LQB385 Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The human genome shapes who we are. In this unit, you will learn how, why, when and where genes are expressed. You will learn about the human genome, the importance of protein coding genes and of regions that do not encode proteins and the consequences of genetic variation and mutations, which may cause disease. An important part of the unit is the hands-on development of molecular biology skills in the laboratory and bioinformatics skills on the computer. You will amplify, quantify, sequence and clone DNA. You will also use the Nobel prize-winning technology CRISPR, a gene-editing tool that has shown early successes in the treatment of patients by correcting genetic defects. Finally, you will use bioinformatics approaches to analyse DNA, RNA and protein sequences, including in the context of disease, and learn data analytics approaches, which are invaluable in the current era of big data and precision medicine.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate practical and critical thinking skills to analyse, characterise and modify RNA and DNA molecules in the laboratory environment.
2. Apply knowledge of gene structure-function relationships to critically interrogate DNA, RNA and protein sequence information using programs available from the global genetic databases.
3. Integrate the different molecular genetic, biological and bioinformatics approaches towards characterising and modifying biomolecules.
4. Communicate an understanding of the basic concepts and approaches used in molecular biology and bioinformatics to characterising and modifying genes and genomes, including in the context of disease.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit consists of lectures and either a laboratory practical or a bioinformatics workshop. Lectures, practicals and workshops will be used to populate a framework of interactive and blended problem-based learning activities that promote multidisciplinary-based systems thinking and development of specific knowledge and skills relevant to the aims of the unit. This includes hands-on development of molecular biology skills in the laboratory and bioinformatics skills on the computer.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive formative feedback on continuous assessment items throughout the semester that will provide a measure of your progression through the unit. Outcomes of assessment items will normally be returned within two or three working days to facilitate positive learning progression. This formative assessment will be provided during interactive workshop and practical sessions, including a revision session at the end of the semester.

Assessment

Overview

All assessment contributes to your final mark and grade. Assessment serves to provide a learning environment that positively reinforces the building of knowledge, understanding and skilled practical application. Assessment tasks in the laboratory take the form of bioinformatics-based learning activities and laboratory-based experiments and their interpretation. A final theory exam draws on theoretical and practical concepts discussed during lectures, tutorials and practicals and is assessed using multiple choice and short answer questions.

Participation in the laboratory practical classes is an integral part of your learning experience in LQB385, if you are unable to attend a practical session, you should inform the unit coordinator by email and provide supporting documentation within 48 hours, e.g. medical certificate. For approved absences, alternate arrangements will be accommodated on up to one occasion. Approved absences in excess of one occasion will need to be discussed with, and is at the discretion of, the unit coordinator. In the case of unapproved absences from practicals, no marks will be given for related assessment.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory/Practical

You will participate in six laboratory-based practical sessions that simulate real world molecular biology research laboratories. You will learn to plan and carry out experiments aimed at measuring gene expression and cloning and characterising a gene of interest. Participation in the practicals will be necessary for completion of this assessment. You will be assessed on your participation in the laboratory-based practical sessions by demonstrating the development of technical skills and showing evidence of completion of experimental work (10%). Your understanding of the practical procedures, the experimental results and your interpretation of the results will be assessed via two in-class practical exams (20%).

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during the exam component of this assessment.

Assessment: Bioinformatics Exercises

You will complete a portfolio consisting of four bioinformatics-based learning activities, that simulate real world research related tasks undertaken by bioinformaticians and those employed in molecular biology related occupations. Bioinformatics approaches include the retrieval, processing and interpretation of DNA, RNA and protein sequence information and include (1) the use of online sequence alignment software; (2) the use of online tools for designing PCR primers; (3) the use of software for the analysis, interpretation and visualisation of gene expression data; (4) the design of gene editing experiments for altering phenotypes and correcting disease-causing mutations.

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

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised during this assessment.

Assessment: Final Theory Exam

A final examination consisting of a range of question types including multiple-choice and short-answer questions. This exam will test your understanding of the theoretical and practical knowledge and concepts covered in the lectures, bioinformatics and laboratory practical sessions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during 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

Costs

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

Resources

Resource Materials

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: Laboratory/Practical, Bioinformatics Exercises, Final Theory Exam
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, Bioinformatics Exercises
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Bioinformatics Exercises, Final Theory Exam

LV41 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: Laboratory/Practical, Bioinformatics Exercises, Final Theory Exam
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, Bioinformatics Exercises
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Bioinformatics Exercises, Final Theory Exam