Students

BIOL1110 – Genes to Organisms

2020 – Session 2, Infrequent attendance, North Ryde

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Oliver Griffith
Co-Convenor
Kerstin Bilgmann
First Year Coordinator
Kate Barry
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit deals with the nuts and bolts of life on earth. Throughout the unit there is a single unifying theme - that all of the processes that give rise to life are derived from DNA. We show students that DNA controls life by acting as a blueprint for the construction of proteins, and that those proteins build cells which act as the basic structural and functional units of all life. To demonstrate these processes to students, we start by talking about the structure and function of DNA to show how it can act as a simple code for the construction of proteins. Students are then shown how proteins are constructed from the DNA code, and how those proteins can be used to build and maintain cells. Having established these basic principles, the unit then goes on to explain how cells construct multicellular organisms during development, and how the proper functioning of those organisms is maintained by regulating cellular activity. We also demonstrate that the DNA code is essentially immortal because it can be copied from generation to generation, from cell to cell.

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:

  • ULO1: Define how biological information is encoded in the structure of the genetic molecule, DNA
  • ULO2: Describe how large macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins are constructed from simpler building blocks
  • ULO3: Explain how eukaryotic cells are constructed, in terms of the structure and functions of organelles
  • ULO4: Describe how genetic information is transmitted through the generations, and the evolutionary process
  • ULO5: Discuss modern applications of genetics and genomics
  • ULO6: Analyse scientific data and use the basic elements of scientific writing to write reports

General Assessment Information

UNIT COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Submit all assessments and attempt all exams
  2. Participate in all practicals (this is a hurdle requirement)

To pass BIOL1110, the above requirements need to be fulfilled and an overall mark of 50/100 (50%) needs to be achieved. Failure to fulfil these requirements will lead to a Fail grade for this unit.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Practical quizes 10% No Weekly (on Monday @ 12pm)
Database project 10% No Sep 6, Oct 18, Nov 8 2020
Mid-semester test 15% No 15 September 2020
Paper dissection 25% No 4 October 2020
Final exam 40% No Formal exam period (exact date TBA)

Practical quizes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Weekly (on Monday @ 12pm)
Weighting: 10%

 

Pre-prac quizzes to test preparedness and comprehension.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define how biological information is encoded in the structure of the genetic molecule, DNA
  • Describe how large macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins are constructed from simpler building blocks
  • Explain how eukaryotic cells are constructed, in terms of the structure and functions of organelles
  • Describe how genetic information is transmitted through the generations, and the evolutionary process

Database project

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Sep 6, Oct 18, Nov 8 2020
Weighting: 10%

 

The PeerWise database will be available to students throughout the Session. Students must write and submit at least five questions based upon lecture content, and answer at least five.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain how eukaryotic cells are constructed, in terms of the structure and functions of organelles
  • Describe how genetic information is transmitted through the generations, and the evolutionary process
  • Discuss modern applications of genetics and genomics
  • Analyse scientific data and use the basic elements of scientific writing to write reports

Mid-semester test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: 15 September 2020
Weighting: 15%

 

The mid-semester test will consist of multiple choice questions covering all lecture material up to and including Lecture 10. The test will be conducted online under timed conditions.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define how biological information is encoded in the structure of the genetic molecule, DNA
  • Describe how large macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins are constructed from simpler building blocks
  • Describe how genetic information is transmitted through the generations, and the evolutionary process

Paper dissection

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 4 October 2020
Weighting: 25%

 

A library of at least 10 public research papers will be made available to students. Students must select one paper (or choose a paper in which they are interested, with the approval of the convenors) and analyse the structure, underlying research, and implications of the paper, following the set of questions provided. The results must be written up in the form of a report of no more than three pages.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discuss modern applications of genetics and genomics
  • Analyse scientific data and use the basic elements of scientific writing to write reports

Final exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Formal exam period (exact date TBA)
Weighting: 40%

 

Assesses all material covered in practicals as well as the material in all lectures.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define how biological information is encoded in the structure of the genetic molecule, DNA
  • Describe how large macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins are constructed from simpler building blocks
  • Explain how eukaryotic cells are constructed, in terms of the structure and functions of organelles
  • Describe how genetic information is transmitted through the generations, and the evolutionary process
  • Discuss modern applications of genetics and genomics

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

LECTURES

(1) Two 1-hour online lecture recordings per week (starting in week 1)

(2) Mondays 11am-12pm: live Zoom lecture Q&A session (optional attendance starting in week 2; you must listen to the lecture recordings from the previous week before attending the Zoom session) 

EXTERNAL BLOCK SESSIONS (ON CAMPUS)
(1) Saturday 22nd August 9am-5pm; Pracs 1,2,4 (06WW106)
(2) Sunday 23rd August 9am-5pm; Prac 3 (online)
(3) Tuesday 15th September 9am-5pm; Pracs 5,8 (06WW106)
(4) Wednesday 16th September 9am-5pm; Pracs 6,7,9 (online)
 
EXTERNAL BLOCK SESSIONS (ONLINE)
(1) Saturday 22nd August 9am-5pm
(2) Sunday 23rd August 9am-5pm
(3) Tuesday 15th September 9am-5pm
(4) Wednesday 16th September 9am-5pm
 

*Please choose between attending block sessions on campus or online*

Unit Schedule

LECTURES  

(1) Two 1-hour online lecture recordings per week (starting in week 1)

(2) Mondays 11am-12pm: live Zoom lecture Q&A session (optional attendance starting in week 2; you must listen to the lecture recordings from the previous week before attending the Zoom session) 

Schedule: 

Week of Session 

Lectures (Online - recording) 

Zoom Question Session 

 

Lecture 1: Introduction 

None

 

  

Lecture 2: The scientific method 

 

 

Lecture 3: DNA: The molecule of heredity 

Mon 11am-12pm 

 

  

Lecture 4: DNA replication 

 

 

Lecture 5: Genes & Genomes 

Mon 11am-12pm 

 

  

Lecture 6: Transcription 

 

 

Lecture 7: Translation 

Mon 11am-12pm  

 

  

Lecture 8: Proteins 

 

 

Lecture 9: Gene regulation 

Mon 11am-12pm  

 

  

Lecture 10: Chromosomes 

 

 

Lecture 11: The cell 

Mon 11am-12pm  

 

  

Lecture 12: Mitosis 

 

 

Lecture 13: Meiosis 

Mid-Semester Test 

 

  

Mid-semester break 

Mid-semester break 

 

  

Mid-semester break 

Mid-semester break 

 

Lecture 14: Mendelian genetics I 

Mon 11am-12pm 

 

  

Lecture 15: Mendelian genetics II 

 

 

Lecture 16: Molecular evolution 

None (Public Holiday) 

 

  

Lecture 17: Population genetics 

 

 

10 

Lecture 18: Genetic tools 

Mon 11am-12pm 

 

  

Lecture 19: Biological membranes 

 

 

11 

Lecture 20: Cell signalling 

Mon 11am-12pm 

 

  

Lecture 21: Prokaryotes 

 

 

12 

Lecture 22: Revision 

Mon 11am-12pm 

 

13 

No lectures  

Mon 11am-12pm 

 

PRACTICALS

Schedule:

Prac number/block session Practical topic
   
1 - BLOCK1 The Cellular Basis of Life
2 - BLOCK1 DNA
3 - BLOCK2 Transcription & Translation
4 - BLOCK1 Flagella Regeneration
5 - BLOCK3 Protein Quantification
6 - BLOCK4 Gene Expression - Lac operon
7 - BLOCK4 Phylogeny & Bioinformatics
8 - BLOCK3 Mitosis
9 - BLOCK4 Meiosis & Population Genetics
   

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:

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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

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