Students

BIOL1110 – Genes to Organisms

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Oliver Griffith
biol1110@mq.edu.au
Administration
Jessica O'Hare
biol1110@mq.edu.au
Convener
Jaco Le Roux
biol1110@mq.edu.au
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
Mid-semester test 15% No 10/09/2021
Paper dissection 25% No 03/10/2021
Practical quizes 10% No Weekly (on Monday @ 12pm)
Database project 10% No Sep 5, Oct 17, Nov 7 2021
Final exam 40% No Formal exam period (exact date TBA)

Mid-semester test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: 10/09/2021
Weighting: 15%

 

The mid-semester test will consist of multiple choice questions covering all lecture material up discussed to that point. 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: 03/10/2021
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.

 
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

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: 13 hours
Due: Sep 5, Oct 17, Nov 7 2021
Weighting: 10%

 

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

 
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

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. This exam will be invigilated and held during the Formal Examination Period.

 
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) 

PRACTICALS

There are nine practicals in this unit (see table below). Five practicals will be delivered in mixed mode (i.e. online or face-to-face) and four practicals will be delivered online only (via Zoom). To check the availability of face-to-face practicals for your unit, please go to timetable viewer, before enrolling in eStudent. To check detailed information on unit assessments, visit the unit iLearn site.

 

Week of Session Dates Practical (Face-to-face or Online) Practical (Online only - Zoom)
1 26 - 30 Jul No practical  Complete Academic Integrity Module on iLearn
2 2 - 8 Aug 1.The Cellular Basis of Life  
3 9 - 15 Aug 2.DNA  
4 16  - 22 Aug   3.Transcription & Translation
5 23 - 29 Aug 4.Flagella Regeneration  
6 30 Aug - 5 Sep 5.Protein Quantification  
7 6 - 12 Sep   No practical due to mid-semester test
Recess 13 - 19 Sep    
Recess 20- 26 Sep    
8 27 Sep - 3 Oct 6.Gene Expression - Lac operon  
9 4 - 10 Oct   No practical due to public holiday 5 October
10 11 - 17 Oct   7.Phylogeny & Bioinformatics
11 19- 24 Oct 8.Mitosis  
12 25 Oct - 29 Nov   9.Early Development & Population Genetics
13 1 - 7 Nov   No practical
14 8 - 14 Nov   No practical

Unit Schedule

Week of Session Dates Lectures (Online - recording) Lecturer Zoom Question Session (Online - live on Monday)
1 26 - 30 Jul Lecture 1: Introduction Jaco Le Roux Jaco Le Roux
    Lecture 2: The scientific method Oliver Griffith Oliver Griffith
2 2 - 8 Aug Lecture 3: DNA: The molecule of heredity Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
    Lecture 4: DNA replication Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
3 9 - 15 Aug Lecture 5: Genes & Genomes Oliver Griffith Oliver Griffith
    Lecture 6: Transcription Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
4 16  - 22 Aug Lecture 7: Translation Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
    Lecture 8: Proteins Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
5 23 - 29 Aug Lecture 9: Gene regulation Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
    Lecture 10: Chromosomes Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
6 30 Aug - 5 Sep Lecture 11: The cell Oliver Griffith Oliver Griffith
    Lecture 12: Mitosis Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
7 6 - 12 Sep Lecture 13: Meiosis Kerstin Bilgmann Mid-semester test for internals (Online)
         
  13 - 19 Sep Mid-semester break    
         
  20- 26 Sep Mid-semester break    
         
8 27 Sep - 3 Oct Lecture 14: Mendelian genetics I Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
    Lecture 15: Mendelian genetics II Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
9 4 - 10 Oct Lecture 16: Molecular evolution Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
    Lecture 17: Population genetics Kerstin Bilgmann Jaco Le Roux
10 11 - 17 Oct Lecture 18: Genetic tools Oliver Griffith Oliver Griffith
    Lecture 19: Biological membranes Oliver Griffith Oliver Griffith
11 19- 24 Oct Lecture 20: Cell signalling Oliver Griffith Oliver Griffith
    Lecture 21: Prokaryotes Ian Paulsen Jaco Le Roux
12 25 Oct - 29 Nov Lecture 22: Revision Jaco Le Roux Jaco Le Roux
         
13 1 - 7 Nov Q&A zoom session (No lectures or practicals)   Oliver Griffith or Jaco Le Roux
         
14 8 - 14 Nov Final exam    

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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

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.

Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook