Overview
This unit focuses on developing an understanding of how genomes are organised, how they function within the cell, how molecular medical treatments can be developed, ways in which we can manipulate genomes and utilise their components for a range of medical applications. You will explore the application of molecular techniques, such polymerase chain reaction and next generation sequencing, and their revolutionary impact on diagnostic testing.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite BMSC11002 Human Body Systems 2 AND BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry OR BMSC11008 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 2 AND BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry OR BMSC11011 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 AND BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2023
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE data and self reflection
Addition of case studies throughout the term would help prepare the students for the final examination.
Consider implementing case studies with the weekly tutorials.
Feedback from SUTE data
One final examination covering twelve weeks of content was not well received.
Consider the assessment structure and weightings for future iterations.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the structure and organisation of cells at the molecular level
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the genome including its manipulation and sequencing
- Accurately review and evaluate the strategies associated with the transformation of micro-organisms and animals
- Explain the process of identifying genetic changes and their significance
- Apply knowledge of molecular biology techniques in the laboratory.
The learning outcomes achieved are linked to the objectives of the accrediting body, Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | |||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 30% | |||||
| 4 - Examination - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Fundamental Molecular Biology ( Binder Ready Version )
Edition: 3rd en (2021)
Authors: Lizabeth A. Allison
WILEY
ISBN: 978-1-119-15629-1
Binding: Hardcover
Additional Textbook Information
Textbooks can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. If you prefer your own copy, you can purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- ZOOM
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
i.christiansen@cqu.edu.au
a.balzer@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Molecular Biology
DNA Replication
Chapter
1
2, 6, 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
RNA
Chapter
3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Genome Organisation
Chapter
5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Nucleic Acid Isolation, Characterisation, PCR and Electrophoresis
Chapter
8, 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
DNA Cloning
Chapter
8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Break Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Gene Therapy
Chapter
17
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
DNA Sequencing
Chapter
9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton Residential School
Module/Topic
Genetically Modified Organisms
Chapter
15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
High Throughput Analyses
Chapter
16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Epigenetics
Chapter
12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Bundaberg Residential School
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Molecular biology is an area of biology that focuses on understanding structure and function of molecules in the cell such as nucleic acids and proteins and their role in maintaining cellular function. In this unit we will also explore nucleic acid replication and detection and how a nucleic acid can be delivered to cells and tissues as a therapeutic molecule. Furthermore, the unit will explore how nucleic acid function can be regulated through epigenetic modification. Lectures will be provided on the Rockhampton and Bundaberg campuses, recorded and accessible through the Moodle site. Online and on-campus ‘Zoom’ tutorials will compliment lecture material.
The assessment items for this unit, include:
(1) a written assessment;
(2) attendance at the compulsory residential school and completion of a laboratory manual;
(3) an end of term invigilated exam.
1 Written Assessment
Gene Therapy is an important area in modern medical research providing novel therapeutic approaches to treat disease. Gene therapy can be categorised in terms of viral or non-viral, use of nanomaterials and biomaterials which complex nucleic acids and allow delivery to the host, using an in vivo or ex-vivo approach. In this assessment you should choose one clinical area of gene therapy research for your essay and undertake literature searches for information on the developments, status and challenges on your chosen topic. You can also compare the gene therapy approaches with other treatment modalities.
Your essay should provide a very brief introductory overview of what Gene therapy is, and then focus on a particular clinical area of your choice, e.g. Cancer, neurological disease, hereditary metabolic diseases as examples and then consider the gene therapy approaches that have been previously used to treat disease in animal models and/or human clinical trials.
In this assessment, you should aim to make use of scientific journal articles and case reports from the past 7 years, to make your work as up-to-date as possible and to obtain the best possible mark. A video presentation on this assessment task will be available on the Moodle site for this unit, to give you further support.
Please note the following details:
- The length of the main body of your essay is 3000 words, excluding references - making the best use of the word allocation is always better than being off-message.
- Text should be word-processed, with appropriate layout and use of headings/sub-headings. Font and line spacing are not part of the assessment criteria, listed below.
- Diagrams should can be used to illustrate specific aspects - (please ensure that you correctly cite/reference all sources of diagrams used, unless they are original and composed by you, since this is an important aspect of academic integrity).
- Please avoid images with very large file sizes, as this will make your essay too large to upload/download (save any images as lower resolution, to decrease the file size).
- The list of references should form the last page or two, at the end of the assessment. Referencing should be in a consistent style - Harvard or APA format is required).
- Please save/upload your file in either a Word or PDF format.
Week 7 Friday (28 Apr 2023) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Friday (12 May 2023)
Title: Write a descriptive, scientific title for the essay. Try and give your work a title that is appropriate to what your final work represents. (P/F)
Introduction: A one paragraph lead-in to immediately capture attention and indicate the material you will cover. (20%)
Discussion: A thorough review of literature on your chosen topic area written using scientific references up to the previous seven years. The discussion should be organised around the scientific development in your chosen topic and highlighting 'landmark' discoveries and challenges in the clinical application of gene therapy. (40%)
Conclusions: In one paragraph summarise the status of the research you have reviewed in this area and any future research directions. (20%)
References: Cite and list all references referred to in your essay. Marks will be awarded for reference quality, citing within the report and listing references correctly at the end of the report. (10%)
Layout: Spelling, Grammar, Style, Accuracy. (10%)
A detailed marking rubric will be available on the Moodle site.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the structure and organisation of cells at the molecular level
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the genome including its manipulation and sequencing
- Explain the process of identifying genetic changes and their significance
2 Laboratory/Practical
Attendance at the Residential School / Laboratory is mandatory to pass the unit. Please see the timetable for dates and times.
Attendance at the Residential School / Laboratory is mandatory to pass the unit. You will be assessed on the Laboratory Workbook (see assessment item 3).
- Accurately review and evaluate the strategies associated with the transformation of micro-organisms and animals
- Apply knowledge of molecular biology techniques in the laboratory.
3 Practical Assessment
During the residential school you will be required to perform experimental protocols involving for example transformation of bacteria with plasmid DNA, restriction endonuclease digestion of DNA and amplification of DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In your residential School laboratory manual you will be expected to complete a workbook and perform experimental calculations, report experimental results and answer questions provided. Clearly label the report with student names and student numbers. The laboratory workbook can be scanned, or completed digitally and the workbook can be uploaded onto the Moodle site.
Week 12 Wednesday (31 May 2023) 12:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Wednesday (14 June 2023)
Assessment will be based on the accuracy of calculations and correctness of answers to questions.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the genome including its manipulation and sequencing
- Apply knowledge of molecular biology techniques in the laboratory.
Examination
Calculator - non-programmable, no text retrieval, silent only
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
