Unit Outline

This unit provides students with an understanding of recent developments and contemporary issues in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. Areas covered include topics related to signal transduction, gene regulation and epigenetics, and DNA damage and repair. Topics are discussed in the context of the research literature and the implications of research advances for understanding health and disease.

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.	Apply knowledge of concepts underpinning some areas of contemporary biochemistry and molecular biology to explain normal physiological processes.
2.	Explain how dysregulation of biochemical and molecular processes contributes to disease.
3.	Apply knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology to problem‐solve and to critically evaluate research data.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CBA260 and CBA265

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Assessment for this unit was changed recently to include some in-class worksheets. Student feedback on this change has been very positive, so that format is continued in 2024. The exam and tests have returned to an invigilated format in 2024.

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:	Internal Test	See the MyLO site for the due date	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Worksheets	See the MyLO site for the due date	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	End of Semester Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Internal Test

Task Description:

Internal Test. Two invigilated tests of similar format to the end of semester exam.
Each test is worth 15%

Due in weeks 5 and 10.

Task Length:

30 minutes each

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Accurately describe relevant biochemistry and molecular biology concepts using correct scientific terminology	LO1, LO2
2	Discuss and explain biochemistry and molecular biology concepts and their contribution to health and disease	LO1, LO2
3	Apply knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology to critically analyse and discuss scientific data and problem-solve	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Demonstrate correct use of scientific terminology	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Worksheets

Task Description:

Worksheet questions may require a range of responses including but not limited to short answer, single word responses, MCQ, diagrams, calculations.
There are 3 worksheets, each worth 10%.

Due in weeks 3, 8 and 12.

Task Length:

3 X Worksheets (1 per module)

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Accurately describe relevant biochemistry and molecular biology concepts using correct scientific terminology	LO1, LO2
2	Discuss and explain biochemistry and molecular biology concepts and their contribution to health and disease	LO1, LO2
3	Analyse and evaluate scientific and/or research data	LO3

Assessment Task 3: End of Semester Exam

Task Description:

End of Semester Exam, 2hr

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Accurately describe biochemistry and molecular biology concepts using correct scientific terminology	LO1, LO2
2	Discuss and explain biochemistry and molecular biology concepts and their contribution to health and disease	LO1, LO2
3	Apply knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology concepts to analyse and evaluate data and problem-solve	LO1, LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

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

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.