The molecular processes taking place inside cells underlie life itself. Understanding these cellular activities enables us to appreciate the normal functions of living cells, to explain the molecular basis of diseases and inspires the development of new treatments. 

 

This course deals with the basic physiology of cells and the origins of disease, with a particular emphasis on membrane transport processes.  The proteins that control entry and exit to the cell provide the fundamental interface between cells and their surroundings, controlling such things as the electrical excitability of nerves, the secretion of hormones and the uptake of drugs. This course 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. Specific examples include explaining the molecular origins of epilepsy and designing novel treatments for malaria.

 

Students will comprehend how molecular processes give rise to cellular function, and gain the ability to apply this knowledge to explain the basis of a range of human diseases. The course is designed to provide skills to those wanting to apply their chemical knowledge as well as those anticipating a future career in medical sciences. Students will learn to analyse and synthesise data to produce testable hypotheses that they can communicate to others.

Honours Pathway Option (HPO): HPO options available and may vary from year to year. Students should contact the course convener directly for HPO option.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the cellular and molecular basis of the excitability of the nervous system;
2. Recognise 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;
3. Understand the molecular basis of a range of diseases and drug resistance mechanisms in which membrane transport proteins play a role;
4. Work collaboratively with peers to analyse and appraise scientific journal articles;
5. Apply knowledge and skills to explain new scenarios related to health and biology;
6. Evaluate data, create scientific hypotheses and design approaches to test them.

Research-Led Teaching

The course incorporates the latest research findings, and is lectured by research experts in each of the topic areas. Students will engage in scientific problem solving, developing and using research methods to answer topical questions in cell physiology and medical research. Students will learn to develop and test scientific hypotheses

Field Trips

None

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

Calculator.

Recommended Resources

Cellular Physiology and Neurophysiology 2nd or 3rd Edition, Authors: Mordecai Blaustein; Joseph Kao; Donald Matteson; 2011/2019

Molecular Cell Biology, 9th Edition, 2020, Lodish et al.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Online feedback on the quizzes
• Oral feedback (during lecture or tutorial) to the entire group after in-class tests
• Individual feedback in form of short written notes after presentations

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Membrane Diffusion
2	Bioelectricity	Online Quiz
3	Ion Channels and Action Potentials	Tutorial Assignment
4	Synapse and Muscle	Online Quiz
5	Secondary Active Transport	Tutorial Assignment
6	Sensory Transduction	Online Quiz
7	Primary Active Transport	Tutorial Assignment
8	pH regulation	Online Quiz
9	Volume regulation	Tutorial Assignment
10	Drug resistance	Online Quiz
11	Student Talks	Student Talks
12	Course Overview

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Online Quiz	5 %	05/08/2024	09/08/2024	1,2,3,5
Tutorial Assigment	5 %	12/08/2024	20/08/2024	1,2,3,5,6
Online Quiz	5 %	19/08/2024	23/08/2024	1,2,3,5
Tutorial Assigment	5 %	26/08/2024	06/09/2024	1,2,3,5,6
Online Quiz	5 %	02/09/2024	06/09/2024	1,2,3,5
Tutorial Assigment	5 %	23/09/2024	01/10/2024	1,23,5,6
Online Quiz	5 %	30/09/2024	04/10/2024	1,2,3,5
Tutorial Assigment	5 %	08/10/2024	15/10/2024	1,2,3,5,6
Online Quiz	5 %	14/10/2024	15/10/2024	1,2,3,5
Student Group Talk	15 %	24/10/2024	04/11/2024	4
Exam	40 %	14/11/2024	*	1,2,3,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

There will be three lectures and one tutorial (in-person) per week.

To pass the course you must attend the compulsory tutorials, and a proportion of the student talks (a role will be marked). A passing grade is a minimum of 50%.

Examination(s)

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and results returned to the student (official end of Semester results released on ISIS). Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Online Quiz

Test composed of true/false; multiple choice or “missing word” questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 3 days of quiz deadline

Assessment Task 2

Tutorial Assigment

Week long assignment comprising a mixture of problem solving questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 2 weeks assignment deadline

Assessment Task 3

Online Quiz

Test composed of true/false; multiple choice or “missing word” questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 3 days of quiz deadline

Assessment Task 4

Tutorial Assigment

Week long assignment comprising a mixture of problem solving questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 2 weeks assignment deadline

Assessment Task 5

Online Quiz

Test composed of true/false; multiple choice or “missing word” questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 3 days of quiz deadline

Assessment Task 6

Tutorial Assigment

Week long assignment comprising a mixture of problem solving questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 2 weeks assignment deadline

Assessment Task 7

Online Quiz

Test composed of true/false; multiple choice or “missing word” questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 3 days of quiz deadline

Assessment Task 8

Tutorial Assigment

Week long assignment comprising a mixture of problem solving questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 2 weeks assignment deadline

Assessment Task 9

Online Quiz

Test composed of true/false; multiple choice or “missing word” questions

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Results available within 3 days of quiz deadline

Assessment Task 10

Student Group Talk

You will work in groups of four, carry out a literature research on a topic assigned by the lecturers (in the Week 4 tutorial slot) and selecting a single recent research paper to present as a group. Each member of the group will speak for approximately 6 minutes (including question time).

Assessment Rubrics:

Matter (40%): i.e. Content - appropriate in depth, accurate, presented in a clear and concise fashion, inclusion of appropriate graphs or figures

Method (20%): i.e. the structure and organization of the talk, quality of the slides

Manner (20%): i.e. the delivery of the talk - speed of delivery, eye contact with audience, volume of delivery

Effectiveness as a group presentation (20%):i.e. did the talks follow on from each other and allow the overall paper to be clearly understood

Presentations are due in weeks 11 and 12. Students will present on different dates which will be discussed in class.

Returned: results returned within two weeks after presentations.

Hurdle Assessment requirements: You must give oral presentation to pass the course.

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: Each student is individually assessed.

Assessment Task 11

Exam

Final exam will be carried during the examination period. It will be composed of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) a submission must be through Turnitin

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

After assessments, in-class tests will be available for pick up from BTLC

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not permitted

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students