SLE357 - Advanced Cell Biology
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Chris Lim |
| Prerequisite: | SLE111, SLE212, SLE254 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | SLE206 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour online live lecture per week, 6 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Content
This unit will focus on biological processes occurring between cells and their environment. Emphasis will be placed on animal cells, but key concepts of plant cells will also be discussed. Topics will include cellular architecture, function and evolution, bio membranes and transport processes, the cytoskeleton, cell signalling and signal transduction, the control of the cell cycle as well as communication between cells and cellular communities. Students will learn modern techniques in cell culture, tissue engineering and microscopy that inform an advanced understanding of dynamic cell function, which is directly relevant to real-world applications in research and development. Students will discuss controversial topics in cell biology and their impact on society and demonstrate skills in communication and teamwork.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Explain, discuss, and apply principles and concepts of cell biology to determine solutions for problems at an advanced level. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
|
ULO2 | Work responsibly and safely in the laboratory environment to conduct cell biological experiments and enhance skills using appropriate instruments and equipment. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Apply and evaluate methods of experimentation and use software packages to analyse data to explore and expand knowledge in familiar and unfamiliar situations. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO4 | Work collaboratively in a team to develop and present a clear and informative presentation highlighting opposing views on a controversial topic in cellular biology and apply advanced communication skills to appropriately illustrate ideas. | GLO2: Communication |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Students will be required to answer a series of content-related questions online each fortnight. | 30% (5 x 6%) | Every two weeks starting week 3 |
| Assessment 2 | Students will be required to complete 4 worksheets to answer a series of questions after each practical class. | 20% (4 x 5%) | The day before practicals 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
| Assessment 3 | Students will work in groups of 3 to produce a 3-4 min video debating assignment. | 20% | Week 9 |
| Assessment 4 | Students will apply knowledge and technical skills to evaluate, execute and resolve familiar and unfamiliar real-world laboratory scenarios. | 30% | Week 12 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Hurdle requirement
To be eligible to obtain a pass in this unit, students must achieve at least 50% in the practical component (post-practical analysis and practical experience (laboratory) skills challenge), in addition to the normal requirement of at least 50% overall for the unit.
Learning resource
Prescribed text(s): Alberts, 2023, Essential Cell Biology, 6th edition (or 5th edition), Garland Publishing.
The texts and reading list for SLE357 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.