LQB681 Biomolecular Research Skills
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | LQB681 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | LQB381 and LQB481 |
| Equivalent(s): | LSB607 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,760 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | LQB681 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | LQB381 and LQB481 |
| Equivalent: | LSB607 |
| Coordinator: | Perry Hartfield | p.hartfield@qut.edu.au |
Overview
While technical expertise is important for a successful career in biomedical science, high level interpersonal skills, such as effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and working effectively in a team are also valued highly by potential employers and research project leaders. This unit offers opportunities for you to independently design and work on a research project throughout the semester, which will assist you in developing both biomolecular research and interpersonal skills. This unit is a capstone biochemistry unit designed to prepare you as a prospective graduate for independent and team-based research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Be able to apply problem-solving skills, as well as scientific integrity and ethical practices, to project design and data interpretation.
- Develop practical biomolecular research skills and allied scientific cognitive skills by contributing in a significant way to the organisation and functioning of a collaborative research team including design, modification and execution of experimental practices and protocols.
- Develop an understanding of online bioinformatic databases and tools and how to use them for the analysis of proteomics data.
- Develop high-level scientific communication skills (oral and written) through individual and team presentations and reports.
Content
Problem-based learning workshops focusing on biomolecular research skills:
- Introduction to protein sample preparation and proteomics technologies.
- Introduction to bioinformatics tools for proteomics data searching, processing and analysis.
Team Laboratory-based Project: - Project planning and design
- Reagent preparation
- Protein sample processing and fractionation for proteomics applications
- Protein mass spectrometry
- Biomolecular analysis using appropriate advanced level biochemical assays including chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques
Learning Approaches
This unit comprises a series of problem-based learning workshops and a mentored, practical research project where you will work in teams on a biomolecular research problem to prepare samples from cells, tissues or body fluids for proteomic characterisation. The unit has five designated hours of formal student activities per week, however additional off-campus research and planning also will be required. There will be no formal lectures or examinations.
The unit integrates a number of specialist biomolecular and biochemical laboratory practices and techniques including mass spectrometry-based proteomics, liquid chromatography, electrophoresis and spectrophotometry using state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, workshops facilitated by the unit coordinator will provide you with guidance for engaging with and managing research-based project work and training in the use of bioinformatics applications for the analysis of proteomics data. The learning activities are supported by comprehensive resources available on Canvas in combination with academic mentoring to support your progress with the project-based laboratory studies.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback is an intrinsic feature of the design of this unit. You will receive weekly feedback and advice on project progress from academics and demonstrators, and the summative assessment items 1 and 2 below are returned to students throughout the semester with individual feedback.
Assessment
Overview
The assessments for the unit are staggered throughout the semester as described in detail below and are completed independently by each individual in the unit or as a team. Progressive discussions with academic staff including formative feedback will be available to students who actively participate in the scheduled learning activities for these tasks during those learning activities.
On a weekly basis you will be required to submit material in the form of assessable items, reagents lists and contribute to on-line discussions using the unit's Canvas site.
Your grade for this unit will be determined by continuous assessment based upon both team and individual exercises. Components of the assessment will be evaluated by the teaching team, the laboratory technician, and colleagues in your project team.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Data Analysis Task
Based on the content covered in training workshops, you will be required to develop an analysis workflow for a given proteomic dataset using bioinformatics tools. You will present the details of your analysis strategy and discuss your approach with academic staff and your peers.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Project Plan
You will analyse and review existing literature in the area of protein sample preparation and identify appropriate methods to perform a proteomic characterisation of a given tissue or cell source. Based on the research, you will design and submit a comprehensive project proposal and experimental plan including detailed protocols for your proteomics project.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Project Presentation
You will work in teams, analyse the project data obtained , and present a team-based oral presentation outlining the outcomes of the semester long research project, including a critical discussion of the research findings.
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
Requirements
Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
- Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix (65% polyester is max. allowable).
- Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards (AS1336, AS1337 and AS1338)
- Fully enclosed non-slip shoes
Costs
Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the students responsibility.
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Reed R, Holmes D, Weyers JDB, Jones A M. Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences. 5th edition: Pearson Education; 2016.
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
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- 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: Project Plan , Project Presentation - 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: Data Analysis Task - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Data Analysis Task, Project Plan , Project Presentation - Contribute effectively to biomedical projects, either as an individual or as a member of a team, by demonstrating professional behaviour and participating in continuous learning.
Relates to: Data Analysis Task, Project Presentation - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Project Plan , Project Presentation