Unit Outline

This unit provides students with an understanding of how contemporary approaches in molecular biology are being used to address problems in human health and wellbeing. This includes an introduction to genomics and proteomics. The use of molecular biology and protein biochemistry tools to probe current research problems in biological and biomedical sciences will be highlighted.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Discuss and apply contemporary biomolecular approaches used to address issues related to health and disease.
2.	Design strategies to investigate disease mechanisms using analytical and biomolecular tools.
3.	Plan and conduct experiments using contemporary biomolecular approaches to data collection and analysis.
4.	Solve research problems using contemporary biomolecular approaches to data collection and analysis.
5.	Critically evaluate, interpret and communicate experimental data and medical research literature.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CBA265
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	CBA341 and CBA342

Alterations as a result of student feedback

As a result of student feedback from 2023, the number of assessment tasks has been reduced (test 2 has been removed). For 2024, laboratory module 1 will now be assessed by the completion of one worksheet (15%); and laboratory module 2 will be assessed by the completion of a laboratory report (25%) and a worksheet (5%) to assist with the formulation of the hypothesis and aims of the laboratory report. The scope of laboratory module 2 has been reduced to allow for the incorporation of face-to-face workshops in the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Lab Worksheet	Week 6	20 %	LO1, LO3, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Test	Week 8	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Laboratory Report	Week 12	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Lab Worksheet

Task Description:

This assessment task involves a written worksheet of short answer questions associated with two of the practical classes completed during the semester (2 x worksheets, 5% + 15% each). The worksheet will test knowledge and understanding of concepts covered online and in class, and involve questions, analysis and interpretation of data.

Task Length:

750-1000 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of biomolecular mechanisms and laboratory techniques	LO1
2	Interpret and analyse data	LO3, LO5

Assessment Task 2: Test

Task Description:

Written Test (X1)

This assessment task will test knowledge and understanding of concepts covered online, in class and in required reading.

Test comprises short essays and problem-solving questions, and will be closed book and invigilated.

Task Length:

40 min

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of protein chemistry and molecular biology	LO1, LO2
2	Design experiments, critically evaluate and interpret research data	LO2, LO4, LO5
3	Use relevant and accurate terminology	LO5

Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Report

Task Description:

This assessment task involves the preparation of a written report based on one of the practical sessions completed during the semester. The report will be written in the style of a journal article.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of biomolecular mechanisms and laboratory techniques	LO1, LO2
2	Collect, interpret and analyse data	LO3, LO4
3	Communicate findings in the form of a journal article	LO5

Assessment Task 4: Exam

Task Description:

End of Semester Exam

This assessment task will test knowledge and understanding of concepts covered in the unit. Questions may be based on any material delivered online and/or in tutorials and/or from required reading material. The final exam will be invigilated and comprises essays and problem-solving questions.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of protein chemistry and molecular biology	LO1, LO2
2	Design experiments, critically evaluate and interpret research data	LO2, LO4
3	Use relevant and accurate terminology	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.