This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Cell Structure and Function
UndergraduateRMI-SCB1102023
Course information for 2023 intake
Discover the structure, diversity and function of living cells. Explore cell origin and evolution. Learn the specialised role of eukaryotic organelles. Put cells under the microscope from composition and respiration to division and regulation
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Cell Structure and Function
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- explain the concept of cells as the fundamental building blocks of life
- explain the way in which all cells share a set of basic characteristics
- explain the role of various classes of macromolecules in cell structure and function
- explain the way in which cell and organelle membranes contribute to cellular functions
- explain the mechanisms and energy flows underpinning cellular metabolism
- relate how protein structure is related to their various functions
- relate how energy flows through processes such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration and fermentation
- understand how DNA is a store of genetic information and how it is replicated and transcribed into proteins
- explain the way in which cells divide to enable growth and reproduction and the genetic controls on these processes
- undertake laboratory procedures useful to investigating cellular structure and process
- interpret experimental data and draw appropriate conclusions based on theoretical concepts
- have practical and conceptual knowledge of cell biology to undertake further studies in genetics, biochemistry, molecular, plant and animal biology or related fields.
- Introduction to eukaryotic cells and microscopy
- Chemical composition of cells and macromolecules
- Biological membranes and movement of molecules
- Eukaryotic cell organelles
- Cellular energetics and thermodynamics
- Enzymes
- Cellular respiration and fermentation
- Photosynthesis
- DNA replication, gene transcription and protein synthesis
- Cell division and cell cycle regulation
This subject introduces you to the biology of eukaryotic cells, emphasising cells as the basic subject of life and their evolutionary origins. Topics covered include: diversity of cells, cellular macromolecules and molecular diversity; organelle structures and functions; cellular energetics; experimental techniques used to examine cells; membranes and movement of molecules; enzymes and enzyme regulation; cellular respiration, fermentation and photosynthesis; DNA, the genetic code, RNA and gene transcription, protein synthesis and cell division.
This subject lays the foundation for more advanced studies in biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular and organismal biology.
Assessment tasks 1: Online MCQ quizzes (20%)
Assessment task 2: Applied short answer and case study cases (40%)
Assessment task 3: Oral viva (40%)- Online MCQ quizzes (20%)
- Applied short answer and case study cases (40%)
- Oral viva (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about RMIT University.
Explore RMIT courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 16
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Others
This is an introductory subject requiring no formal prerequisites but an understanding of chemistry to senior secondary level is helpful.
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Mandatory lab practical's are scheduled to run for this subject at the RMIT City Campus (Melbourne, Australia): SP3: Oct 30 - Nov 3 (5 half days from 9 am - 1 pm)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.