UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units
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UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units

Unit details


ANHB3313 Cell and Tissue Organisation [UG]

Credit 12 points
Availability Semester 1
Old unit code 910.313
Outcomes Knowledge acquired includes the following:

Cell biology—students have an understanding of the main aspects of cell behaviour that lead to tissue formation and homeostasis from embryogenesis through to disease and ageing. The topics include stem cells, cell replication, cell movement, cell commitment and differentiation, and cell death; the complexity, roles and interactions of growth factors and extracellular matrix components that control these events; the structure, organisation and role of cytoskeletal components; an appreciation of the differences and similarities between tissue formation during development and in mature tissues responding to damage; the relationship to disease; and an understanding of how this knowledge of cell biology forms a basis for cell therapies and tissue engineering.

Investigative biology—students establish necessary skills for the investigative process including rigorous definition of problems and questions; careful and appropriate design of experiments and selection of method; creative thinking; careful acquisition of data (from literature, field or laboratory work); rigorous but imaginative validation, manipulation and interpretation of data; and presentation of investigations both as written and verbal reports.

Techniques for studying cells and tissues—students gain knowledge of the theory underlying, and application of, a wide range of laboratory-based histological techniques that are used to study cells and tissues. These techniques include specimen preparation, light, electron and confocal microscopy, image analysis, advanced computer applications, the immunological and molecular visualisation of cellular events and cell culture. The critical importance of good controls is emphasised. Students gain an understanding of the power and limitations of these techniques to address different research questions.

Students also learn specific investigative techniques including use of the library and databases, statistics, computers, image capture and analysis, data collection and organisation, methods for presenting data orally and report writing, ethics of experimentation, particularly that involving humans and other animals, the nature of the scientific method, including history and philosophy of science, and constructive criticism of their own and others' work. Generic skills including scientific writing, ethics and creativity are specifically addressed along with career opportunities.

Skills: Students acquire the ability to access, interpret and critically evaluate scientific literature; organise, carry out and interpret laboratory and project work; write up information and results in a clear and reasoned way; present work orally in a clear and interesting manner to an educated audience and deal with questions; carry out simple procedures related to the above techniques, particularly tissue preparation, staining and analysis at the light and electron microscope level; choose a suitable technique and controls for cell analysis in a particular situation; and organise, co-ordinate and work in a group.

Science is a collaborative discipline. Very few successful scientists work in isolation. This unit emphasises the importance of collaboration by using small groups as the basic educational unit. Being able to work well in groups is essential.

Attitudes: Students have a sense of excitement at the behaviour of cells and how they become organised to form a range of highly specialised tissues; a creative and open approach to scientific knowledge and problems; an appreciation of the great complexity of the subject; an appreciation of the rapid advances in knowledge and technical procedures in this discipline; an awareness of the great overlap between many disciplines (both biological and others) and the need to communicate openly and share skills and knowledge; an appreciation of the emerging field of tissue engineering and its potential; the need for an open and imaginative approach to problem solving; a faith in the experimental approach to furthering knowledge; a rigorous and critical approach to experimental design and interpretation; and a desire to pursue further studies in cell biology.

An understanding and interest in investigative techniques cannot be given. It must be earned. This requires active participation in all class activities and particularly in group activities. It relies on vigorous and rigorous discussion and careful examination of all points of view.
Content This unit offers an advanced course in investigating the organisation of human cells and tissues. The lectures, seminars/tutorials and laboratory classes cover the sophisticated cellular interactions and molecular events that lead to the following: (1) tissue formation during embryogenesis; (2) growth; (3) homeostasis of normal adult tissues; (4) repair in response to damage; (5) disease; (6) ageing; and (7) tissue engineering. The theory, practice and applications of methods of tissue preparation, cell culture, immunocytochemistry, autoradiography, confocal and electron microscopy, in situ hybridisation and image analysis are emphasised. Using these techniques, students carry out their own group projects to independently investigate the organisation of a specific tissue or organ and present the results by way of a group report and a seminar.
Assessment This comprises laboratory sheets and tasks (5 per cent), a scientific review article based on new published research (15 per cent), peer review report (5 per cent), a mini lecture (5 per cent), a mid-semester test (10 per cent), project report and presentation (20 per cent), and a final examination (40 per cent).

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.
Unit Co-ordinator(s) Professor Luis Filgueira
Location UWA (Crawley)
Mode on-campus
Unit Rules
Advisable prior study: ANHB2212 Human Structure and Development or ANHB2214 Human Organs and Systems. Students without these units should contact the unit co-ordinator for prescribed pre-reading.
Contact hours—lectures: 2 hrs per week; tutorials: 4 hrs per week; labs: 3 hrs per week
Unit web page http://www.lab.anhb.uwa.edu.au/hb313
[Some unit web pages are still under construction and will be available in 2010.]
Recommended
reading

Latest editions of:

Alberts, B. et al., eds Essential Cell Biology: Garland Publishing c.2004

Alberts, B. et al., eds Molecular Biology of the Cell: Garland Publishing c.1994

Gilbert, S. F. Developmental Biology: Sinauer Associates c.2006

Kierszenbaum, A. L. Histology and Cell Biology: Mosby/Elsevier c.2007

Ross, M. H. and Romrell, L. J. Histology: a Text and Atlas: Williams & Wilkins c.1995

Other reference reading is available within the School and housed in closed reserve in the Biological Sciences Library.



  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
  • Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
  • Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
The University of Western Australia
University information CRICOS Code: 00126G
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