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Staffing

Examiner:

Requisites

Pre-requisite: CHE2120

Rationale

An understanding of the theory and techniques of cell and molecular biology are becoming an essential component in the research and medical diagnostic spheres. The course will provide the student with theoretical knowledge in basic molecular biology and cell biology. During the course students will gain an insight into the nature of cellular substructure, vesicle trafficking, protein post-translational modifications and targeting and control of the cell cycle. The students will also explore the nature of cells at the molecular level as well as the current molecular technologies that enable such information to be derived. Finally the students will gain knowledge of the nature of the molecular and other technologies that have advanced the analytical options in a research laboratory.

Synopsis

The course is presented in two modules: in the first, the course introduces the nature of gene organisation, replication and expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The course also provides an overview of molecular technologies including recombinant DNA techniques and standard molecular methods such as sequencing, RNAi, CRISPR-Cas9, in situ hybridisation, northern and western Blot assays, PCR, rtPCR and qPCR. These procedures underpin state of the art research and medical diagnostic assays. Applications of this technology are discussed. In the second module the course explores the nature of cellular ultrastructure; protein post-translational modification and targeting; vesicle transport in cells; regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis.

This course contains a highly recommended residential school for both external and on-campus students (non-attendance will mean the student misses both an element for assessment preparation and an element of assessment).

Objectives

Topics

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

Reference materials

Student workload expectations

Assessment details

Important assessment information

1. Attendance requirements:
   
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as tutorials) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. All students undertaking this course are highly recommended to attend the residential school as the residential school is linked to an assessment or an element of assessment preparation.
   
   
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   
   To complete the assignment satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the assignment. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination.
   
   
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   
   Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4)
   
   
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   
   Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2021 are:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
   
   Requirements after S1 2021:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must obtain at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
   
   To be awarded a passing grade for a supplementary assessment item (if applicable), a student must achieve at least 50% of the available marks for the supplementary assessment item as per the Assessment Procedure (point 4.4.2).
   
   
   
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
   
   
6. Examination information:
   
   Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2021 are:
   An Open Examination is one in which candidates may have access to any printed or written material and a calculator during the examination.
   
   Requirements after S1 2021:
   Candidates are only allowed to access specific materials during a Restricted Examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are:
   i. calculators which cannot hold textual information.
   
   
   
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   
   Normally Deferred and Supplementary Examinations are held in the next Examination period. In S1 2021 selected courses will pilot an early Deferred and Supplementary Examination period held within 30 business days of results release. The list of courses involved can be found at .
   
   
8. University Student Policies:
   
   Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at .
   
   

Assessment notes

1. Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete-Deferred Examination); IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
   
   
2. The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. If requested by the Examiner, students will be required to provide a copy of assignments submitted for assessment purposes. Such copies should be despatched to USQ within 24 hours of receipt of a request being made. The examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances. The Faculty will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media. The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile. Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements. In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.
   
   
3. Harvard (AGPS) is the referencing system required in this course. Students should use Harvard (AGPS) style in their assignments to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard (AGPS) style to be used is defined by the USQ Library's referencing guide. .
   
   
4. As part of the highly recommended residential school, students may be expected to complete a combination of laboratories, practical classes and assessment as advised by the course examiner.
   
   

Other requirements

1. The dates and location of the highly recommended residential school are available from the Residential School Timetable (. On-campus students can follow the Class Timetables ( as a guide or enrolled students can refer to their student portal and navigate to Student Centre>Self Service>Timetables>My Weekly Schedule.