LQB385 Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The human genome shapes who we are. In this unit, we will learn how, why, when and where genes are expressed. We will also learn about the importance of regions in our genome that do not encode genes and what the consequences are of genetic variation and mutations, which may cause genetic diseases. An important part of the unit is the hands-on development of molecular biology skills in the laboratory and bioinformatics skills on the computer. We will extract, amplify, sequence and clone DNA. We 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, we will use bioinformatics approaches to analyse DNA, RNA and amino acid 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 competency in characterising and modifying DNA molecules in the wet-lab environment.
2. Apply knowledge of gene structure-function relationship to critically interrogate DNA and amino acid 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 to characterising and modifying genes and genomes, including in the context of disease.
5. Apply basic data analytics approaches to analyse DNA, RNA and amino acid sequences.

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. Continuous assessment will occur throughout the unit and serves to provide a learning environment that positively reinforces the building of knowledge, understanding and skilled practical application. Continuous assessment items take the form of problem-based exercises that draw on theory and practice and are assessed using multiple choice and short answer questions. In addition, there will be an end-of-semester exam.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory Skills Quizzes

Skills test quizzes that will assess your knowledge of the process of planning and carrying out experiments in molecular biology and to record, analyse and interpret the results.

Assessment: Bioinformatics Exercises

You will be required to complete problem solving tasks and answer related questions that demonstrate your understanding of bioinformatics approaches to retrieve, process and interpret information related to, among others, DNA, RNA and protein sequences, transcription and translation. They relate to real-world research tasks that integrate the molecular, biological, genetic and bioinformatics approaches developed in this unit.

Assessment: Theory Exam

A final examination consisting of a range of question types including multiple-choice and short-answer questions. This exam enables you to demonstrate your basic and practical knowledge covered in the lectures, bioinformatics workshops and laboratory classes.

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