606-309 Frontiers of Cell Biology

This is a joint botany, anatomy and cell biology and zoology subject.

Previously known as 606-309 Cell Biology III.

Botany 606-205 or zoology 654-203 or anatomy 516-201 or biochemistry 521-211 and 521-212.

BBiomedSc students: 521-213.

Other combinations that provide a similar background will be considered by the coordinators.

This subject will bring students to the forefront of modern cell biology, and provide a broad overview of plant and animal cell biology. We expect that a student who completes this subject will understand the major questions of cell biology, the tools that are being used by cell biologists, how knowledge relates to experiment, how data in cell biology is interpreted and how cell biology is being used in pure and applied research.

Topics to be covered include:

• the importance and applications of cell biology;

• regulation of cell phenotype, cell transformation;

• recombinant protein technology;

• plant and animal genetic manipulation; transgenesis;

• molecular basis of cell interactions; applications of plant and animal cell culture;

• human cloning, stem cells, gene therapy and cell transplantation; and

• exploitation and commercialisation of cell biology, and ethical issues.

At the completion of this subject, students should have:

• an advanced level of understanding of the ways in which phenotype can be manipulated to explore cell and organ function, and in biotechnology of plants and animals;

• knowledge of the applications of cell biology in research, industry and human welfare, and policy and regulatory issues relevant to cell biology and biotechnology;

• enhanced presentation skills;

• developed problem-solving skills;

• the ability to think critically, and organise knowledge from consideration of the lecture material;

• learnt to adopt new ideas from participation in the lecture program;

• the ability to present a rational summary of the scientific argument presented in the lecture series; and

• the ability to present a well-organised and lucid argument.

A review essay of no more than 3000 words due during the semester (20%); written class tests during the semester (20%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (60%). Satisfactory completion of all assessment components is necessary to pass the subject.