Unit Outline

Expands on the understanding of biochemistry obtained in CXA261 Metabolic Biochemistry, concentrated at a molecular level. The unit is a comprehensive study of regulation of cellular metabolism and signalling along with a detailed study of the molecular mechanisms of genetic replication, transcription and translation. The student is also introduced to molecular biology techniques and terminology.

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	Explain the molecular basis, and co-ordination of cell biology processes in healthy cells and tissues, and contrast to diseased states.
2	Conduct, interpret and critically evaluate molecular and biochemical data from laboratory-based experimentation and online bioinformatics analysis.
3	Interpret, critically evaluate, and communicate biochemical data from the scientific literature.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CXA261 Metabolic Biochemistry

Alterations as a result of student feedback

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:	Mid-semester test	Week 6	20 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Case Study	Week 10	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Laboratory Report.	Week 12	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Final Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Mid-semester test

Task Description:

The mid-semester test will be a face-to-face invigilated closed-book test. It will cover all information presented in lectures and tutorials in the first five weeks of the semester. It will consist of a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions.

Task Length:

60 minutes

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of cell and molecular biochemical processes through the analysis and interpretation of problem-based activities.	LO1, LO2

Assessment Task 2: Case Study

Task Description:

Students will answer questions based on the analysis of a case study.

Task Length:

1000 words

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse and interpret data from an investigative case study related to molecular biology.	LO2, LO3
2	Identify key issues of the case study and analyse these issues using the relevant theoretical concepts and the literature.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Report.

Task Description:

Laboratory Report. Students will write a laboratory-based report on the practical component of this unit. This report will include bioinformatic analyses, molecular methodology and discussion of the results obtained.

Task Length:

2500 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Provide an introduction that is concise and logically structured and has a comprehensive description of “your gene’s” structure and function, with reference to the GenBank entry and additional relevant literature.	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Provide a thorough and precise knowledge of how molecular biology techniques can be used to analyse your gene’s structure and function.	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Provide a detailed and accurate rationale for design of molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics to analyse your gene’s structure and function.	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Use well-chosen and relevant literature as a source of evidence to support your findings.	LO1, LO2, LO3
5	Described your results in a comprehensive manner in written paragraph(s), and present your data in an effective manner, using a highly-integrated combination of tables and/or figures.	LO1, LO2, LO3
6	Critically and thoroughly evaluate your results with respect to the stated aim(s) and hypothesis.	LO1, LO2, LO3
7	Produce a manuscript that is written in a scholarly manner with expression and use of grammar that is clear and concise, and virtually free from spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. There should be no evidence of plagiarism.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 4: Final Exam

Task Description:

The final exam will be a written face-to-face, closed book, centrally invigilated exam which will comprise 40% of the final mark. Exam questions will include content from material delivered in lectures, tutorials and MyLO readings across weeks 1-13.

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of molecular biochemical processes and critical analysis of molecular biology data (Bioinformatics and wet-laboratory techniques).	LO1, LO2

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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

Although you do not need a textbook to complete CXA315 Cell and Molecular Biochemistry, having at least one molecular biology textbook will be beneficial to further develop your understanding of the subject material. In this course, most of the lectures are derived from the following textbook:
Alberts, Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th edition, 2022, ISBN: 9780393884852

Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/molecular-biology-of-the-cell-bruce-alberts/ebook/9780393884647.html