LQB186 Human Cell & Molecular Biology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Human cell and molecular biology is a rapidly evolving field in biomedical research and this unit will introduce you to the basic principles underpinning cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. There will be an emphasis on the development of skills that are required by all biomedical scientists. A basic understanding of cell and molecular biology is required for further study in many areas, including the study of biochemistry, microbiology, anatomical sciences and physiology and this unit with provide you with a strong foundation for further study in cell biology, molecular biology and genetics.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Describe the structure and function of human cells and the important biomolecules that constitute human cells.
2. Explain the dynamic nature of the molecular mechanisms that operate within and control the cell.
3. Solve problems in cell and molecular biology by connecting cell structure and function.
4. Demonstrate basic practical skills relating to scientific experimentation and investigation in cell and molecular biology.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is delivered through a combination of lectures and practical sessions as well as blended and enhanced learning, and will include formative guidance to assist practical skills development. The practical component is aimed at developing basic laboratory skills, as well as integrating and reinforcing the basic principles discussed in the lecture material. A prime objective of the practical sessions is to train students in correct experimental methodology at the laboratory bench with an emphasis on demonstrated and correct procedure for the analysis and recording of data. The emphasis on correct data recording begins to focus your attention on standards of professional practice. Online workshops based around the genetics and inheritance patterns of a model organism extend and reinforce conceptual learning. The LQB186 Canvas site is used to convey resource material and broadcast timely messages and alerts to engage learners at key milestones.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive academic feedback on a weekly basis on the practical component of the assessment.  Assistance with understanding the genetics problem solving tasks will be provided in ad hoc tutorial sessions.

Assessment

Overview

Progressive assessment will be conducted in the laboratory setting.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory/Practical

Progressive assessment of laboratory skills based upon successful completion of laboratory exercises.

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

Students complete genetics and bioinformatics problems as a series of workshops and are required to analyse and solve problems.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination (invigilated)

A combination of multiple-choice and short answer questions will be used to assess your understanding of cell structure and function.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the students responsibility.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Prescribed Texts:
Campbell NA, Reece JB, Urry LA, Cain ML, Wasserman SA, Minorsky PV Jackson RB. Biology: a global approach. 10th edition: Pearson; 2014.

Safety and protective equipment

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

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

LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

1. Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
   Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Examination (invigilated)
2. Demonstrate the technical skills required to solve multi-disciplinary problems in biomedical research, industry and clinical settings and do so in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Problem Solving Task
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Problem Solving Task, Examination (invigilated)

LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

1. Discipline Knowledge
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Problem Solving Task, Examination (invigilated)
2. Analysis and interpretation of data
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Problem Solving Task, Examination (invigilated)
3. Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Problem Solving Task, Examination (invigilated)
4. Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
   Relates to: Problem Solving Task