BIO152

Foundations of Cell Biology

Unit Information and Learning Guide

Semester 2, 2016

This information should be read in conjunction with the online learning materials
which can be found on your MyUnits page.

Unit coordinator
Graham O’Hara
School of Veterinary & Life Sciences
BIO152@murdoch.edu.au
Phone: 9360 2583
Office: Biological Sciences (240) 3.011

© Published by Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, July 2016.

This publication is copyright. Except as permitted by the Copyright Act no part of it may in
any form or by any electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or any other means be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or be broadcast or transmitted without the prior
written permission of the publisher.
Contents
Unit information
Information about the unit 2
Contact details 4
How to study this unit 5
Lecture schedule 7
Laboratory timetable 8
Resources for the unit 9
Assessment 10
Laboratory & Safety Guidelines 11

Information about the unit

Welcome to BIO152 Cell Biology
Life, in its many forms, comes down to the function of cells. The basic unit of life is
the cell. The structure, functions, growth, coordination and survival of cells are the
essence of this unit.

Unit description

Cell Biology is designed to provide an introduction to the components of cells, their

synthesis, function and control mechanisms; to demonstrate the integrated, controlled nature
of the normal cell; and to develop both manual and conceptual skills in biology. Unit content:
cell ultrastructure; proteins; enzymes; membranes; energy metabolism; oxidative
phosphorylation; electron transport chains; photosynthesis; structure of DNA; transcription
and the role of RNA in the cell; the genetic code; translation and the role of ribosomes; gene
control; DNA synthesis; chromosomes and mitosis; meiosis; introduction to Mendelian
genetics and cell specialisation.

Prerequisites
A thorough knowledge of Year 12 secondary level Chemistry is assumed. Students who did
not achieve a final mark of ≥ 60% within the three years preceding enrolment will have to
pass CHE140 Fundamentals of Chemistry as a prerequisite.

Aims of the unit

The broad aims of this unit are to:

 Introduce students to the theory and key concepts of cell biology.
 Provide students with the knowledge, skills, techniques required for safe laboratory
practice.
 Assist students in the development of skills in observation, analysis and deduction.

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Learning outcomes for the unit

On successful completion of the unit you should be able to:

 Describe the nature and functions of cells.

 Identify sub-cellular organelles and be aware of their structures and functions.
 Describe the structure, properties, and roles of proteins, enzymes and membranes.
 Understand cellular energy generation and utilisation.
 Explain the fundamentals of genetics including the chemistry of DNA, chromosome
theory and gene regulation.
 Understand the fundamentals of genetic diversity and inheritance.
 Understand the basis of cell specialisation.
 Apply spectrophotometric principles and techniques in the examination of cells and
the collection of biological data.
 Prepare written laboratory reports that record observations, demonstrate data
analysis and present conclusions that relate to published scientific literature.
 Consistently display safe and valid laboratory practice.

Graduate attributes developed in the unit

This unit will contribute to the development of the following Graduate Attributes.
 Communication
 Critical and creative thinking
 Independent and lifelong learning
 Ethics
 Global perspective
 In-depth knowledge of a field of study

This unit was originally written by A/Prof Max Cake

Revised by Carolyn Jones, Dr Garth Maker, Dr Graham O’Hara, Dr Wayne Reeve and Dr
Jason Terpolilli

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Contact details
All queries and questions should be directed to: BIO152@murdoch.edu.au

Unit Coordinator’s contact details

Graham O’Hara
Room: Biological Sciences (240) room 3.011
Phone: 9360 2583

Teaching team’s contact details

Garth Maker
Room: Biological Sciences (240) room 3.035
Phone: 9360 1288

Jason Terpolilli
Room: Biological Sciences (240) room 3.033
Phone: 9360 6104

Wayne Reeve
Room: Biological Sciences (240) room 3.031
Phone: 9360 2631

Monika Tschochner
Room: IIID, Murdoch Health Research
Centre (390) room 3.028
Phone: 9360 1378

Unit Administrator’s contact details

Natalie Callan
BIO152@murdoch.edu.au

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Laboratory group details
You will be notified of your laboratory group allocation via LMS during the first week of
semester. Please write your laboratory allocation and demonstrator’s name here:

Lab Session: ____________Lab Room: _________Lab Bench:_____________

Lab Demonstrator:_________________________________________________

How to study this unit

To succeed in Cell Biology you need to attend lectures, review the material and write up your
own notes. The new knowledge builds quickly, so keep up the effort every week. The
textbook is an excellent resource and there are recommended readings for all topics.

For laboratories you must pre-read the protocol and notes before the lab session. Take notes
during the pre-lab lectures, as these are essential to calculating the data, presenting the
results and writing the lab report.

Contact time

Lectures:

There are three lectures per week in ECL1, lecture times are:
Tuesday 1130
Wednesday 1530
Friday 0830

We will be running repeat lectures for the first few weeks of Semester because the class size
for BIO152 for 2016 exceeds the capacity of ECL1. These lecture times and locations are:
Tuesday ECL2 0830
Tuesday LBLT 1730
Friday ECL4 1230
Once lecture attendance drops off during semester, as it always does, we will be cancelling
these repeat lectures.

Lecture times and venues are correct at the time of printing, please check the Murdoch
website: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/admin/timetables/teaching/enquiry.html to confirm these
prior to Week 1 of Semester 2.

Laboratories:

Laboratory classes are on alternate Fridays and include a compulsory pre-lab lecture in RLT
(morning sessions) or LBLT (afternoon sessions) immediately followed by a laboratory class
in the Loneragan Building (235) laboratories.

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There are four laboratory sessions (A, B, C or D). Choose your session in activity signup as
part of the enrolment process. You may not move classes after semester has started. You
will be informed of your laboratory group in Week 1. Classes are located in the Loneragan
Building (235), in labs 3.001, 3.002 and 4.002.

Session A laboratories start in Week 1 (0930 - 1230)

Session B laboratories start in Week 1 (1330 - 1630)
Session C laboratories start in Week 2 (0930 - 1230)
Session D laboratories start in Week 2 (1330 - 1630)

Time commitment

As this is a 3 credit point unit, we expect you to spend on average 12 hours per week for the
total weeks of this teaching period (or 150 hours overall) working on this unit. The hours
include lectures, laboratories, workshops and out of class study.

Attendance requirements
It is expected that you attend lectures, as this is where the course content is presented to
you. All six laboratories are assessed and you may only submit the assessment if you have
attended the laboratory class. If you are unwell or have a valid reason for missing a
laboratory class please email us (BIO152@murdoch.edu.au) to request an exemption. You
may NOT swap laboratory times or attend another session.

The Mid-Semester Test is scheduled in Week 7. The date and location will be posted on
LMS.

PASS - Peer Assisted Study Sessions

PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) is a free academic assistance program that utilises
peer-led group study to help students succeed. The sessions are facilitated by PASS
Leaders, current students who have already successfully completed the subject. Think
"Super Group" learning! Sessions are designed to maximise students understanding of the
subject, in a casual and relaxed environment. The sessions also integrate study tools and
successful exam techniques specific to that course. PASS usually targets tough subjects
which over time have proved challenging for many students or courses which need to
promote the establishment of discipline specific learning communities. Students who attend
PASS consistently are shown to produce higher results than those who do not attend. PASS
is also a great way to connect with other students studying the same course.

The PASS sessions for BIO152 start in Week 2, with multiple 1-hour sessions available at
different times. To register for a PASS session please use the link below:
http://workshops.murdoch.edu.au/PASSS22015

Unit changes in response to student feedback

A team of highly committed lecturers teaches Cell Biology and student feedback reinforces
that the variety and passion of these lecturers helps with their learning.

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 Lecture timetable 2016

Lecture
Week Topic Lecturer
No.
1 Introduction to cells Graham O’Hara
1 2 Cell structure Wayne Reeve
3 Protein chemistry Wayne Reeve
4 Protein structure Wayne Reeve
2 5 Enzymes Wayne Reeve
6 Membranes and transport processes Wayne Reeve
7 Handling quantitative data Jason Terpolilli
3 8 Introduction to energy generation Garth Maker
9 Glycolysis Garth Maker
10 TCA cycle Garth Maker
4 11 Oxidative phosphorylation Garth Maker
12 Review of metabolism Garth Maker
5 ONE WEEK NON-TEACHING BREAK
13 Gluconeogenesis Garth Maker
6 14 Photosynthesis Jason Terpolilli
15 The code of life Jason Terpolilli
16 DNA & RNA Jason Terpolilli
7 17 Transcription Jason Terpolilli
18 Translation Jason Terpolilli
19 DNA replication Wayne Reeve
8 20 DNA mutation Wayne Reeve
21 Gene control in prokaryotes Wayne Reeve
9 ONE WEEK NON-TEACHING BREAK
22 Gene control in eukaryotes Wayne Reeve
10 23 Course review -example questions Wayne Reeve
24 No lecture
25 Prokaryotic growth Graham O’Hara
11 26 Prokaryotic metabolism Graham O’Hara
27 Eukaryotic cell growth and death Monika Tschochner
28 Chromosomes & mitosis Monika Tschochner
12 29 Meiosis & genetic diversity Monika Tschochner
30 Single gene inheritance Monika Tschochner
31 Sex determination & inheritance Monika Tschochner
13 32 Differentiation: stem cells and cancer Monika Tschochner
33 Transport: blood cells Monika Tschochner
34 Communication: muscles & nerves Garth Maker
14 35 Life in extreme environments Graham O’Hara
36 Genes and genomes Jason Terpolilli

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Laboratory timetable

Laboratory classes are held in the Loneragan Building (235) on Fridays. Laboratory
classes are on alternate Fridays and include a compulsory pre-lab lecture in RLT (morning
sessions) or LBLT (afternoon sessions) immediately followed by your laboratory class.

Week Session Practical Assignments Due dates

1 A&B 1. Spectrophotometry & proteins Lab Report Friday Week 2

2 C&D 1. Spectrophotometry & proteins Lab Report Friday Week 3

3 A&B 2. Enzymes as catalysts Lab Report Friday Week 4

4 C&D 2. Enzymes as catalysts Lab Report Friday Week 5

5 ONE WEEK NON-TEACHING BREAK

6 A&B 3. Metabolism – Yeasts Lab Report Friday Week 7

7 C&D 3. Metabolism – Yeasts Lab Report Friday Week 8

8 A&B 4. Gene control -Lac operon Lab Report Friday Week 9

9 ONE WEEK NON-TEACHING BREAK

10 C&D 4. Gene control -Lac operon Lab Report Friday Week 11

11 A&B 5. Bacterial growth Lab Report Friday Week 12

12 C&D 5. Bacterial growth Lab Report Friday Week 13

13 A&B 6. Blood Cells Answer sheet Friday Week 13

14 C&D 6. Blood Cells Answer sheet Friday Week 14

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Resources for this unit
To study in this unit, you will need:

Essential textbook
Hardin, J., Bertoni, G.P. and Kleinsmith, L.J. (2011)
Becker’s World of the Cell. 8th edition, Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco
ISBN-13: 978-0-321-70978-3

Other references/recommended reading

BIO152 Lecture Notes and Laboratory Manual – purchase from the Bookshop

Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology textbooks located in the
library may also be of value, especially for writing laboratory reports.

Online resources
LMS Moodle site for Cell Biology

Personal protective equipment is compulsory for laboratory attendance

(to be provided by student)
Laboratory coat
Protective eyewear, optical eyeglasses are accepted
Closed in, non-slip shoes

The following will be provided during the teaching period via the LMS / Moodle site:

 lecture slides (pdf files, 2 slides per page)

 lecture recordings (accessed via Echo 360 tool)
 workshop handouts
 laboratory instructions/workbooks
 sample exams

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Assessment
Assessment for this unit is conducted in accordance with the Assessment Policy.

Schedule of assessment items

You will be assessed on the basis of:

Assignment Description Value

Laboratory reports (six) Reports for labs 1, 2, 3, 25%
4, 5 and 6

Mid-Semester Test (MST) Covers Lectures 1-14 20%

and Laboratories 1-2

Final Exam Covers all of the Unit 55%

material

The final score is simply the total of these components added together. There is no
requirement that you pass each of the components to pass the unit.

Assessment details
Mid-Semester Test

Format: 1-hour paper, comprising multiple choice questions. The topics that will be assessed
are those covered in Lectures 1-14 (Topics 1-4) and Laboratories 1-2, inclusive. Calculators
are not required or permitted.

The MST will be held in Week 7, and the date and venue will be advised on LMS. You will be
allocated to a particular venue and notified via LMS.

Final Examination

The Final Examination will be of 2 hours duration and will be held in the assessment period
at the end of second semester, and will assess your understanding of the whole unit. Copies
of the Final Examinations from previous years are available from the library:
http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/exams/

Assignment submission
Submission of Laboratory Reports
You are required to submit your laboratory reports through the submission tool on LMS for
practicals 1-5. Practical six will be assessed by a worksheet you will complete and submit in
class.

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Extensions
If due to exceptional circumstances you are unable to submit a laboratory report for
assessment on the due date, you may apply for an extension by emailing us
(BIO152@murdoch.edu.au) before the due date. Extensions are not automatic and will only
be granted if the circumstances warrant it. Extensions longer than one week will not be
granted.
Copies of Assignments
University policy requires you to retain an electronic copy of all assignments submitted.
Adjustment of Marks
Lab report marks will be checked before they are released to you, to ensure comparability
between demonstrators. If significant discrepancies are detected, adjustments may be made
to the laboratory marks awarded.
Grades Awarded
If you require an explanation of the grade awarded in a laboratory assignment, you should
discuss the matter with your demonstrator. If further explanation is needed or you have
questions related to either mid-semester and final examination grades, please email us
(BIO152@murdoch.edu.au) to arrange a time to discuss.

The procedures relating to the lodgement of appeals and applications for deferred
assessment are contained in the University's Handbook which is accessible on the
University’s homepage.

Determination of the final grade

There is no requirement for any particular assessment component to be passed; your grade
in the unit will be determined by the total mark achieved. The pass mark in the unit is 50%
and the mark will be translated to a grade.

See Section 11 in the current Assessment Policy regarding grades.

"What you need to know:

Generic information which students need to know is available at the What you need to know
web page.

The information includes:

1. links to the Assessment Policy
2. a description of Academic Integrity
3. links to information about: Examinations; Non-discriminatory language; Student
appeals; Student complaints; Conscientious objection and assessment policy
1. determination of grades from components/marks
2. information for equity students"

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 Laboratory Rules and Safety Regulations in Teaching Laboratories

Biological Sciences and Loneragan Building

The University is committed to the safety of its employees, students, contractors and visitors
and in meeting this duty must comply with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act 1984. Incorporated in this Act is the duty of care students have towards the
University, which states that they must:
• Take reasonable care for their own safety and health and avoid harming others
through any act or omission.
• Comply with instructions as far as reasonably possible.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriately.
• Report work-related injuries/ hazards.

All of the rules and procedures are designed to protect you and others working with you.
Acceptable, safe working habits complement your academic growth, all of which are
prerequisites to meet future employer expectations.

General Rules
Any individual who is in breach of the following, thereby endangering themselves or others,
will be excluded from the laboratory and will not be re-admitted until they can prove they
have mastered set procedures or are prepared to abide by the safety rules. Such exclusion
could jeopardise your academic standing so the ability for you to achieve your full academic
potential rests in your hands!
1. Laboratory coats or gowns and safety glasses must be worn at all times in the
laboratory. If you forget your laboratory coat/safety glasses, these can be hired from
the Technical staff.
2. Enclosed footwear must be worn at all times in the laboratory; if you do not have
suitable footwear, you will be excluded from the laboratory.
3. Long hair must be tied back or confined at all times in the laboratory.
4. Bags are to be left outside the laboratory; just bring in the items that you requited for
the laboratory class and any valuables. It is important to keep the workbench clear of
non-essential material and equipment. Books and notes must be kept to one side
away from cultures and the area of operation.
5. No food or drink is to be brought into the laboratory or consumed in the laboratory. In
addition, you should avoid all hand-to-mouth movements.
6. Smoking is strictly forbidden inside or within three meters of any entrance or window
of any University building or vehicle.
7. Wash hands with soap and water or disinfectant at the beginning and the end of each
laboratory class.
8. Be aware of fire exits and the route to leave the building in the event of an
evacuation. Similarly, be aware of the location of fire extinguishers and fire blankets
as you may be in a situation that requires your direct involvement to assist in
extinguishing a local, laboratory fire.

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Chemicals and Spills
1. Toxic, fuming, vaporising or highly corrosive chemicals shall be handled in fume
cupboards, or appropriately enclosed apparatus. These facilities will be explained by
your demonstrator.
2. If you have a spillage of any chemical or biological solution, alert your demonstrator
immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
3. If you are unsure about any substance, or technique, please ASK your demonstrator
for advice before you proceed. It is far safer to regard all substances as potentially
hazardous and apply relevant safe working practices.
4. If you suffer a splash of any chemical, immediately wash the affected area using a
safety shower/eyewash and notify the demonstrator.
5. If you suffer a splash of any biological solution, immediately apply disinfectant to the
affected area and notify the demonstrator.

Shutdown/Discard Procedures
1. Rubbish bins are provided for waste paper only.
2. You are required to dispose of your own experimental materials as appropriate. Your
demonstrator will advise you about various disposal procedures relevant to the
materials in use. Your own bench space should be clean and tidy before you depart.
Power, gas, and water facilities used shall be turned off.
a. Disposable contaminated materials (eg. petri dish cultures, contaminated
syringes) are to be placed into autoclave bags.
b. Any contaminated materials are to be discard as directed by the
demonstrator.
c. Glass including vessels, pasteur pipettes and graduated pipettes are to be
discarded as directed by your demonstrator.
d. Needles are discarded directly into the small yellow discard containers; use
the hole in the lid to remove the needle from a syringe. DO NOT recap a
needle.
e. Broken glass is to be discarded into the yellow broken glass containers.
3. Microscopes should be left with the low power objective in place, the condenser
racked down and the iris diaphragm open. Return the microscope to the correctly
numbered box.

Benches must be clean and tidy when you leave at the end of the class.

Students must wash their hands at the end of the laboratory class.

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Equipment
1. Glassware should be used with care. Report all breakages to your demonstrator and
clean up afterwards.
2. Electrical apparatus must be kept dry. If you get a shock from any piece of equipment
(or it malfunctions), switch it off and inform the demonstrator immediately.
3. Equipment should not, generally, be left running unattended during the course of an
experiment.
4. Many of the instruments you use are sensitive, delicate and very expensive. If you
are unsure how to use them please ASK. When in use take care of them as your
results, and those of future users, will be affected by the ability of the equipment to
work to specifications. Any defects noted should be immediately reported to your
demonstrator.

No student may work in the laboratory outside the allotted class periods without permission
or supervision.

Any accidents, or incidents or near misses that cause property damage or personal injury
shall be reported on the relevant online Incident and Hazard form found at:

http://our.murdoch.edu.au/Occupational-Safety-and-Health/Incident-reporting/

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