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

This unit builds and extends the understanding of basic theoretical and practical aspects of molecular cell biology developed in previous cell and molecular biology units. Medical Cell Biology develops and extends the context of the cellular environment and its central role within the organism providing all of the biological functions required by the organism to survive, defend and protect itself from disease and trauma. An understanding of cell biology theory and molecular mechanisms of animal development and disease is essential for introduction to higher level units in medical biotechnology.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop a deeper understanding of the interdependence of cellular and molecular events within mammals, with a specific focus on humans.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should:

1. Have acquired extended core knowledge of molecular cell biology.

2. Understand the complexity of cells and how they interact in tissues and organisms.

3. Understand the inter-dependent roles of genes, living cells and the enviroinment in complex disease and immune processes.

4. Have developed an ability to search, retrieve, critically authenticate and effectively communicate the complex principles and processes of human medical cell biology.

5. Develop an increased ability to collect, critically analyse, interpret and communicate experimental data in a wet laboratory environment.

Content

The content in this unit includes the following topics: mechanisms of animal development and interactions during development, homeotics and organogenesis, the life and death of cells, the pathophysiology of human disease, the molecular and cellular basis of innate and adaptive immunity and defence.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is presented as a two-hour lecture, and a two-hour workshop or a three-hour practical session per week. Workshop sessions use case-based problem solving tasks, intended to develop information retrieval and critical thinking skills using real world examples. You are encouraged to think critically about the way you research and gather information, authenticate and utilise information, to develop the skills of best-method approach to a problem. This approach is supported with real world examples, demonstrating different concepts, which you are able to work through at your own pace. Flexible delivery of the unit is emphasised and you are encouraged to make use of appropriate Library and Web-based resources to illuminate concepts and principles. Practical sessions include the opportunity for demonstration of technical skills, data recording and feedback on performance. Practical exercises teach you to prepare adequately for laboratory work, to record data accurately, validate and verify results and to become competent in complex manipulations and calculations that are common in research work and consistent with the development of best professional practice. Both the practical sessions and workshops are delivered using both group and individual instruction on theoretical and technical strategies.

Assessment

This Unit is taught concurrently to undergraduate and postgraduate students. While students will share the same classroom or other learning experiences, it is acknowledged different expectations, learning styles, prior knowledge, and life experiences are present. Postgraduate students will be required to undertake assessment in addition to those listed here, which is for undergraduate students.Students will be provided with guidance and direction during problem solving workshops and via the take-home written assessment at the conclusion of the workshop sessions.
Students will be provided with continuous feedback during practical sessions and via notebook evaluations at the conclusion of each practical session.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Progressive Assessment. A take home written assignment of short answer questions addressing a clinical problem. (Formative and Summative).
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 4.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 6 and 12

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: A written examination of short answer questions which cover theoretical aspects of the presented lecture content. (Summative).
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Log/Workbook
Description: Practical work is assessed through cGLP laboratory workbooks - standard recording, analysing and reporting the laboratory exercises. (Formative and Summative).
Relates to objectives: 5.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly

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. Bruce Alberts, Dennis Bray, Karen Hopkin, Alexander Johnson, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th Ed, Garland Publishing, New York. ISBN 978-0-8153-4111-6.

2. Abul K. Abbas & Andrew H. Lichtman (2011) Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System, 3rd Ed (Updated), Saunders, Philadelphia. ISBN: 978-1-4160-5569.

References:

1. Steven R. Goodman. (2008) Medical Cell Biology, 3th Ed, Academic Press, San Diego. ISBN 978-0-12-370458-0.

2. Vinar Kumar, Abul K. Abbas, Nelson Fausto, John Aster [Eds]. (2009) Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 8th Ed. Saunders, Philadelphia. ISBN 978-1-4160-3121-5.

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 re-sit 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 lecturer in charge of the unit, 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: 15-Feb-2013