Students
MOLS7911 – Laboratory Skills for Molecular Science Research
2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convener
Sasha Tetu
14ER room 201
Mon-Thur
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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 will provide hands-on experience of several of the sophisticated technologies currently utilised in molecular science. Students will select a portfolio of techniques across chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, genomics or microbiology, according to their discipline background and interest. Independent skills and technical competency in a minimum of three contemporary methodologies or instrumentation types will be developed through intensive practical sessions with Macquarie researchers. This is a skills-focused unit designed to practically enrich methods encountered from a more theoretical standpoint in other units.
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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: Utlise appropriate practical and procedural knowledge to perform advanced methods in contemporary molecular research and describe how these methods are used to solve contemporary problems
- ULO2: Demonstrate individual technical skills in sample handling and instrumentation relevant to the research (as distinct from classroom) setting for their chosen methods
- ULO3: Execute independent analytical and critical skills required for scientific experimentation and research design allowing to implement the correct methodology to characterise a specific type of sample
- ULO4: Analyse experimental data gathered from a range of research technologies and communicate the outcomes of this analysis in written and oral form
General Assessment Information
Requirements to Pass this Unit
To pass this unit you must:
- Attempt all assessments, and
- Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration.
Special Consideration
The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through ask.mq.edu.au.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1: Report | 33% | No | Week 5 |
| Module 2: Report | 33% | No | Week 9 |
| Module 3: Report | 34% | No | Week 13 |
Module 1: Report
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 33%
Report, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or skills evaluation; as appropriate
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Utlise appropriate practical and procedural knowledge to perform advanced methods in contemporary molecular research and describe how these methods are used to solve contemporary problems
- Demonstrate individual technical skills in sample handling and instrumentation relevant to the research (as distinct from classroom) setting for their chosen methods
- Execute independent analytical and critical skills required for scientific experimentation and research design allowing to implement the correct methodology to characterise a specific type of sample
- Analyse experimental data gathered from a range of research technologies and communicate the outcomes of this analysis in written and oral form
Module 2: Report
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: Week 9
Weighting: 33%
Report, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or skills evaluation; as appropriate
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Utlise appropriate practical and procedural knowledge to perform advanced methods in contemporary molecular research and describe how these methods are used to solve contemporary problems
- Demonstrate individual technical skills in sample handling and instrumentation relevant to the research (as distinct from classroom) setting for their chosen methods
- Execute independent analytical and critical skills required for scientific experimentation and research design allowing to implement the correct methodology to characterise a specific type of sample
- Analyse experimental data gathered from a range of research technologies and communicate the outcomes of this analysis in written and oral form
Module 3: Report
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 34%
Report, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or skills evaluation; as appropriate
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Utlise appropriate practical and procedural knowledge to perform advanced methods in contemporary molecular research and describe how these methods are used to solve contemporary problems
- Demonstrate individual technical skills in sample handling and instrumentation relevant to the research (as distinct from classroom) setting for their chosen methods
- Execute independent analytical and critical skills required for scientific experimentation and research design allowing to implement the correct methodology to characterise a specific type of sample
- Analyse experimental data gathered from a range of research technologies and communicate the outcomes of this analysis in written and oral form
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
This unit is designed to provide you with the opportunity to gain lab-based skills applicable to modern molecular science research.
In week 1 please attend the on campus introductory session (time and location details to be provided on iLearn) which will assist you with your choice of module topic.
Skills modules will run from week 2 onwards and will take place on campus, with locations specific to each technique (further information will be provided on iLearn).
Methods of Communication
We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to MOLS7911@mq.edu.au from your university email address.
COVID Information
For the latest information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please refer to the Coronavirus infection page on the Macquarie website: https://www.mq.edu.au/about/coronavirus-faqs. Remember to check this page regularly in case the information and requirements change during semester. If there are any changes to this unit in relation to COVID, these will be communicated via iLearn.
Unit Schedule
Students will complete three separate lab skills modules throughout the semester. For each module students can select between two different techniques and will then gain hands on experience in how to apply their chosen technique in a research setting.
Module 1 (weeks 2-5): Synthetic Biology OR NMR Spectroscopy for Synthetic Chemistry
Module 2 (weeks 6-9): Microscopy OR Flow Cytometry
Module 3 (weeks 10-13): Antimicrobial discovery using Galleria OR Spectroscopy (CD/IR)
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 Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
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.
Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook