Unit Outline

This unit focuses on molecular biology in human health and disease. You will be introduced to processes regulating gene expression; protein structure-function relationships; proteostasis and post-translational modification mechanisms; and signalling pathways controlling cell fate, cell cycle and apoptosis. You will also explore the use of molecular tools to investigate disease, including PCR-based techniques, cloning and expression systems, and bioinformatics and genome editing methodologies. Laboratory practicals provide hands-on experience in generating and interpreting molecular data. Workshops will use case-based activities to consolidate and expand your knowledge of key molecular biology concepts discussed in online content and practicals. TCE Year 12 Chemistry (or equivalent) is assumed knowledge.

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 molecular processes and their regulation
2	Generate molecular data using established laboratory methods and good laboratory practice
3	Analyse molecular data to identify patterns/relationships and draw evidence-based conclusions
4	Communicate molecular biology concepts clearly using appropriate scientific language and terminology
5	Apply knowledge to predict and explain molecular-functional relationships

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	(CZZ101 or KPZ164) AND (CZZ102 or KZA161 or KPA161).

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes may have been made which may include adjustments to assessments and alignment of some of the timelines. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of 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:	In-Workshop Exercises	See the MyLO site for the due date	10 %	LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Laboratory Skills and Worksheets	See the MyLO site for the due date	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Mid-semester test	Week 6	20 %	LO1, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Written Exam, Invigilated	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: In-Workshop Exercises

Task Description:

This task comprises six (6) short, equally weighted in-workshop exercises designed to support learning of core molecular biology concepts.

Activities are completed during workshops, and support active participation, immediate feedback, and peer learning. You will demonstrate understanding of molecular concepts, interpret molecular data, and communicate responses using appropriate scientific language and terminology. Activities may involve collaborative discussion and peer-supported learning to explain concepts and interpret results. The activities can include, but are not limited to, quizzes, short answer questions (SAQs), concept mapping, and guided data-interpretation tasks.

Students who miss a workshop assessment will have the opportunity to complete the missed task in the next workshop session, or during the deferred/supplementary exam period where applicable. This task may involve a confirmation of learning check.

Task Length:

Varies (workshop-based)

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain molecular processes and their regulation	LO1
2	Analyse molecular data to identify patterns/relationships and draw relevant evidence-based conclusions	LO3
3	Communicate molecular biology concepts clearly using appropriate scientific language and terminology	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Skills and Worksheets

Task Description:

There are two (2) laboratory worksheets associated with practical classes. Each worksheet contributes to the development and assessment of practical skills and written scientific responses. These tasks require you to demonstrate established techniques and collect and record laboratory data. The worksheets also support your learning of key molecular concepts and develop your ability to interpret molecular data. You will analyse results presented in tables and/or figures, evaluate data quality (including the use of appropriate controls), and communicate evidence-based conclusions using appropriate scientific language and terminology. Practical skills and worksheets are completed during laboratory classes. This task may involve a confirmation of learning check.

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain molecular processes and their regulation	LO1
2	Generate molecular data using established laboratory methods and good laboratory practice	LO2
3	Analyse molecular data to identify patterns/relationships and draw relevant evidence-based conclusions	LO3
4	Communicate molecular biology concepts clearly using appropriate scientific language and terminology	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Mid-semester test

Task Description:

The mid-semester test assesses your understanding of core concepts from online modules, workshops and practical classes. The test may include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), extended-matching questions (EMQs), and short written answers. The test is closed book and invigilated.

Task Length:

50 minutes

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain molecular processes and their regulation	LO1
2	Communicate molecular biology concepts clearly using appropriate scientific language and terminology	LO4
3	Apply knowledge to predict and explain molecular-functional relationships	LO5

Assessment Task 4: Written Exam, Invigilated

Task Description:

The end-of-semester exam evaluates your knowledge and understanding of concepts covered in online modules, workshops, and practical classes. The exam may include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), extended-matching questions (EMQs), and extended written answers. The exam is closed book and invigilated.

Task Length:

Two hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain molecular processes and their regulation	LO1
2	Communicate molecular biology concepts clearly using appropriate scientific language and terminology	LO4
3	Apply knowledge to predict and explain molecular-functional relationships	LO5

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.