650-131 Biomed: Molecules, Cells & Organisms

This subject is only available to Bachelor of Biomedical Science students and Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) students.

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption from these experiments is not possible.

Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 600-131 (before 2004), 600-141 (before 2004), 650-141 or 202-103.

This is a joint botany and zoology subject.

Students are expected to enrol in both 600-131 and 600-132.

This subject aims to familiarise students with modern concepts of molecular, cell and organismal biology as a foundation for further studies in biomedical science. Two major topics are addressed. Cell and molecular biology includes the chemical building blocks of life, functioning cells, cell evolution and endosymbiosis; cell organelles, their structure and function; movement across membranes: structure, permeability and transport; the cell wall and extracellular matrix; cell metabolism: enzymes and cellular reactions; excitable cells; energy transformations; cell divisions: mitosis and meiosis; cells and tissues; cellular communication and signalling; tissue culture and cloning. Animal physiology includes a comparative approach to circulation, nutrition and digestion, excretion, respiration and gaseous exchange, thermoregulation, reproduction, development, the immune system, hormonal control and nervous systems.

Students will develop generic skills in:

• dissection techniques and the preparation of slides;

• the recording of observations and the analysis and interpretation of data;

• the preparation of biological drawings;

• manipulating laboratory equipment, in particular using microscopes; and

• accessing information sources and discerning use of the world wide web.

A multiple choice test taking approximately 35 minutes held mid-semester (10%); work in practical classes during the semester, made up of written work not exceeding 1500 words, assessment of practical skills within the practical class, and no more than 4 short multiple choice tests (total 25%); a 3-hour written examination on theory and practical work in the examination period (65%). A pass in the practical work is necessary to pass the subject.

• WK Purves, GH Orians, HC Heller and D Sadava, Life. 7th edn, Sinaver/Freeman, 2004.