Students
MOLS7011 – Research Topic: Advanced Biomolecular Analysis
2022 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Robert Willows
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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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
This unit addresses some advanced methods of analysis utilised in the biomolecular sciences. Biomolecular sciences spans the study of individual molecular structures and biochemical reactions to also encompass the 'omics' sciences of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and glycomics. These sciences all generate large and complex datasets that require specialized software and methods to assemble and analyse. The analyses are challenging, as they not only require a good knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell and developmental biology, but also an understanding of limitations of both the software and the data quality. This unit will provided a background to the data acquisition methods, quality control of the datasets, and analysis methods within a number of these areas. Most importantly it will provide hands-on experience in the analysis of real large-scale datasets and the correct use of appropriate analysis tools.
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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: Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate techniques used in acquiring large biomolecular datasets and the limitations of the use of these methods
- ULO2: Demonstrate understanding of experiment design and ability to critically assess the quality of large biomolecular datasets prior to in-depth analysis
- ULO3: Analyze large datasets and compare it with established information about the system under investigation
- ULO4: Process datasets using specific software, providing a broad overview of data in terms of size, quality and utility for further analysis
- ULO5: Demonstrate ability to effectively report, communicate and draw new conclusions about a biomolecular system from large analytical datasets.
General Assessment Information
The focus for this unit is the practical evaluation of large scale data obtained from some modern biomolecular analysis techniques. You will gain an understanding of the different types of data that can be produced from genomics, proteomics and glycomics and learn how to use software to process datasets to give molecular information. You will learn approaches for interpreting data to carry out integrative biomolecular analysis.
The unit will be co-taught by academics and post-doctoral fellows who are highly familiar with biomolecular data analysis in these disciplines.
The subject area is complex and constantly changing so the goal of the subject matter of this unit is not to enable you to understand completely how to do 'omics analysis, but to train you to know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to proceed to answer those questions.
Late Assessment Submission
Late assessments are not accepted in this unit unless a Special Consideration has been submitted and approved.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis Report 2 | 40% | No | Week 5 |
| Analysis Report 1 | 20% | No | Week 10 |
| Analysis Report 3 | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Analysis Report 2
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 40%
Students will be given a biomolecular data set during the workshops and will be required to analyse this dataset using methods presented during the workshops. The analysis results relevant for the particular data set provided will be presented as a report. Some parts of the analysis will need to be conducted in the students own time between workshops. The type of dataset and analysis methods will be different from those used for report 1.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of experiment design and ability to critically assess the quality of large biomolecular datasets prior to in-depth analysis
- Analyze large datasets and compare it with established information about the system under investigation
- Process datasets using specific software, providing a broad overview of data in terms of size, quality and utility for further analysis
- Demonstrate ability to effectively report, communicate and draw new conclusions about a biomolecular system from large analytical datasets.
Analysis Report 1
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 20%
Students will be given a biomolecular data set during the workshops and will be required to analyse this dataset using methods presented during the workshops. The analysis results relevant for the particular data set provided will be presented as a report. Some parts of the analysis will need to be conducted in the students own time between workshops.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of experiment design and ability to critically assess the quality of large biomolecular datasets prior to in-depth analysis
- Analyze large datasets and compare it with established information about the system under investigation
- Process datasets using specific software, providing a broad overview of data in terms of size, quality and utility for further analysis
Analysis Report 3
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
Students will be given a biomolecular data set during the workshops and will be required to analyse this dataset using methods presented during the workshops. The analysis results relevant for the particular data set provided will be presented as a report. Some parts of the analysis will need to be conducted in the students own time between workshops. The type of dataset and analysis methods will be different from those used for report 1 and 2.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate techniques used in acquiring large biomolecular datasets and the limitations of the use of these methods
- Demonstrate understanding of experiment design and ability to critically assess the quality of large biomolecular datasets prior to in-depth analysis
- Analyze large datasets and compare it with established information about the system under investigation
- Process datasets using specific software, providing a broad overview of data in terms of size, quality and utility for further analysis
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
What you need to bring to class:
Laptop computer (Mac, PC or Linux).
We will supply masks if social distancing cannot be maintained.
We will help you set up your computer to load appropriate software for performing analysis of biomolecular "-omics" datasets and also help you access cloud compute resources for performing analyses that cannot run on a laptop computer.
Unit Schedule
Workshop topics: Genomics, Proteomics and Glycomics/Proteomics not necessarily in this order.
Each Topic will run for 4 weeks. The schedule for each topic will be provided in iLearn
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
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 |
|---|---|
| 04/07/2022 | Added late assessment information. |
Unit information based on version 2022.02 of the Handbook