Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

This intermediate-level unit is designed to consolidate and expand upon topics introduced in the two previous introductory-level biology units: SCB112 Cellular Basis of Life and SCB122 Cell and Molecular Biology. LQB383 Molecular and Cellular Regulation focuses on the molecular and genetic aspects of cellular processes and the consequences to the organism of failure of these basic processes. Topics taught reinforce the differences in gene structure and gene regulation between prokaryote and eukaryote organisims. The central role that gene expression plays in the development of complex multicellular organisms is emphasised as an enduring theme in this unit. LQB383 concludes by explaining the interrelated consequences of gene expression such as cell signalling, communication, proliferation and survival. Your understanding of the core concepts and content in this unit will facilitate your progress into third year units and courses such as biomedical and clinical research, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, forensic science, microbiology or physiology. It is envisaged that at the completion of this unit you will possess a detailed understanding of the principles of cell biology and the molecular regulation of the cell.

Aims

The aim of the unit is for you to develop an advanced understanding of the principles of molecular and cellular biology and how cells are regulated at the molecular level.

Objectives

On completion of the unit, you should:

1. Have acquired a comparative knowledge of information transfer (DNA & RNA) in bacterial and multicellular organisms.

2. Understand that adaptive differences in the regulation of transcription and cell signalling mechanisms have evolved to allow the proliferation of multicellular life forms such as plants and animals.

3. Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cell signalling, movement and communication at the cellular, tissue, organ and organism level.

4. Understand that the integration of cell signalling, movement and communication regulates cell behaviour and that defects in regulation leads to diseases such as cancer.

5. Be able to demonstrate essential laboratory skills and techniques in scientific experimentation and investigation and be able to search for, access and analyse DNA gene sequences using available databases such as NCBI.

Content

The content in this unit includes concepts in:

• Evolution of multiple genomes (polyploidy).


• The regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes (operons).


• The regulation of gene expression during development and in eukaryote tissues.


• Post-transcriptional regulation providing additional specialised transcripts and gene products. The regulation of translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.


• The principles of cell signalling via hormones and their cell surface receptors.


• How intracellular molecular signalling pathways facilitate physiological responses.


• The molecular basis for cell motility and interaction of cells in tissues (the extracellular matrix). Cell differentiation and the role of cell death (apoptosis).


• The regulation of cell proliferation at the genetic and molecular levels and


• How cancer develops when regulatory controls are lost.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consists of 2 hours of lectures per week and a series of laboratory sessions. The practical component of the unit is aimed at demonstrating some of the principles of molecular cell biology as well as providing practical experience with techniques and equipment. Student centred bioinformatics workshops analysing published gene sequences from professional databases reinforce concepts introduced in the lectures. These bioinformatics workshops are expected to be completed in your own time. A unit website is available to aid the dissemination of lecture handout notes and practical and workshop information to you. Lecture handout notes are made available prior to each lecture. Practice essay questions are provided on the unit website after each lecture. You are encouraged to work cooperatively in laboratory practicals and workshops.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your gradeYou receive 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. Feedback is provided also during laboratories by teaching staff where practical work is reviewed and assessed. The grading of the bioinformatics workshops also provides you with feedback.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Multiple choice quiz des; Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
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.
Relates to objectives: 5
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Students are set written tasks to complete using on-line Bioinformatics resources; Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives: 5
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Assessment name: Examination
Description: End-of-Semester Theory Exam; Multiple-choice and Short essay questions; Summative. All unit content is potentially examinable in this assessment component.
Relates to objectives: All
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:
There are no set texts

References and Recommended Readings:
1. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K & Walter P (Current edition) Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland. Available on-line.

2. Lodish H, Berk A, Matsudaira P, Kaiser C, Krieger M, Zipursky SL & Darnell J (Current edition) Molecular Cell Biology, Freeman. Available on-line.

3. Snustad DP & Simmons MJ (Current edition) Principles of Genetics, Wiley. Students are likely to hold a copy of this text from a previous unit.

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 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.

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.

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: 05-Oct-2012