Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

Cell and molecular biology is an exciting, rapidly evolving and major field in biomedical research and this unit will expose you to modern examples of applications of cell and molecular biology in medical and research settings. There will be an emphasis on the development of practical skills that are required by all biomedical scientists. A basic understanding of cell and molecular biology is required for further study in many areas, including the study of biochemistry, microbiology, anatomical sciences and physiology and this unit with provide you with a strong foundation for further study in cell and molecular biology.

Aims

It is intended that you acquire a molecular conceptualisation of the cell and its functions. These key concepts are developed in lectures, practicals and workshops, so that you are able to assimilate the content and vocabulary surrounding the learning materials of the unit.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an introductory understanding and be able to describe the structure and function of human cells and the important biomolecules that constitute cells.


2. Explain the dynamic nature of the molecular mechanisms that operate within and control the cell.


3. Understand the connections between cell structure and function, and solve problems in cell and molecular biology.


4. Demonstrate basic practical skills relating to scientific experimentation and investigation in cell and molecular biology.

Content

• The building blocks of cells - the structure, function and central significance of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids to life processes.


• Introduction to cell structure, cell membranes and organelles, the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix


• Cell transport, including active, passive and bulk transport


• The nucleus, chromosomes and genes


• DNA Replication and repair processes: a) DNA transcription, translation, and DNA mutation; b) mitosis, meiosis and inheritance


• How enzymes catalyse reactions


• Cellular energetic, photosynthesis and respiration


• Cellular signalling - how cells receive and transmit information


• Basic cell and molecular practical techniques

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is taught by a team of lecturers and consists of 3 x 1 hour lectures each week. The practical component is comprised of six 3 hour practical sessions and will include formative guidance to assist practical skills development. The practical component is aimed at developing basic laboratory skills, as well as integrating and reinforcing the basic principles discussed in the lecture material. A prime objective of the practical sessions is to train students in correct experimental methodology at the laboratory bench with an emphasis on demonstrated and correct procedure for the analysis and recording of data. The emphasis on correct data recording begins to focus your attention on standards of professional practice. Online workshops based around the genetics and inheritance patterns of a model organism extend and reinforce conceptual learning.

Assessment

Progressive assessment will be conducted in the laboratory setting and in online tutorials.You receive academic feedback on three 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: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Progressive assessment of laboratory work by demonstrators based on participation and successful completion of laboratory exercises.
Relates to objectives: 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Students are set genetics problems as a series of consecutive workshops using an online virtual genetics program and are required to analyse and solve the problems in a written submission.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Progressive

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Multiple-choice and short essay questions will cover content from all components of the unit (lectures and practicals).
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Prog and 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

Prescribed Texts:

1. Campbell NA and Reece JB (current edition) Biology, Benjamin Cummings.


2. Snustad DP and Simmons MJ (current edition) Principles of Genetics, Wiley.

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. All students are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site: http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.

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: 11-Feb-2013