Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The completion of the Human Genome project, along with similar projects on other organisms of a prokaryote and eukaryote nature, marked the beginning of a major revolution in fundamental biology that changed our understanding of the natural world. To understand how information on genome structure-function relationships (ie bioinformatics) is being used in areas such as gene discovery, disease diagnosis and drug development, you need to understand how the information content of DNA and proteins is extracted and analysed. This unit introduces you, the student, to the approaches to database mining and genome exploration; these topics will be used in later units that develop a deeper understanding of unravelling how cells work and interact with their environment and how they respond to external stimuli.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to gain an understanding of the (1) structure of the eukaryote and prokaryote genomes, and (2) structure of the global genetic databases and their use in interpreting information relating to structure-function relationships of biological macromolecules such as DNA and proteins.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Competently access and download information from the global genetic databases.

2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of gene structure-function relationships to DNA and protein sequence information.

3. Apply knowledge of global genetic databases to interrogate DNA and protein sequence data.

4. Critically interpret datasheet results derived from the global genetic databases.

5. Work effectively in small teams to solve problem-based research-tasked learning exercises.

Content

The unit covers the following bioinformatics topics: structure, organisation and evolution of the prokaryote and eukaryote genomes, introduction to the global genetic databases (NCBI, ExPASy), basic and advanced sequence analysis tools and principles of gene identification.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is based at the Gardens Point Campus and involves up to 4 hours contact time per week for weeks 1 - 13 (principally consisting of lectures). Classes are based on framework lectures around a series of on-line, problem-based learning modules addressing real world research tasks. The lectures, combined with group-based assessment, promote critical multidisciplinary-based thinking and the development of specific knowledge and skills relevant to the aims of the unit. Continuous assessment provides for development of an in depth understanding of the discipline theory and while refining high level practical skills.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Feedback mechanisms: The unit coordinator will be available in person during lectures, or via email to answer questions from students. Assessment tasks 1 and 2 will be returned within one week.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: During the course of the semester, you will be required to undertake five on-line, problem-based learning modules that address real world research tasks. You are required to submit reports on the learning modules throughout the semester. Assignments will be returned within one - two weeks of submission. Assessment of assignments will be criterion-referenced. (Formative and Summative)
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Wks 3, 5, 8, 10, 12

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: A written examination which requires both problem solving and interpretation of results derived from database programs within simple, defined research-based scenarios. Exam results will be returned within one - two weeks. (Formative and Summative)
Relates to objectives: 2 and 4.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester Wks 6-8

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: A written examination which requires both problem solving and interpretation of results derived from database programs within simple, defined research-based scenarios and descriptions of approaches to data-mining. (Summative)
Relates to objectives: 2 and 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

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

All prescribed and recommended reading will be provided on the unit web site accessible through the University's on-line teaching portal.

Risk assessment statement

This unit consists of classroom-based lectures which are extremely low risk activities. It is recommended that you follow guidelines on the safe use of computers at http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/safedesksetup/.

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: 08-Oct-2012