LQN200 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online

Overview

Genomic scientists and clinicians working in genomics need to understand the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology in order to fully appreciate the principles of disease pathogenesis, and diagnostic methodologies in order to apply them. Scientists need to know how to interpret molecular test results in order to communicate them to colleagues and referring physicians. Clinicians requesting and/or interpreting genetic test results for their patients also need to be familiar with these concepts.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Describe a comprehensive map of the sequences involved in cellular reproduction, DNA transcription, gene expression and gene translation.
2. Critically analyse both intra- and inter-cellular processes, and defects within these, which lead to disease.
3. Apply knowledge of molecular biology to disease states in order to predict the aetiology of the latter.
4. Generate scientific reports detailing the molecular basis of genetic disease in humans.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is designed to further your knowledge of core concepts of cell and molecular biology. The online delivery is through Canvas. The unit is developed around the principles of adult learning, theory and practice and open learning guidelines. This predominantly, asynchronous learning environment allows you to go through lectures, materials and exercises at your own pace.

The Canvas site will provide you with resources including pre-recorded lectures, research papers, media articles and videos. You will also be able to access online meetings, interactive exercises and online message boards. There will be at least one webinar or video-conferencing in which a concept is explained and students will be expected to solve a problem or discuss approaches to a case during the virtual class.

Canvas will facilitate your ongoing conversations with other students and with academic staff. Guidance will be provided, through regular announcements in the Canvas site for you in terms of appropriate self-pacing of your study during the semester. You will be expected to engage in online discussions and complete formative assessment tasks to consolidate your learning.

You will be encouraged to read widely and to think critically about the nature and scope of how cell and molecular biology relates to the field of diagnostic genomics.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

The online webinars and discussion boards are the key places you can ask for and receive feedback on your understanding of unit materials. Feedback on assessment 1 will be given regarding your analytical skills, ability to identify resources, reasoning and ability to interpret and summarize your findings. Each assessment item will include individual feedback on your progress as stated above and feedback will be offered to the group through the Announcements page on the Backboard site.

Assessment

Overview

There are three formal assessment items in LQN200. Assessment 1 is a case study which provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge about cell and molecular biology by applying it directly to human disease associated with defects in specific intracellular molecular pathways. Assessment 2 is a literature review in which you will be asked to apply your working knowledge of cellular processes and signalling to a disease state. Assessment 3 is a written exam which will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions. This exam will take place over a two-hour period and will be administered online via Canvas.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Study

This authentic assessment will present you with a case study of a human disease associated with a molecular pathway within cells. The case study will be presented as an infographic that will require you to undertake a literature review, analysis and research of the physiological consequences of a molecular defect in cellular processes, and a synthesis of how this relates to human disease.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Relates to learning outcomes
2 and 4.

Assessment: Literature Review

This authentic assessment will present you with a human disease associated with an intracellular process. You will be asked to undertake a literature review to analyse and research the possible physiological consequences of the molecular aberration in cellular processes, and synthesise how this relates to human disease.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Relates to learning outcomes
3 and 4.

Assessment: Examination

This written examination is aimed to ensure that all students have a coherent knowledge of advanced elements of cell and molecular biology which is required on a daily basis in both laboratory and clinical settings.

Relates to learning outcomes
1.

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.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.