Students
CBMS837 – Biochemistry and Cell Biology
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Paul Jaschke
Contact via Email
14EAR (E8A) 357
Upon request
Lecturer
Robert Willows
Lecturer
Morten Andersen
Lecturer
Mark Molloy
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MBiotech or MBiotechMCom or MBioBus or MLabQAMgt or MRadiopharmSc or MSc
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
CBMS337
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Biochemistry and cell biology are central to our understanding of medicine and biotechnology. Advances in these fields are dependent on an advanced understanding of the molecular basis of diverse cellular processes. This unit links important biochemical processes to functions and properties of eukaryotic cells. We explore advanced concepts including: enzyme function, properties of membranes, signal transduction, protein trafficking and transport, and protein turnover. These are linked to whole cell behaviours such as cell division and differentiation, programmed cell death, and general responses to external stimuli. Practical work complements lecture material and provides experience with a broad range of current techniques used in research and industry. Laboratory techniques used include analysis of signalling cascades, spectrophotometry, and fluorescence and light microscopy.
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
General Assessment Information
Please refer to the Macquarie University Assessment policy regarding submission of assignments, plagarism, extensions, late submissions, etc.
Individual assessment criteria/marking rubrics can be found on the CBMS337/837 iLearn site.
Late Submissions
Tasks 10% or less - No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task. This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
Tasks above 10% - No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Attendance&Particip. | 0% | Yes | Weeks 1-7 |
| Early Unit Exam | 10% | No | Week 3 |
| Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #1 | 10% | No | Week 6 |
| Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #2 | 5% | No | Week 7 |
| Protein Localisation Prac Rep. | 15% | No | Week 7 |
| Phosphorylation Prac Report | 5% | No | Week 10 |
| Video Paper Explanation | 15% | No | Week 11 |
| Human Protein Review | 10% | No | Week 13 |
| Final Exam | 30% | No | University Examination Period |
Practical Attendance&Particip.
Due: Weeks 1-7
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
At minimum, students must attend and participate in 5 of the 7 weekly practical laboratory classes to pass this unit. This is a hurdle requirement.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
Early Unit Exam
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 10%
An early exam on material covered in weeks 1-3. In-class hard-copy written assessment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #1
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 10%
Students will graph and analyze enzyme kinetics data. They will need to identify enzymatic mechanism and determine the kinetic constants.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #2
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 5%
Students will graph and analyze enzyme kinetics data. They will need to identify enzymatic mechanism and determine the kinetic constants.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
Protein Localisation Prac Rep.
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 15%
A scientific report of the results from practicals 2 and 3. The report will be written in the form of a peer reviewed journal article. Handed in via Turnitin.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
Phosphorylation Prac Report
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 5%
A report analysing the results from practical 7 regarding changes to cellular protein phosphorylation patterns in response to a chemical. Handed in via iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
Video Paper Explanation
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 15%
Prepare a short slowmation video explanation of a paper in a "hot topic" in cell biology and/or biochemistry.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Human Protein Review
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%
This assessment will involve researching and writing a scientific review of the sum of current scientific knowledge for one human protein. The review will be communicated to a wider scientific and lay audience through an online database.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Final Exam
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 30%
The exam covers material from the entire unit but with the vast majority of the marks covering material post-early assessment exam to give all lectures of the unit approximately equivalent weighting. This assessment is designed to test understanding of topics presented in all of the lectures and practicals, and to evaluate the student's ability to apply this knowledge to new problems. Hard-copy 3 hour written exam.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
Delivery and Resources
Required Text
B. Alberts, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter (2015) "Molecular Biology of the Cell" (6th Edition), ISBN 978-0815344322. Available at the Co-op and a few copies for reference in the library.
Your lectures will cover parts of many chapters from this text and your success in the unit will be greatly enhanced by having this textbook.
Unit Web Page
The web page for this unit is at Macquarie University's iLearn site accessed here.
The iLearn site for CBMS337/837 will be used to deliver lecture and laboratory notes and will feature a discussion forum, digital lecture recordings and other learning resources. To view the lecture notes and other PDF files on the website, you will require a PDF viewer. Free PDF viewers can be found online (e.g. Adobe Reader).
Active Learning Platform
Some lectures will feature interactive lecture presentations using a technology called the Echo360 Active Learning Platform. This is a new system, different from Lecture Tools which you may be more familiar with. Additionally, this technology is different from the Echo360 Lecture Recordings you may be more familiar with.
To participate in the Active Learning Platform the student will need to bring their laptop, tablet, or smart phone to class, or participate while live-streaming the class (if this service is available).
Guides and videos on how to use the Active Learning Platform can be found here.
Echo360 Lecture Recordings
All lectures (but not pracs) will be recorded using the Echo360 Lecture Recording technology. A guide to this technology is available here. The Echo360 recordings can be accessed from the Echo360 Active Learning Platform block on the right side of the CBMS337/837 iLearn page.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures
Practicals
Self-Study
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
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.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Assessment tasks
- Practical Attendance&Particip.
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #1
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #2
- Protein Localisation Prac Rep.
- Phosphorylation Prac Report
- Video Paper Explanation
- Human Protein Review
Learning and teaching activities
- Lectures from staff in CBMS summarising a wide range of advanced topics in eukaryotic cell biology and biochemistry. You are highly encouraged to attend lectures in person. Past experience has shown that students who attend lectures tend to receive higher marks in the unit.
- Practicals give you an opportunity to put into practice your knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology and to develop real laboratory skills that are valued in academic and industry professions.
- To succeed in this unit you are expected to spend time outside formal instruction reading assigned sections of the textbook, reviewing notes taken in class, and exploring other sources of information on advanced biochemistry and cell biology. To self-assess your degree of understanding and to practice problem solving skills you are expected to attempt problems from the text and other resources.
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Assessment tasks
- Practical Attendance&Particip.
- Early Unit Exam
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #1
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #2
- Protein Localisation Prac Rep.
- Phosphorylation Prac Report
- Video Paper Explanation
- Human Protein Review
- Final Exam
Learning and teaching activities
- Lectures from staff in CBMS summarising a wide range of advanced topics in eukaryotic cell biology and biochemistry. You are highly encouraged to attend lectures in person. Past experience has shown that students who attend lectures tend to receive higher marks in the unit.
- Practicals give you an opportunity to put into practice your knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology and to develop real laboratory skills that are valued in academic and industry professions.
- To succeed in this unit you are expected to spend time outside formal instruction reading assigned sections of the textbook, reviewing notes taken in class, and exploring other sources of information on advanced biochemistry and cell biology. To self-assess your degree of understanding and to practice problem solving skills you are expected to attempt problems from the text and other resources.
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Assessment tasks
- Practical Attendance&Particip.
- Early Unit Exam
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #1
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #2
- Protein Localisation Prac Rep.
- Phosphorylation Prac Report
- Video Paper Explanation
- Human Protein Review
- Final Exam
Learning and teaching activities
- Lectures from staff in CBMS summarising a wide range of advanced topics in eukaryotic cell biology and biochemistry. You are highly encouraged to attend lectures in person. Past experience has shown that students who attend lectures tend to receive higher marks in the unit.
- Practicals give you an opportunity to put into practice your knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology and to develop real laboratory skills that are valued in academic and industry professions.
- To succeed in this unit you are expected to spend time outside formal instruction reading assigned sections of the textbook, reviewing notes taken in class, and exploring other sources of information on advanced biochemistry and cell biology. To self-assess your degree of understanding and to practice problem solving skills you are expected to attempt problems from the text and other resources.
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Assessment tasks
- Practical Attendance&Particip.
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #1
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #2
- Protein Localisation Prac Rep.
- Phosphorylation Prac Report
- Video Paper Explanation
- Human Protein Review
Learning and teaching activities
- Practicals give you an opportunity to put into practice your knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology and to develop real laboratory skills that are valued in academic and industry professions.
- To succeed in this unit you are expected to spend time outside formal instruction reading assigned sections of the textbook, reviewing notes taken in class, and exploring other sources of information on advanced biochemistry and cell biology. To self-assess your degree of understanding and to practice problem solving skills you are expected to attempt problems from the text and other resources.
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of how eukaryotic cells are studied and summarise current knowledge of internal cell organisation, membrane trafficking, intracellular compartments, biochemical pathways, and intra- and extra-cellular signalling.
- Summarise the major eukaryotic cell regulation control points and how disturbances in these processes are involved in human disease.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterise, quantitate and measure a range of fundamental cell processes.
- Critically analyse and communicate advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical concepts from the primary literature in both verbal and written form.
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Assessment tasks
- Practical Attendance&Particip.
- Early Unit Exam
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #1
- Enzyme Kinetics Prac Report #2
- Protein Localisation Prac Rep.
- Phosphorylation Prac Report
- Video Paper Explanation
- Human Protein Review
- Final Exam
Learning and teaching activities
- Practicals give you an opportunity to put into practice your knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology and to develop real laboratory skills that are valued in academic and industry professions.
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Synthesise existing scientific data for communication to a wider scientific and lay community.
Assessment tasks
- Practical Attendance&Particip.
- Human Protein Review
Learning and teaching activities
- Lectures from staff in CBMS summarising a wide range of advanced topics in eukaryotic cell biology and biochemistry. You are highly encouraged to attend lectures in person. Past experience has shown that students who attend lectures tend to receive higher marks in the unit.
- Practicals give you an opportunity to put into practice your knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology and to develop real laboratory skills that are valued in academic and industry professions.
- To succeed in this unit you are expected to spend time outside formal instruction reading assigned sections of the textbook, reviewing notes taken in class, and exploring other sources of information on advanced biochemistry and cell biology. To self-assess your degree of understanding and to practice problem solving skills you are expected to attempt problems from the text and other resources.
Changes from Previous Offering
The 2018 offering of this unit will feature several changes from the 2017 offering. These changes include: modified assessment tasks and changes to the content of several of the practical labs.