Students

BMOL2401 – Microbiology and Molecular Biology

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances, North Ryde

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 Unit convenor
Anwar Sunna
anwar.sunna@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via email
14EaR202
Monday to Friday - by appointment
Practical coordinator
Angela Sun
angela.sun@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via email
14EaR301
Wednesday and Thursday - by appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
CHEM1001 or CBMS107 or CBMS103
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
BMOL6401
Unit description Unit description

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and underpins many other areas of contemporary sciences such as medicine and biotechnology. This unit introduces the role of microorganisms in natural environments and disease and the ways they have been employed for practical benefits across the life sciences and industry. This unit will also provide students with insights into the molecular processes of the living cell, and help students understand the central concepts of molecular biology. Lectures will introduce students to the world of microbes, covering their cell structure and function, genetics and biodiversity, growth, and relevance to medicine, environmental and industrial processes. The hands-on laboratory sessions provide the students with essential skills and techniques used in general and molecular microbiology and demonstrate principles taught in the lectures. This unit will be excellent for students majoring in chemical and biomolecular sciences, biology, environmental sciences and medical sciences.

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: Apply molecular and microbiological concepts to discuss aspects of medical, industrial and environmental microbiology from the level of molecules through to ecosystems
  • ULO2: Apply appropriate laboratory skills and techniques to be able to work confidently and safely in a molecular or general microbiology laboratory setting.
  • ULO3: Design and conduct independent scientific research in the area of molecular and general microbiology.
  • ULO4: Search for and use recognised sources of scientific information to extend knowledge within the discipline.
  • ULO5: Record molecular biology and microbiological experimental data, interpret and communicate this appropriately.

General Assessment Information

Pre-lab assessments

Due: Ongoing Weighting: 10%

Continuous Pre-lab assessments will be conducted throughout the semester on iLearn. The assessment will cover the practical materials of the week. You will have a set amount of time (30 min) to complete this online task. This activity will be available from the start of the semester (so you will have plenty of time to work on it), and deadline for submission is 1 hour prior to your lab session. You are encouraged to work on the pre-lab questions in the lab manual first before attempting the online assessment to avoid going over the time limit (30 min) This is a single attempt activity (no multiple attempts). If you miss the practical session but submitted the assessment on time, no mark will be given to the assessment unless your special consideration is approved. This will contribute to 10% of your overall course mark.

Practical Skills

Due: Ongoing Weighting: 5%

You will be tested for two practical skills essential for Microbiology. You will have enough time to learn and practice these techniques during the laboratory sessions before being tested. This will contribute to 5% of your overall course mark.

Mid-Semester Examination

Due: 10/9/21 Weighting: 20%

A multiple choice mid-semester test will be held during class time on 10/9/2021( 1-2 pm). The test will cover material (lectures and practicals) from Week 1 to 6 only (lecture 1-12). You will need to take a calculator into the examination. Only non-programmable calculators may be taken into the examination. This will contribute to 20% of your overall course mark.

Scientific Report

Due: 1/11/21 Weighting: 20%

This exercise is an introduction to conducting and managing an independent research project. Students will work in pairs. This assignment is designed to allow you to develop and achieve the learning outcomes, graduate attributes and capabilities outlined in this unit guide. Thus groups/pairs are empowered to own their research work and therefore are responsible and accountable for the design, performance and achievements resulting from the research.

This research task will be an ongoing exercise over which the group is to work together on the investigation, discussion and reflection of results. Towards the end of the practical sessions period each lab group will make a prediction of the identity of the selected unknown organism and the rationale behind their decision, and present their prediction in front of the class. Each presentation (Power Point) should take no longer than 3 minutes. After each presentation, the audience will be given an opportunity to ask questions or make suggestions to the presenters.

An independently written 4-page scientific report, based on your research findings, is to be submitted by each student on 1 Nov no later than 11:59 pm. 

A rubric outlining what is expected regarding final report structure and a style guide is provided in the Laboratory manual, which will be available on iLearn.  The assignment should be uploaded onto iLearn as a pdf file – this is to avoid formatting discrepancies that may occur from using different word processors. This assignment will contribute to 20% of your overall course mark. Penalties will apply for work over the page limit and late submission.

Final Examination

Due: University Examination Period Weighting: 45%

The final exam will require students to apply terminology and concepts learnt in the lecture and practical components to answer a variety of questions of a critical thinking nature. You will need to take a calculator into the examination. Only non-programmable calculators may be taken into the examination.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Practical attendance 0% Yes Ongoing
Pre-lab assessments 10% No Ongoing
Practical Skills 5% No Ongoing
Mid-Semester test 20% No 10/09/2021
Scientific Report 20% No 01/11/2021
Final Examination 45% No University Examination Period

Practical attendance

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

You are expected to attend and participate in at least 80% of the practical laboratory classes to pass this unit. This is a hurdle requirement.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply appropriate laboratory skills and techniques to be able to work confidently and safely in a molecular or general microbiology laboratory setting.
  • Design and conduct independent scientific research in the area of molecular and general microbiology.
  • Search for and use recognised sources of scientific information to extend knowledge within the discipline.
  • Record molecular biology and microbiological experimental data, interpret and communicate this appropriately.

Pre-lab assessments

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

 

Continuous Pre-lab assessments will be conducted throughout the semester on iLearn.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply molecular and microbiological concepts to discuss aspects of medical, industrial and environmental microbiology from the level of molecules through to ecosystems
  • Apply appropriate laboratory skills and techniques to be able to work confidently and safely in a molecular or general microbiology laboratory setting.
  • Design and conduct independent scientific research in the area of molecular and general microbiology.
  • Search for and use recognised sources of scientific information to extend knowledge within the discipline.
  • Record molecular biology and microbiological experimental data, interpret and communicate this appropriately.

Practical Skills

Assessment Type 1: Demonstration
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 5%

 

You will be tested for practical skills essential for Microbiology during the laboratory sessions

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply appropriate laboratory skills and techniques to be able to work confidently and safely in a molecular or general microbiology laboratory setting.
  • Design and conduct independent scientific research in the area of molecular and general microbiology.

Mid-Semester test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 10/09/2021
Weighting: 20%

 

Test will address specific understanding of topics presented within the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply molecular and microbiological concepts to discuss aspects of medical, industrial and environmental microbiology from the level of molecules through to ecosystems

Scientific Report

Assessment Type 1: Lab report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: 01/11/2021
Weighting: 20%

 

Final scientific report based on the findings of your ongoing laboratory research project

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply molecular and microbiological concepts to discuss aspects of medical, industrial and environmental microbiology from the level of molecules through to ecosystems
  • Apply appropriate laboratory skills and techniques to be able to work confidently and safely in a molecular or general microbiology laboratory setting.
  • Design and conduct independent scientific research in the area of molecular and general microbiology.
  • Search for and use recognised sources of scientific information to extend knowledge within the discipline.
  • Record molecular biology and microbiological experimental data, interpret and communicate this appropriately.

Final Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 45%

 

The final exam will require students to apply terminology and concepts learnt in the lecture and practical components to answer a variety of questions of a critical thinking nature. The exam will assess your overall understanding of the subject.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply molecular and microbiological concepts to discuss aspects of medical, industrial and environmental microbiology from the level of molecules through to ecosystems
  • Search for and use recognised sources of scientific information to extend knowledge within the discipline.
  • Record molecular biology and microbiological experimental data, interpret and communicate this appropriately.

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

Classes 

Lectures  

Monday 10-11am  – online
Friday 1-2pm – online

Lectures begin on the 26 July 2021. 

BMOL2401 Microbiology and Molecular Biology Web Site: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

Laboratory classes

Wednesday 2-5 pm  14 Eastern Rd - 130 and 150 Science Labs
Thursday 9-12 pm 14 Eastern Rd - 130 and 150 Science Labs
Thursday 1-4 pm 14 Eastern Rd - 130 and 150 Science Labs

Students will need to register for one of the classes only. 

Practicals start on the second week of the semester (first lab session on 4th and 5th August 2021). Bring a lab coat and A4 notebook (60+ pages) to your first lab session. Students won't be allowed to take part in the laboratory sessions without a lab coat. Students are encouraged to purchase and bring their own safety glasses to the laboratory sessions.

Please note that practical classes are a hurdle and a main component for this course with medical certificates being required should a student be absent due to illness.  These should be submitted online as Special Consideration application using the application form in AskMQ. More information and how to apply for Special Consideration can be found at:  https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration.

 

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials 

Recommended text book:

Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition 15th edition, 2018. Madigan, Bender, Buckley, Sattley and Stahl. Publisher: Pearson Australia. ISBN: 9781292235103

BMOL2401 Microbiology and Molecular Biology Practical Manual - The full laboratory manual will be available on iLearn for download, you must bring a copy with you to your laboratory class and are expected to have read through all of the planned activities.  Please note you must also bring a lab coat, closed shoes and A4 lab notebook (60+ pages) to each practical, beginning in Week 2. Important, you won't be allowed in the laboratory without a lab coat!

 

Technology Used and Required 

You are expected to access the unit web site on a frequent basis and download PDF files provided.  Please note information may also be sent by email to your student email account so please look at your email account on a frequent basis.

Unit Web Page

The URL of the BMOL2401 Microbiology and Molecular Biology iLearn site is:  http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

You will be asked for a username and password.  Your username is your student MQ Id.  Your MQ Id and password have been mailed to you by the University.  If you have lost them go to the student portal:  http://my.mq.edu.au.

You are expected to access the unit web site very frequently.  This site contains important information including notes on ALL the topics to be covered.

 

Teaching and Learning Strategy

BMOL2401 is a 10-credit point, half year unit. The unit expectation is that you will:

  • Read the recommended material and prepare for the laboratory classes.
  • Actively engage in the practical component of the course.
  • Complete the assignment, report, practical and assessments, mid-term exam and final exam.

If you prepare and attend all components of the unit and work consistently and continuously throughout the semester, you should be able to develop a strong understanding of the subject, develop key microbiology and molecular biology practical skills and perform satisfactorily in this unit.

Laboratory classes are designed to develop basic laboratory skills, general safety practices and critical and analytical thought – this will be very useful if you continue with molecular biology and microbiology, but are also fundamental to many other areas of science.  In-lab and post-lab work are designed to allow you to appropriately record your experimental observations in a detailed and accurate

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.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
15/07/2021 A multiple choice mid-semester test will be held during class time on 10/9/2021( 1-2 pm). Practicals start on the second week of the semester (first lab session on 4th and 5th August 2021)

Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook