BCMB30004: Cell Signalling and Neurochemistry

5x Small written assignments (7% each); 2x MCQ MSTs (10% each); SAQ Final exam (45%)

This has become my favourite BCMB subject. It is very well coordinated with super interesting content and engaging lecturers. Overall, there was a lot more cell signalling than neurochemistry, which I personally didn't mind but I am a biochem major so that kind of played to my strengths. If you're a neuro major, I'd still recommend taking it, though be aware that neuro content doesn't really start until module 8-10. The first 4 modules were also quite heavy in protein structure, which took me a bit by surprise. However, the content becomes fairly straightforward once you get used to the pace and style of the subject.

Gooley takes modules 1 and 4 (intro and nuclear receptors), Scott takes modules 2 and 3 (GPCRs), Mintern takes modules 5-7 (ubiquitin, autophagy and cell death), van Driel takes module 8 (immune privilege and signalling) and Edgington-Mitchell takes modules 9 and 10 (pain signalling).

I personally enjoyed Mintern's content the most and van Driel's the least (felt very disorganised and superficial). The assignments were pretty easy and straightforward. The first 2 were to use PyMol to design protein figures, the 3rd was using Prism to analyse data and make experiments and the last two were to read papers and answer questions about them. Gooley and Scott were great at giving individual and group feedback, but Justine just uploaded a vague "answer sheet" and was also very harsh with the marks which left a lot to be desired. Still, better than Ian's, who didn't give us any feedback in any way, shape or form.

The MSTs were fair, but I found the first one much more challenging. If you don't do so well in the first mst, honestly, don't get disheartened, like I said, it does take a while to get used to the pace of the subject. The subject as a whole is quite content heavy, so if you're considering it, make sure you do one module a week and attend all the workshops. It's super important to be on top of things, otherwise you will be swamped with content by exam time. Also, exam questions are similar in style to questions given in workshops, so make sure you know how the lecturers expect you to answer those, it will give you a good idea of how to answer exam questions. The exam itself I found very fair but very long (3.5 hours) and incredibly exhausting so make sure you get a good meal and water before you sit it (this was during COVID, so it might change once exams are back in person).

Overall, I really loved this subject and would highly recommend as an elective to anyone in the bcmb major, but it is content heavy, so go in motivated and make sure you do the work every week so you don't feel overwhelmed and unprepared by exam time.

MDHS

Yes, with screen capture

Paul Gooley, Daniel Scott, Justine Mintern, Ian van Driel, Laura Edgington-Mitchell

Yes, but no answers and some questions outdated

4.5 Out of 5

N/A

10 content modules, with 1x 2h workshop per week looking at the module of the previous week

2021 Sem 2

87