Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Ian Paulsen
Contact via x8152
E8A 202
Lecturer
Paul Haynes
Lab Technician
Ray Duell
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
Molecular biology is a central science in twenty-first century biology and biotechnology. Understanding the fundamentals of molecular biology is essential for many other fields in the life sciences, including microbiology, cell biology, immunology and development. Molecular biology makes a significant and increasing contribution to major sectors of our society including agriculture and medicine, and is also important in environmental science and forensics. In this unit we explore topics that allow students to obtain an advanced understanding of the mechanisms of molecular biology, including those of DNA replication and recombination, prokaryotic gene expression, eukaryotic gene expression, mobile elements, the functions of the nucleus, and epigenetics. We also address topics on the rapidly changing technologies in molecular biology, including those used in genome sequencing, metagenomics and microarray analysis. Practical sessions complement the lectures and provide students with hands-on experience with a range of critical laboratory skills including those required for DNA and RNA isolation, PCR and RT-PCR, cloning and bioinformatics. Students gain experience in working with both bacterial and eukaryotic systems in the laboratory classes so that their skills and experience are valuable for a variety of positions in both industry and research.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Assignments
The Centre is open 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Problem Set
Problems 1 - 12 should be done in time for marking and discussion during the practical session of the Week 12.
Requirements
Satisfactory completion of all components includes the practical assignments and the problem sets which are both integral components of the unit. Apart from the marks formally allocated to these components, a comprehensive understanding of them will greatly assist you in the final exam. You should remember that the final exam covers ALL components of the unit.
Name | Weighting | Due |
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Laboratory Reports | 15% | Apr 8, Apr 15, May 27 |
Bioinformatic Report | 10% | June 3 |
Mid-Semester Test | 10% | Week 7 |
Problem Set | 5% | Week 12 |
Final Examination | 50% | University Examination Period |
Essay | 10% | May 6 |
Due: Apr 8, Apr 15, May 27
Weighting: 15%
3 lab reports, 1500 words each
Due: June 3
Weighting: 10%
Report on Bioinformatic Analysis
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 10%
Multiple Choice Test carried out during regularly scheduled laboratory time.
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 5%
12 Question Problem Set in Prac Manual.
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
2 essays, 20 short answer questions
Due: May 6
Weighting: 10%
1000 word research essay
Classes There are two weekly lectures of 1 hour (C5C Collaborative Forum, 2pm Tuesday, 1pm Thursday) and a weekly practical session of 3 hours (F7B102-105, 1 – 4pm Wednesday or 9am-12pm Thursday). In weeks 10 and 11, the practical class is replaced with a bioinformatic workshop in the same location. Attendance at practical sessions (and bioinformatic workshop) is a compulsory component of this unit. Lecture recordings and graphics slides are available online through iLearn (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/), although lecture attendance in person is highly recommended. The practical manual is also available online through iLearn.
Required and Recommended Texts The course syllabus is defined by all of the subject material presented in lectures and practicals, much of which is beyond standard textbooks. The prescribed text for this unit is Molecular Biology Fifth edition by Robert F Weaver. Available from the Co-op bookshop. The following texts may also be useful and are available in the library:
GenesIX by Benjamin Lewin
Mobile Genetic Elements by Sherratt
Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual by Maniatis, Fritsch and Sambrook
An Introduction to Genetic Engineering by Des Nicholl.
Technology Requirements Within this Unit, you will be introduced to Web-based search engines that are commonly used in molecular biology. Our expectation is that you will be able to readily access the internet and have a computer available to you for web browsing and preparation of your laboratory reports. Handwritten reports will not be accepted. Your laboratory reports will be submitted and circulated via the online Turnitin program, for which access instructions will be given at submission time. Your practical reports will require you to carry out minor computational tasks, for which a calculator and access to basic statistical tools will be required. We place a large emphasis on correct referencing style in all your reports, and use of the program EndNote is encouraged, but not essential.
Week |
Date |
Lecture |
Title |
Lecturer |
1 |
Feb 24 |
1 |
Introduction/What is Molecular Biology/Genome Structure |
Haynes |
Feb 26 |
2 |
Gene Organization/function |
Haynes |
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2 |
Mar 3 |
3 |
Molecular Biology Techniques |
Haynes |
Mar 5 |
4 |
Molecular Biology Techniques |
Haynes |
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3 |
Mar 10 |
5 |
Molecular Cloning |
Haynes |
Mar 12 |
6 |
Tools for studying Gene Activity |
Haynes |
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4 |
Mar 17 |
7 |
Transcription in Prokaryotes |
Paulsen |
Mar 19 |
8 |
Structure of Prokaryotic Operons |
Paulsen |
|
5 |
Mar 24 |
9 |
Bacterial Gene Regulation |
Paulsen |
Mar 26 |
10 |
Transcription in Eukaryotes |
Paulsen |
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6 |
Mar 31 |
11 |
Eukaryotic Gene Regulation |
Paulsen |
Apr 2 |
12 |
Nucleosomes/Histones/Chromatin |
Paulsen |
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Semester break
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7 |
Apr 21 |
13 |
Messenger RNA splicing |
Paulsen |
Apr 23 |
14 |
Mechanism of Translation |
Paulsen |
|
8 |
Apr 28 |
15 |
Ribosomes and transfer RNA |
Paulsen |
Apr 30 |
16 |
DNA replication |
Paulsen |
|
9 |
May 5 |
17 |
DNA recombination |
Paulsen |
May 7 |
18 |
DNA repair |
Paulsen |
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10 |
May 12 |
19 |
Mobile DNA elements |
Paulsen |
May 14 |
20 |
Mobile DNA elements |
Paulsen |
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11 |
May 19 |
21 |
Genome Sequencing |
Paulsen |
May 21 |
22 |
Genomes, Pan-Genomes and Metagenomics |
Paulsen |
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12 |
May 26 |
23 |
Bioinformatics and Genome Annotation |
Paulsen |
May 28 |
24 |
Functional Genomics and Systems Biology |
Paulsen |
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13 |
Jun 2 |
25 |
Revision |
Paulsen |
Jun 4 |
26 |
Revision |
Paulsen |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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