This course deals with the basic physiology of cells, with a particular emphasis on human disease. It will cover the following topics: cell and membrane structure and function; membrane channels and transporters and their roles in nutrient uptake, ion homeostasis, cell signalling and drug resistance; the electrical properties of membranes; the cellular and molecular basis of the excitability of the nervous system; excitation-contraction coupling in muscle; signal transduction; the molecular structure and function of membrane transport proteins; the molecular basis of the action of a number of drugs; diseases involving transporter and channel defects.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the structure and function of membranes and explain how cells target the transport of proteins and other molecules within the cell;
- Explain the cellular and molecular basis of the excitability of the nervous system;
- Define the differences between channels and transporters and discuss in detail the role of these proteins in the uptake of nutrients and neurotransmitters, and in ion homeostasis and signalling;
- Understand the molecular basis of a range of diseases in which membrane transport proteins play a role;
- Work collaboratively with peers to research and communicate scientific journal articles.
Other Information
Honours pathway option (HPO): HPO options available and may vary from year to year. Students should contact the course convener directly for HPO option.Indicative Assessment
- Five online quizzes (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Three in-class tests (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Seminar presentation (15) [LO 5]
- Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour of lectures per week plus 5 x 2 hour of tutorials and 4 x 2 hour workshops throughout the semester.
- Approximately 75 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations, group work reports and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
Not yet determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed texts but the following is highly recommended:
Cellular Physiology and Neurophysiology 2nd Edition; Blaustein, Kao and Matteson. Mosby Press.
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4830 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $6420 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8670 | 27 Jul 2020 | 03 Aug 2020 | 31 Aug 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | In Person | View |