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

Central to your understanding of the fundamental theory underlying medical and plant biotechnology is an understanding of normal and disease processes, and the events and changes that occur in structure and function at the cellular level. This unit gives you the opportunity to explore these key aspects before proceeding to more advanced concepts in biotechnology.

Aims

LSN102 aims to provide high level understanding of cellular processes and responses, as a fundamental basis for further postgraduate studies in cellular and molecular biosciences.

Objectives

Successful completion of this unit provides a broad-based understanding of cell and tissue functional morphology and cellular response mechanisms.

On completion of this unit, you should have:

1. Acquired a fundamental understanding of cellular and tissue structure, function and interactions.

2. Developed an understanding of the range and complexity of cellular response and adaptation mechanisms.

3. Gained a detailed understanding of the role of cellular response mechanisms in a number of selected disease processes.

4. Gained an appreciation of contemporary methods for studying cells and tissues, and the application of these methods to the study of normal processes and to the investigation and diagnosis of disease states.

5. Enhanced your generic information retrieval and communication skills (ie the ability to source, collate and critically analyse scientific publications and to communicate your interpretations in written and oral presentations).

Content

The content of this unit includes:

1. Overview of cellular structure and function (animal, plant, prokaryote).

2. Tissue organisation and function; cellular interactions in tissues (animal, plant).

3. Mechanisms of cellular repair and regeneration.

4. Disturbances of cell development and growth, and cell death (necrosis and apoptosis).

6. Responses and adaptations of organelles, cells and tissues following exposure to a range of injury and stress mechanisms.

7. Cellular changes occurring in selected disease processes (including neoplasms, infections, age-related diseases).

8. Contemporary methods for studying cells and tissues, as applied to the elucidation of normal processes and in the investigation and diagnosis of disease.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit consists of a series of lectures, laboratory classes, and tutorials presented by a team of teaching staff. Participation by students is strongly encouraged in the unit by way of critical comment and questions. Students are required to perform literature reviews and additional reading during the semester, to complete written assignments and give one oral presentation to the class. Self-directed learning is encouraged and assessment tasks are designed to allow students some flexibility to explore topics of specific interest.

Assessment

Summative assessment comprises three written tasks and one short oral presentation. Assessment tasks in this unit are structured to foster the development of your information retrieval, critical analysis and communication skills. All of your submitted assessment tasks must show evidence of reading additional to the lecture/tutorial material, and a progressive ability to critically interpret and evaluate scientific information. The oral presentation is a summary of information obtained to complete the major written assessment task.Formative assessment will be applied continuously throughout the semester. Class contact times are structured to allow the opportunity for feedback and critical discussion of unit content, to promote broad understanding of topics and to enhance deep-learning skills. Directed tutorials, problem-based learning exercises and on-line resources are available for some topics. Written feedback and/or tutorial sessions are provided for assessment tasks.

Assessment name: Essay
Description: A written response to a set scientific question, requiring an essay type answer. Your answer is required to show evidence of independent information retrieval and reading, and include information beyond that presented in lecture materials. You should provide some critical analysis of the relevant literature.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: A literature review of published scientific literature, in response to a set question. Your answer is required to show evidence of independent information retrieval and extensive reading from the literature, and must include information beyond that presented in lecture materials. You will be assessed for appropriate coverage, critical analysis and relevance of the literature.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: A short oral presentation (approx. 15 minutes duration), summarising the data provided in your major written discourse (ie. Literature Review- Assessment Item No. 2). Your presentation must show evidence of extensive reading from the literature and must contain information beyond that presented in lecture materials.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: A critique of published literature on a scientific topic of relevance to the unit content.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End 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

Text: Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K & Walter P (2002) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition, New York: Garland Science Publishing
References: Relevant key references for specific topics will be indicated in lecture materials. Students are expected to source other references through literature searches and further reading.
Personal Protective Equipment: Laboratory coat - 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix (65% polyester is maximum allowable) is required for all laboratory classes.

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 will be provided with the latest edition of a comprehensive safety booklet pertinent to life sciences laboratories and specifically to this unit, and you will be required to adhere to the safety procedures detailed in it. 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: 08-Oct-2012