improved
If you wish to view how previous students rated this unit, please go to:
https://unitevaluations.connect.monash.edu.au/unitevaluations/index.jsp
Learning resources
Your use of Monash University course materials
Course and unit materials created by Monash staff are owned by Monash University or are made
available under licence. They are made available to you only for your own personal research and
study. Such materials include: lecture notes and recordings, course readers, unit guides, study
guides, photocopied handouts, digital files made available through electronic reading lists and
through MOODLE, or distributed to students on disk. If sold by the bookshop or by your School,
these materials are priced to cover production costs only.
Students are not permitted to resell Monash University course materials, including lecture notes,
course readers, unit guides or exam papers.
For more information about copyright, go to the Student section of the University copyright website.
Refer also to the information below on Policy on assessment: plagiarism, cheating and collusion.
● Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell , Garland Science, 6th edition 2015
● Nelson and Cox, Lehninger - Principles of Biochemistry, WH Freeman, 7th edition 2016
Online resources
Unit, lecture and workshop materials are available through MOODLE
Required resources
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Students generally must be able to complete the requirements of their course without the
imposition of fees that are additional to the student contribution amount or tuition fees. However,
students may be charged certain incidental fees or be expected to make certain purchases to
support their study. For more information about this, refer to the Higher Education Administrative
Information for Providers, Chapter 18, Incidental Fees at
http://education.gov.au/help-resources-providers
Technological requirements
Students must use Moodle as their definitive Learning Management System. Turnitin is
compulsory for student use.
Clinical placements/fieldwork
N/A
Other information
Policies
Monash has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that
staff and students are aware of the University's academic standards, and to provide advice on how
they might uphold them. You can find Monash's Education Policies at:
http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/index.html
Academic Integrity
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/plagiarism.html
http://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/801841/Student-Academic-Integrity-Policy.pdf
Special Consideration
For information on applying for special consideration, please visit: http://www.monash.edu/exams
/changes/special-consideration
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/docs/word_count_guidelines.pdf
Honours Guidelines
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/honours-program/
Police Checks
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/police-checks.html
Student Charter
www.monash.edu/students/policies/student-charter.html
Student Services
The University provides many different kinds of services to help you gain the most from your
studies.Contact your tutor if you need advice and see the range of services available at
www.monash.edu/students
Disability Support Services also support students who are carers of a person who is aged and frail
or has a disability, medical condition or mental health condition.
● Website: http://monash.edu/disability
● Telephone: 03 9905 5704 to book an appointment with an Adviser;
● Email: disabilitysupportservices@monash.edu
● Drop In: Level 1, Western Annexe, 21 Chancellors Walk (Campus Centre) Clayton Campus
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018
Copyright © Monash University 2018. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may
not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
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BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology - Semester 1 (S1-01) - 2018