Course Title: Cellular Pathways

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Cellular Pathways

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2565

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: A/Prof Terrence Piva

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6503

Course Coordinator Email: terry.piva@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

The Cellular Pathways course provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental biochemistry of cellular processes and pathways that govern various biological functions. Students will gain an understanding of the key molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying human cellular activities, including metabolism, enzyme kinetics, cellular trafficking, signal transduction, metabolism, and cell cycle regulation. Through lectures, laboratory exercises, and case studies, students will develop a deep knowledge of cellular biochemistry and its implications for metabolic health and disease. 

Practical sessions will focus on developing skills in scientific data collection, analysis and reporting. The course develops an understanding of biomedical research and the rigour required to authentically describe and present research results. 

The course will prepare you for the final year core courses and WIL biomedical research placement.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:  

BP231 Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

  • PLO 1 Apply a breadth and depth of biomedical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach. 
  • PLO 2 Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems related using a biomedical perspective. 
  • PLO4 Communicate and collaborate with diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity, inclusivity and culturally safe practices. 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide. 


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Describe the biochemical processes involved in cellular transport, including protein transport and degradation and intracellular trafficking.
  2. Explain the principles of enzyme behaviour, kinetics, inhibition, and regulation.
  3. Explain the concepts of cell signalling and the major signalling pathways involved in cellular communication.
  4. Explain the regulation of cell cycle progression and mechanisms of cellular apoptosis.
  5. Apply biochemical and cell biology techniques, including protein isolation and separation, enzyme kinetics and assess mammalian cell viability to investigate cellular processes.
  6. Collaborate with peers to analyze and discuss case studies and real-world scenarios of the dysregulation of biochemical processes in metabolic health and disease.  


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks: 

Assessment Task 1:Quizzes (3)    
Weighting 15%   
This course contributes to CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6

Assessment Task 2: In class timed short answer question assessment task 
Weighting 20%   
This course contributes to CLOs 1 & 2

Assessment Task 3:Lab-based Written Reports   
Weighting 25%   
This course contributes to CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 5

Assessment Task 4:Invigilated timed end of semester short answer question assessment task  
Weighting 40%   
This course contributes to CLOs 2, 3, 4 & 6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.