LQB182 Cell and Molecular Biology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Cell and molecular biology is an exciting, rapidly evolving, and major field in biomedical disciplines and this unit will expose you to modern examples of applications of cell and molecular biology in medical and research settings. There will be an emphasis on the development of practical skills and knowledge that will support your learning of fundamental concepts. A basic understanding of cell and molecular biology is required for further study in many areas, including the study of clinical sciences, biochemistry, and human physiology. Importantly, this unit will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge regarding cells, their structures and functions that is applicable to many professional disciplines, including pharmacy, podiatry, optometry, nutrition and dietetics, business, law, humanities, and creative industries.

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 cells.
2. Explain the dynamic nature of the molecular mechanisms that operate within and control the cell.
3. Describe the connections between cell structure and function, in order to solve problems in cell and molecular biology.
4. Apply 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 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. The LQB182 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 three components of your assessment. Following the progress exam, a feedback presentation is provided to take you through the questions explaining the objectives, answers and reasoning. Additional feedback is provided during laboratories where the practical work tasks are reviewed and assessed. Thirdly, assessment of the final examination will provide an indication of overall performance and reflect competency in meeting the unit learning outcomes.

Assessment

Overview

You will be assessed on your practical laboratory work and theoretical understanding of introductory cell and molecular concepts in three assessment tasks across the semester. Progressive fortnightly assessment will be conducted in the laboratory setting or online. A progress examination (around Week 7, consisting of multiple choice questions) and final written examination (end of semester central examination period, consisting of both multiple choice and short-answer questions) will assess your knowledge and understanding.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory Practicals

As a scientist or health professional, you will be required to conduct experiments, collect data, analyse these data, evaluate and interpret the results, and present the information within a written report. You will prepare the report for a multidisciplinary team in your workplace to help them understand how the data was generated and the significance of the results for your client.

The foundational skill developed in this practical will enable you to effectively analyse and communicate these data, develop good laboratory practice, record keeping skills, in addition to the basic skills required to investigate and experiment with cells. Assessment of your laboratory reports is undertaken within each practical by demonstrators and is based upon your participation and successful completion of the laboratory exercises.

Assessment: Mid Semester Theory Exam

This multiple-choice format and short answer examination will provide an opportunity to review your understanding of key cell and molecular biology concepts from the first 5-6 weeks of the semester, and use your knowledge to solve problems by connecting cell structure to function.

Assessment: Final Theory Exam

Your knowledge of introductory cell and molecular concepts will be assessed in terms of both your theoretical and practical laboratory understanding, from topics covered across the whole semester.

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:
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

Costs

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

Resources

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

OP45 Bachelor of Vision Science

1. Theoretical knowledge in optometry and vision science, introductory clinical and technical skills
   Relates to: Laboratory Practicals, Mid Semester Theory Exam, Final Theory Exam