LQN200 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology
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: | LQN200 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,744 |
| International unit fee | $5,148 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | LQN200 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Perry Hartfield | p.hartfield@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Fundamental and advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology are covered in order to fully appreciate the principles of disease pathogenesis, and diagnostic methodologies in order to apply them. Genomic 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 molecular biological concepts.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine a comprehensive map of the molecular processes involved in cellular reproduction, DNA transcription, gene expression and gene translation.
- Compare and contrast intra- and inter-cellular processes, and critically analyse defects within these that lead to disease.
- Investigate molecular biology and apply knowledge to disease states in order to predict the aetiology of the latter.
- Generate scientific reports detailing the molecular basis of genetic disease in humans from a framework of personal accountability, collegiality, and ethical judgment.
Content
- The fundamental concepts of eukaryotic cell structure
- The organisation of cells into cell communities
- The processes involved in cell signalling
- The events that take place in the production of somatic cells via mitosis
- The events that take place in the production of gametes via meiosis
- The processes and enzymes involved in transcription and translation
- The general structural and functional principles of the cell membrane and the cytoskeleton
- The degenerate and universal nature of the genetic code and how DNA sequences prescribe RNA sequences and the amino acid sequences of proteins
- The role of the different types of RNA in gene transcription
- The processing of RNA transcripts with 5' capping and 3' polyadenylation
- The primary, secondary and tertiary structure and post-translational modification of proteins
- How proteins function and are controlled
- Protein transport within the cell
Learning Approaches
Building on introductory units, LQN200 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.
Canvas is our learning management system that provides you with timely learning resources including pre-recorded lectures, research papers, media articles and videos. You will find embedded support for learning on Canvas such as online meetings, interactive exercises and online message boards. In addition, 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.
Ensure that you regularly access Canvas and take part in 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 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 Canvas 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 an individual oral presentation on a discussion topic that will consolidate your cell and molecular biology learning and communication skills.
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 response 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. You will present a synthesis of how this relates to human disease, drawing upon personal accountability, collegiality and ethical judgement.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Literature Review
In this authentic assessment, you will take the role of a research scientist. You will be given the details of a human disease associated with an intracellular process. You will be asked to undertake a literature review and present a scientific report to analyse and investigate the possible physiological consequences of the molecular aberration in cellular processes, and synthesise how this relates to human disease. You will be asked to present the details of your report in a document for your research group to read.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Presentation
This presentation will be submitted in a digital format. It will assess your understanding of a discussion topic question linked to advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology, as well as assessing scientific communication skills. As part of Verified Identity Assessment (VIA), you will be required to visually identify and authenticate their presentations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Resources
In addition to online lecture notes, a selection of online textbooks, journal articles, and internet resources will be made available each week through QUT library.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.LS72 Graduate Diploma in Diagnostic Genomics
- Apply scientific knowledge and skills, focused on current genomic trends in practice and research, utilising digital capabilities.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3 - Critically evaluate scientific findings and locate solutions to solve complex genomics problems, employing high order cognitive skills, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4 - Develop and apply professional oral and written communication skills that inform effective collaboration and digital interactions with colleagues and other stakeholders across the medical and scientific contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 - Practise within a framework of personal accountability, collegiality and ethical judgment, while valuing cultural safety and sensitivity in professional practice, clinical decision-making and research.
Relates to: ULO2
LS81 Master of Diagnostic Genomics
- Apply scientific knowledge and skills, focused on current genomic trends in practice and research, utilising digital capabilities.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Case Study, Presentation - Critically evaluate scientific findings and locate solutions to solve complex genomics problems, employing high order cognitive skills, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Case Study, Literature Review - Develop and apply professional oral and written communication skills that inform effective collaboration and digital interactions with colleagues and other stakeholders across the medical and scientific contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Literature Review - Practise within a framework of personal accountability, collegiality and ethical judgement, drawing upon Indigenous perspectives, cultural safety and sensitivity in professional practice, clinical decision-making and research.
Relates to: ULO2