James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

BC3102 - Molecular Basis of Disease

For students who do not have the required pre-requisites, please seek advice from the Discipline Academic Advisor to enrol.

Subject Description

This subject builds on the principles and concepts introduced in BC2013 and BC2024 and focuses on how eukaryotic cells are regulated at the molecular and genetic level. Topics covered include intracellular structures, signal transduction, protein sorting and translocation, the cytoskeleton, the cell cycle, apoptosis, molecular immunology and the molecular biology of cancer. Advanced cell biology is important to a wide range of current biomedical and genetic research because it describes much of the biochemical basis for modern treatment and prophylaxis approaches. The lectures and practical sessions of this subject are focused on providing a background in molecular biomedicine to compete effectively in the job market. The first half of semester covers the structures and biochemistry of basic cell functions (division, death, movement, production and responsiveness) while the second half integrates this knowledge to develop a working understanding of the molecular bases of four complex biological systems: tumour biology, disease, immune responses to foreign proteins (allergies) and to infectious diseases (parasites).The subject concludes with a look to the past leading to emerging technologies and their impact on the field of biomedical science.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate conceptual understanding relating to modern molecular biology
• Develop laboratory skills in the manipulation and analysis of cells and cellular biomolecules
• Demonstrate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and scientific process
• Source, synthesise and evaluate reliable scientific information with independence
• Integrate knowledge of the molecular bases of cellular processes into knowledge of basic cell functions and the ways they are coordinated within mammals (including humans) to produce phenotypes (e.g. disease)

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (10%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Participate in and complete all assessment tasks in the practical classes. Attend the mid-semester test; Submit two graded assignments; Attend the final exam; and Achieve a total aggregate score of 50% or more across the sum of assessment items. Students must pass both on-course and exam assessments, i.e 50% pass mark for both the aggregate on-course assessments as well as the final exam.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BC3020 BC5102 GG3102

Availabilities