Cell Structure and Function

• • 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

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 - Practicum of five half days on RMIT's Melbourne Campus

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%)