BIOCHEM 3520 - Cancer, Stem Cells and Development (Theory) III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course will study the regulation of cellular signalling, proliferation and differentiation in the context of embryonic development and diseases such as cancer. The course provides detailed information on the major conceptual and technical advances in this field, focussing on two principle themes: The Molecular Basis of Cancer: topics include - the molecular mechanisms underlying normal cell-cell communication, signal transduction pathways, control of cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell fate decisions and differentiation, intracellular compartments and the cytoskeleton and its role in determining cell shape, adhesion and migration. Stem Cells and Development: topics include the generation and use of embryonic and adult stem cells, cellular reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells and generation and analysis of transgenic and knock-out mice. Additional topics include the molecular basis of animal development in lower eukaryotes and vertebrates, cell differentiation, neurogenesis, morphogenesis, the molecular basis of segmentation and body plan, the role of growth factors in developmental decisions, sex determination and medical applications.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code BIOCHEM 3520
    Course Cancer, Stem Cells and Development (Theory) III
    Coordinating Unit School of Molecular and Biomedical Sci(Inactive)
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Prerequisites BIOCHEM 2500 & BIOCHEM 2501
    Corequisites SCIENCE 3100
    Incompatible BIOCHEM 3235 & BIOCHEM 3225
    Restrictions Available to B.Sc (Advanced) students only
    Course Description This course will study the regulation of cellular signalling, proliferation and differentiation in the context of embryonic development and diseases such as cancer. The course provides detailed information on the major conceptual and technical advances in this field, focussing on two principle themes: The Molecular Basis of Cancer: topics include - the molecular mechanisms underlying normal cell-cell communication, signal transduction pathways, control of cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell fate decisions and differentiation, intracellular compartments and the cytoskeleton and its role in determining cell shape, adhesion and migration. Stem Cells and Development: topics include the generation and use of embryonic and adult stem cells, cellular reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells and generation and analysis of transgenic and knock-out mice. Additional topics include the molecular basis of animal development in lower eukaryotes and vertebrates, cell differentiation, neurogenesis, morphogenesis, the molecular basis of segmentation and body plan, the role of growth factors in developmental decisions, sex determination and medical applications.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Tony Fratini

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understanding the molecular basis of cancer.
    2 Understanding key aspects of stem cells, cell differentiation and development in lower eukaryotes and vertebrates.
    3 Understanding key experimental processes required to investigate cancer, stem cells and development, and knowledge of how to apply them to solve specific biochemical problems.
    4 Ability to find, read, interpret and critically analyse relevant scientific literature.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3, 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 2, 3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3, 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 4
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    Text book: Molecular Biology of the Cell (5th Edn) by Alberts et al., 2008, Published by Garland Science
    Online Learning
    Resource material such as lecture, tutorial and past exams will be available on Myuni. Online assessment will be conducted via Myuni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means:

    3 Lectures of 1 hour each per week. The stacked / same time teaching components are the lectures timetabled with the existing course, Cancer, Stem Cells and Development III (BIOCHEM 3001).

    1 Tutorial of 1 hour per week developing material covered in lectures. The lecturer takes the tutorial classes for their section.

    3 online multiple choice tests of 1 hour duration per semester (weeks 4, 8 and 12, with immediate feedback provided).
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 24 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Signalling Domains: Structure and Function Lecture
    Week 2 Signal Transduction in Normal Growth and Cancer Lecture
    Week 3 Cancer: Cell Proliferation/Survival Lecture
    Week 4 Cancer: Cell Cycle/Apoptosis Lecture
    Week 5 Cancer Lecture
    Week 6 Cancer: Adhesion/Migration Lecture
    Week 7 Cancer and Metabolism Lecture
    Week 8 Cancer: Adhesion/Migration Lecture
    Week 9 Axis Determination and Positional Information in Embryos  Lecture
    Week 10 Stem Cells Lecture
    Week 11 Cell Differentiation/Neurogenesis Lecture
    Week 12 Sex Determination Lecture
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Written exam on lecture material Summative

    End of semester

     80% 1, 2, 3
    Online assessment Formative and Summative Weeks 4, 8 and 12 20% 1, 2, 3
    Assessment Detail
    End of semester written Exam (80% of total course grade) – 3 hour examination covering the lecture material. It is made up of a mixture of short and long answer type questions.

    Online exercises: Three multiple choice tests in weeks 4, 8 and 12 (20% of total course grade). Encourages revision of the material soon after the relevant lectures, and immediate feedback provided to students.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.