Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

SCB122 Cell and Molecular Biology equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of the cell. This unit expands on the basic principles and concepts relating to cell structure, function, perpetuation and specialisation introduced in SCB112 and introduces you to fundamental molecular mechanisms important to the organisation of the cell. You will be shown how macromolecular interactions are crucial to information flow and heredity. You are taught the relationships between chromosomes, genes and cellular function and ultimately how these may determine an organism's phenotype. This unit underpins cell biology and molecular biology units that are offered in second year (eg LQB383 Molecular & Cellular Regulation). SCB122 is also appropriate for interfaculty students interested in Biology (eg Education, Business, Arts) who will undertake no further biological studies.

Aims

It is intended that you acquire an advanced conceptualisation of the cell and its function. These key concepts are extended in lectures, workshops and practicals so that you are able to absorb the content and vocabulary surrounding the subject matter of the unit.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will:

1. Have acquired knowledge of cell structure and function.
2. Appreciate that molecular mechanisms operate within and control the cell.
3. Understand the connections between cell structure and function and molecular processes within the cell that relate to replication and perpetuation of the cell and the individual.
4. Comprehend the relationship between the genetic constitution of the individual to phenotype and the heritability of allelic variation between generations
5. Be able to demonstrate basic skills relating to scientific experimentation and investigation.

Content

The topics of the unit include:

• Gametogenesis and development.


• Chromosomes and genes, organisation and perpetuation.


• DNA mutation, repair and replication.


• Transcription - from DNA to RNA.


• Translation - from RNA to protein.


• Patterns of inheritance.


• The extracellular matrix.


• How enzymes catalyse reactions.


• How the immune system wards off disease.


• How cells receive and transmit information.


• Modern examples of biotechnology in medical and agricultural settings.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is taught by a team of lecturers and consists of 3 hours of lectures each week and a 3 hour laboratory session every second week. Lectures focus on the functional significance of cellular events. The practical component of the unit is aimed at developing basic laboratory skills as well as reinforcing the basic principles discussed in the lecture material. Online workshops based around the genetics of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) extend and reinforce learning from SCB112.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade.You receive academic feedback on the quiz and practical components of your assessment. Following the progress quiz, a feedback presentation is provided to take you through the quiz explaining the objectives, answers and reasoning. Additional feedback is provided during laboratories where both practical work and genetics problem solving tasks are reviewed and assessed.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: multiple-choice quiz; formative and summative
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Progressive assessment of your laboratory work by demonstrators based on participation in and successful completion of laboratory exercises and genetics workshops.
Relates to objectives: 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: End-semester examination with multiple-choice and short essay questions; summative
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:

1. Campbell NA & Reece JB (current edition) Biology, Benjamin Cummings. Students should already have this text from SCB112

2. Snustad DP & Simmons MJ (current edition) Principles of Genetics, Wiley. Current edition as per unit manual.

top

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You will be provided online with the latest edition of a comprehensive safety booklet pertinent to life sciences laboratories and specifically to this unit, and you will be required to adhere to the safety procedures detailed in it. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.
If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the unit coordinator, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 30-Apr-2012