LQB182 Cell and Molecular Biology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Cell and molecular biology is an exciting, rapidly evolving, and major field in biomedical disciplines and this unit will expose you to modern examples of applications of cell and molecular biology in medical and research settings. There will be an emphasis on the development of practical skills and knowledge that will support your learning of fundamental concepts. A basic understanding of cell and molecular biology is required for further study in many areas, including the study of clinical sciences, biochemistry, and human physiology. Importantly, this unit will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge regarding cells, their structures and functions that is applicable to many professional disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the interaction between biomolecules and cellular function.
2. Explain the dynamic nature of the molecular mechanisms that operate within and control the function of human cells.
3. Describe the connections between cell structure and function in human health.
4. Demonstrate core wet laboratory operating skills and be able to generate and analyse data in the context of cell and molecular biology.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is delivered through a combination of preparatory self-directed online learning modules, workshops, and practical sessions, and will include formative guidance to assist practical skills development. The practical component is aimed at developing core laboratory operating skills, as well as integrating and reinforcing the basic principles discussed in the online modules. A prime objective of the practical sessions is to train students in correct experimental methodology at the laboratory bench with an emphasis on demonstrating correct procedure for the recording and analysis of data. The emphasis on correct data recording begins to focus your attention on standards of professional practice. The LQB182 Canvas site is used to convey resource material and broadcast timely messages and alerts to engage you at key milestones.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback is provided during laboratories where the practical work tasks are reviewed and assessed. A series of revision questions will be provided on Canvas to test your knowledge in preparation for your final examination.

Assessment

Overview

You will be assessed on your practical laboratory work and theoretical understanding of introductory cell and molecular concepts in three assessment tasks across the semester. Authentic assessment of core laboratory operating skills will be conducted in a laboratory setting utilising laboratory procedures or online tools including generative AI. Practical activities throughout the semester, and a final written examination (end of semester central examination period), will assess your achievement of the unit learning outcomes.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory Workbook and Practicals

As a scientist or health professional, you will be required to conduct experiments, collect data, analyse these data, evaluate and interpret the results, and present the information within a written report. You will prepare the report for a multidisciplinary team in your workplace to help them understand how the data was generated and the significance of the results for your client.

The foundational skills developed in this practical will enable you to effectively analyse and communicate these data, develop good laboratory work practice, record keeping skills, in addition to the basic skills required to investigate and experiment with cells. You will be required to independently demonstrate your ability to effectively use laboratory equipment, to perform practical tasks and to generate data. 

This assessment is completed during your scheduled practical classes. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Final Theory Exam

Your knowledge of introductory cell and molecular concepts will be assessed in terms of both your theoretical and practical laboratory understanding, from topics covered across the whole semester using multiple-choice and short-answer questions. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Costs

Cost of lab gowns, safety protection glasses and practical manual are the student's responsibility.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Campbell NA and Reece JB (current edition) Biology, Benjamin Cummings.

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 view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site 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.

Course Learning Outcomes

CS44 Bachelor of Podiatry

1. Critically evaluate and integrate specialised discipline knowledge of body systems, pathology, podiatric medicine and therapeutics in real-world settings.
   Relates to: Final Theory Exam
2. Employ information literacy, evidence-based professional reasoning and shared decision-making to safely and effectively undertake person-centred management for diverse lower limb conditions through assessment, investigation, diagnosis and evaluation.
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook and Practicals
3. Practice effective multimodal communication and collaboration, establishing inclusive partnerships with patients, health professionals and relevant stakeholders, leveraging digital capabilities and interprofessional referral pathways to positively impact individual and community health outcomes, applying the full scope of podiatric practice.
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook and Practicals

CS46 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)

1. Critically evaluate and integrate advanced specialised knowledge of body systems, pathology, podiatric medicine and therapeutics in real-world settings.
   Relates to: Final Theory Exam
2. Employ research skills in parallel with evidence-based professional reasoning and shared decision-making to safely and effectively undertake person-centred management for diverse lower limb conditions through assessment, investigation, diagnosis and evaluation.
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook and Practicals
3. Practice scholarly multimodal communication and effective collaboration, establishing inclusive partnerships with patients, health professionals and relevant stakeholders, leveraging digital capabilities and interprofessional referral pathways to positively impact individual and community health outcomes, applying the full scope of podiatric practice, including dissemination of research findings.
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook and Practicals

OP45 Bachelor of Vision Science

1. Apply scientific knowledge and core skills of vision science and optometry.
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook and Practicals, Final Theory Exam