General Information
This subject will introduce students to the role of cell communication, cell division, the extracellular matrix and the arrangement of cells in organ systems and cellular differentiation. Students will learn about the structure and function of the cell, the difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the role of cellular organelles, compartmentation and membranes in cellular function. In addition, they will be introduced to the role of major macromolecules within cells, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. The subject will provide the necessary foundational knowledge for further subjects in the area of cellular and molecular biology and physiology.
Details
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | BMED11-203 |
| Subject title: | Cell Biology (January 2027) |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2027 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
Delivery & attendance
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance at all tutorials and practical laboratory sessions is expected. Attendance in tutorials and labs will be recorded and monitored. This subject is designed to integrate forums (2 hours per week), tutorials (1 hour per week), group learning (1 hour per week) and practical laboratory sessions. Most sessions build on the work of the previous one and it is difficult to recover if you miss a session. |
Resources
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | BMED11-203 |
| Subject title: | Cell Biology (January 2027) |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2027 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance at all tutorials and practical laboratory sessions is expected. Attendance in tutorials and labs will be recorded and monitored. This subject is designed to integrate forums (2 hours per week), tutorials (1 hour per week), group learning (1 hour per week) and practical laboratory sessions. Most sessions build on the work of the previous one and it is difficult to recover if you miss a session. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
|
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Describe the different types of cellular communication and their importance in human health.
- Provide a comprehensive overview of the role of cellular metabolism and cellular organelles involved.
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
- Explain and describe cellular communication and the cellular development process.
- Demonstrate high level communication skills, both written and orally.
- Search current scientific literature and present information concisely and accurately to peers.
- Demonstrate laboratory and analytical skills in the area of cell biology and competently be able to work in a group, and share information in tutorials.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
Assessment details
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) | Online iLearn exam MCQ and SAQ | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | |
| Computer-aided Test (Closed) | Mid-semester online iLearn MCQ and SAQ Test. | 20.00% | Week 8 | 1, 4, 5 | |
| Performance Test | Lab skills assessment | 10.00% | Week 12 | 8 | |
| Laboratory Report | Lab Report | 20.00% | Ongoing | 6, 7, 8 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Pass requirement
50% Overall As part of an Academic Recovery initiative for this subject, students at risk of not passing may be offered additional assessment. To qualify, students must have made a robust attempt at all assessment items, have demonstrated satisfactory attendance, and be in good academic standing (not guilty of a level 2 or higher breach of Academic Integrity in the subject).
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) | Online iLearn exam MCQ and SAQ | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | |
| Computer-aided Test (Closed) | Mid-semester online iLearn MCQ and SAQ Test. | 20.00% | Week 8 | 1, 4, 5 | |
| Performance Test | Lab skills assessment | 10.00% | Week 12 | 8 | |
| Laboratory Report | Lab Report | 20.00% | Ongoing | 6, 7, 8 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Pass requirement
50% Overall As part of an Academic Recovery initiative for this subject, students at risk of not passing may be offered additional assessment. To qualify, students must have made a robust attempt at all assessment items, have demonstrated satisfactory attendance, and be in good academic standing (not guilty of a level 2 or higher breach of Academic Integrity in the subject).
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of the total marks available for the assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
Introduction to cells
In this first week you will be introduced to types of cells (prokaryotic & eukaryotic cells), the cell theory and the major cell structures and organelles.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
Cellular macromolecules
This week will look at the chemicals that make up all of the structures within our cells and tissues, including water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.
SLOs included
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
- Demonstrate laboratory and analytical skills in the area of cell biology and competently be able to work in a group, and share information in tutorials.
Protein structure & function
This week you will learn about proteins in the body, including types of amino acids, levels of protein structure and some examples of protein functions in the body.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
From DNA to proteins
This week will extend your understanding of proteins and you will explore how they are synthesised in the cell using the processes of transcription and translation.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
- Demonstrate laboratory and analytical skills in the area of cell biology and competently be able to work in a group, and share information in tutorials.
The cytoskeleton
The intricate structure of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton will be the topic this week, and you will learn about the proteins it is composed of (microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments) and their roles in cells.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
- Explain and describe cellular communication and the cellular development process.
Biomembranes
The composition and functions of cell membranes will be the focus of this week, including the fluid mosaic model and membrane transport mechanisms. The laboratory class this week further explores proteins and how they can be measured clinically, and you will have the opportunity to complete a formative mini lab report to help develop your communication and analytical skills.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Explain and describe cellular communication and the cellular development process.
- Demonstrate high level communication skills, both written and orally.
- Search current scientific literature and present information concisely and accurately to peers.
- Demonstrate laboratory and analytical skills in the area of cell biology and competently be able to work in a group, and share information in tutorials.
Intracellular compartments & protein transport
You will be exposed to protein transport (trafficking) and protein importation into cell organelles this week, including vesicular transport via endo- and exocytosis at the cell membrane.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
How cells obtain energy
This week's topic introduces metabolism as a concept and focusses on cellular respiration in terms of metabolism of glucose via glycolysis, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain.) You will also undertake separation of mitochondria in a related laboratory class, generating data for completion of a full lab report assessment.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Provide a comprehensive overview of the role of cellular metabolism and cellular organelles involved.
- Demonstrate high level communication skills, both written and orally.
- Search current scientific literature and present information concisely and accurately to peers.
- Demonstrate laboratory and analytical skills in the area of cell biology and competently be able to work in a group, and share information in tutorials.
Cell communication & signalling
Over two weeks you will learn about the four key types of cellular communication used in the human body, and the mechanisms of cellular signalling, involving cell surface receptors and intracellular pathways that lead to a cell response.
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Describe the different types of cellular communication and their importance in human health.
- Explain and describe cellular communication and the cellular development process.
Chromosomes, cell cycle, cell division
This week will revise the structure of chromosomes and introduce the cell cycle and its phases. The two types of cell division will be compared (mitosis and meiosis), with a brief look at gametogenesis and fertilisation.
SLOs included
- Describe the different types of cellular communication and their importance in human health.
- Explain and describe cellular communication and the cellular development process.
Cell cycle control, cancer and cell death
The subject will culminate with an overview of how the cell cycle is controlled, the consequence of uncontrolled cell division (eg.mutations), and some processes of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis).
SLOs included
- Describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles and membrane function of both prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
- Explain the different roles and functions of cellular organelles and macromolecules.
- Explain and describe cellular communication and the cellular development process.