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

For you to be successful in the more advanced units offered in the coursework programs in biotechnology you must have a sound knowledge and understanding in the key areas of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and microbiology and be able to demonstrate your learning in a practical way in the laboratory. This unit, in conjunction with LSN102 Cellular Biosciences and LSN483 Molecular Biology Techniques, will help you to achieve those goals.

Aims

This unit aims to facilitate your high order learning (knowledge, understanding and application at an advanced level) of cell and molecular biology appropriate for a postgraduate degree in biotechnology.

Objectives

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

1. Explain the relationships between the molecular components of cells and tissues, in particular, informational and structural macromolecules; and how they relate to structure and function, perpetuation and specialization in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

2. Describe how advances in molecular bioscience research have translated to the biotechnology industry.

3. Demonstrate both foundational as well as advanced cell and molecular biology laboratory skills.

Content

The content of the unit includes an in-depth exploration of the structure and function of the organic molecules in the cell (at an advanced level?) with a focus on the regulation of the flow of genetic information and how this can be manipulated in biotechnological applications.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Active learning in this postgraduate unit is taught by a small teaching team with diverse expertise and a range of teaching styles. The schedule consists of up to 26 hours of interactive lectures and tutorials over 13 weeks and 24 hours of laboratory work. Lectures and tutorials focus on advanced theoretical concepts of molecular bioscience using examples from biotechnology research and industry. The practical component of the unit is aimed at developing foundational as well as advanced laboratory skills Many of the high orderconcepts presented in lectures will be demonstrated and reinforced through experimental applications.

Assessment

Assessment consists of short mini-quizzes based on the lecture material and your practical performance in laboratory classes. The final examination at the end of the semester is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the unit.Mini-quizzes and practical assessments during the semester enable you to monitor your progress on an ongoing basis.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: 5 X 15 multiple choice question tests run every second week during the tutorials. 5% each for a total of 25%. Evaluating your knowledge, understanding and application of advanced theoretical concepts presented in lectures and/or tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Learning evaluation sheets to be completed during each practical sessionin the molecular biology laboratory. These evaluate your understanding of experiments/workshops and application of practical knowledge gained during each session. 2.5% per laboratory/workshop session for a total of 30%. Summative and formative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Summative assessment, central theory examination period, evaluating your knowledge, understanding and application of advanced theoretical concepts presented in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes throughout the semester and, wherever appropriate, assessing high-order critical-thinking skills.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 45%
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:
Alberts, B et al. (2007) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th Edition, Garland Science.

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 you achieve a passing score. 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: 11-Jul-2012