Students

BMOL6202 – Macromolecules

2024 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Phani Rekha Potluri
phani-rekha.potluri@mq.edu.au
14 EaR 306
By appointment
Lecturer
Shahrzad Rezvani Baboli
shahrzad.rezvanibaboli@mq.edu.au
14 EaR 306
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradDipBiotech or GradCertLabAQMgt or GradDipLabAQMgt or MBiotech or MBioBus or MLabAQMgt or MRadiopharmSc or MSc or MScInnovationChemBiomolecularSc
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
BMOL3202
Unit description Unit description

This unit outlines molecular principles underlying macromolecules and nano-materials that find a wide range of applications from nanotechnology, biomedical research, to bio-engineering. Practices common in these fields to design, prepare, synthesise and then isolate new materials will be emphasized. Molecular properties leading to the 3D shape of macromolecules will be reviewed. Contemporary structural and imaging based methods to view and characterise macromolecules, both natural and synthetic, will be examined. In particular, attention will be given to the chemical, biochemical and structural characterisation of the building blocks of the living world including nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides. Recent advances and landmark reports from the current literature will be examined. The unit will be delivered through workshops, seminars, lab work and project-based learning.

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: Describe and apply the underlying principles for synthesising and engineering macromolecules and other synthetic particle-based nanomaterials. Apply this knowledge to design and conduct experiments to synthesise macromolecules in the laboratory.
  • ULO2: Describe bio-macromolecular forms and architectures (size/shape) for proteins, sugars and nucleotides.
  • ULO3: Apply basic concepts from thermodynamics and kinetics to interpret molecular mechanisms of macromolecule systems.
  • ULO4: Describe the principles of contemporary analytical tools to image and characterise the structural features of bio-macromolecules and synthetic macromolecules. Utilise these techniques to collect experimental data on one or more macromolecule.
  • ULO5: Interpret and draw sound conclusions from analytical and biophysical data.
  • ULO6: Extract and interpret information from a variety of sources concerning macromolecules, including the contemporary scientific literature.

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty 

From 1 July 2022, Students enrolled in Session based units with written assessments will have the following university standard late penalty applied. Please see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/assessments for more information. 

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written 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. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is 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, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.  

 

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted: 

In this unit, late submissions will accepted as follows: 

PRACTICAL AND WORKSHOP REPORTS - Standard Late Penalty applies, unless Special Consideration is Granted.  

 

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must:

· Attempt the assessments, and

· Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%

 

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
SGTA Quiz 5% No Wk 3,5,7,9 and 11
Workshop reports x 3 15% No Wk 7,11 and 13
Lab Reports 30% No Two weeks after Prac class
Case study 10% No Wk 12 and 13
Final Exam 40% No University Examination Period

SGTA Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Wk 3,5,7,9 and 11
Weighting: 5%

 

Five 10-15 minute short quizzes will be conducted during the scheduled SGTA sessions. Each quiz is worth 1%.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe bio-macromolecular forms and architectures (size/shape) for proteins, sugars and nucleotides.
  • Apply basic concepts from thermodynamics and kinetics to interpret molecular mechanisms of macromolecule systems.
  • Interpret and draw sound conclusions from analytical and biophysical data.
  • Extract and interpret information from a variety of sources concerning macromolecules, including the contemporary scientific literature.

Workshop reports x 3

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 16 hours
Due: Wk 7,11 and 13
Weighting: 15%

 

There will be five workshops in total. THREE short workshop reports (from workshops 2, 3 and 4) will be due two weeks after the workshop sessions. Each workshop assessment is worth 5% each.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe bio-macromolecular forms and architectures (size/shape) for proteins, sugars and nucleotides.
  • Apply basic concepts from thermodynamics and kinetics to interpret molecular mechanisms of macromolecule systems.
  • Interpret and draw sound conclusions from analytical and biophysical data.

Lab Reports

Assessment Type 1: Lab report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Two weeks after Prac class
Weighting: 30%

 

There will be FOUR practicals in total. A lab report is to be submitted two weeks after each practical. All the four lab reports combined will constitute to 30% of total assessment.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe and apply the underlying principles for synthesising and engineering macromolecules and other synthetic particle-based nanomaterials. Apply this knowledge to design and conduct experiments to synthesise macromolecules in the laboratory.
  • Apply basic concepts from thermodynamics and kinetics to interpret molecular mechanisms of macromolecule systems.
  • Describe the principles of contemporary analytical tools to image and characterise the structural features of bio-macromolecules and synthetic macromolecules. Utilise these techniques to collect experimental data on one or more macromolecule.
  • Interpret and draw sound conclusions from analytical and biophysical data.

Case study

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Wk 12 and 13
Weighting: 10%

 

A short 10 minute presentation will be given in small groups on the topic of a contemporary macromolecule. Half of the marks are for the group and half the marks are for your individual contribution.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe bio-macromolecular forms and architectures (size/shape) for proteins, sugars and nucleotides.
  • Describe the principles of contemporary analytical tools to image and characterise the structural features of bio-macromolecules and synthetic macromolecules. Utilise these techniques to collect experimental data on one or more macromolecule.
  • Extract and interpret information from a variety of sources concerning macromolecules, including the contemporary scientific literature.

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 40%

 

The final 3hr examination will cover all sections of the unit (lectures, lab practicals, workshops and assignments) and is designed to address specific understanding of all the concepts presented within the course.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe and apply the underlying principles for synthesising and engineering macromolecules and other synthetic particle-based nanomaterials. Apply this knowledge to design and conduct experiments to synthesise macromolecules in the laboratory.
  • Describe bio-macromolecular forms and architectures (size/shape) for proteins, sugars and nucleotides.
  • Apply basic concepts from thermodynamics and kinetics to interpret molecular mechanisms of macromolecule systems.
  • Describe the principles of contemporary analytical tools to image and characterise the structural features of bio-macromolecules and synthetic macromolecules. Utilise these techniques to collect experimental data on one or more macromolecule.
  • Interpret and draw sound conclusions from analytical and biophysical data.

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

Methods of Communication: We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn.

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.

Week1 Classes: During Week1, we have two 1-hr Letcures as scheduled in the timetable. 

Lectures: There are two lectures per week as per the university timetable. Lectures are delivered on-campus and will also be recorded. All lecture material will be made available in iLearn.

Workshop Sessions (Dry-lab, 2 hrs): There are five scheduled on-campus workshop sessions in total. Workshop 1 (week 2) will cover lab report writing skills and provide additional help to students on lab reports. There are THREE workshop sessions that have associated reports to be submitted (workshops 2, 4 and 5). These are held online in weeks 5, 9 and 11. Participation for workshop sessions 2, 4 and 5 is a required part of the unit to complete the associated workshop reports. There is One optional workshop (workshop 3) to assist help with Prac reports.

SGTA Quiz (1 hr): SGTA quizzes will be held during the scheduled workshop sessions (3 hrs - 1 hr SGTA + 2 hr Workshops) on-campus in Weeks 3,5,7,9 and 11. Each SGTA quiz session will involve a 30 min discussion followed by a 10-15 min online quiz worth 1%.

Laboratory Sessions (Wet-lab): 3 hour Laboratory sessions are scheduled according to the timetable. There are two timetabled sessions available.

Practicals 1 - 4 will be held on-campus at Science labs in 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave (E7B) 347/349/350 Science Lab. In total, there are FOUR lab sessions held in weeks 4, 6, 8 and 10. Attendance at laboratory sessions is COMPULSORY. If you cannot attend, you must submit a Special Consideration request if you wish your absence to be considered. All the FOUR practicals have associated reports to be submitted due after two weeks

** Students must bring their own lab coats to be allowed to enter the labs. It is also recommended that students bring their own safety glasses. However, these will be provided if students to not have their own safety glasses. Other PPE will be provided.

Case study presentations: Will be held during the scheduled SGTA sessions in Weeks 12 and 13. A short presentation (~ 10 mins) will be given in small groups on the topic of a contemporary macromolecule. Half of the marks are for the group and half the marks are for your individual contribution. If you cannot attend, a Special Consideration request must be submitted if you wish your absence to be considered.

** It is a requirement that students bring their own laptops to workshop sessions held on-campus. Please ensure your laptop is fully charged as powerpoints may not be available for all students. If you require a loan of a laptop, this can be arranged PRIOR to the workshop session by contacting the unit convenor. 

 

Textbooks: Reading material and required text will be advised by your lecturer. A list of suggested reading material and text will be made available on iLearn and through the library website https://libguides.mq.edu.au/leganto.

Unit Schedule

Wk Week starting Lecture 1   Lecture 2   Workshop/SGTA sessions Practical (on campus)   Assessments Due
23 Wally's Walk T2 23 Wally's Walk T2 (on campus, see timetable)      
Tuesday: 9-10 a.m Thursday 12 - 1 p.m Mon 12-3 (12-1 SGTA Quiz; 1-3 Workshop) p.m 25WW A208 Wed 10-1 pm OR Wed 2-5 pm Held in14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave - 347/349/350 Labs                                
    Tues 11-2 p.m (11-12 SGTA Quiz; 12-2 Workshop) 11WW 140    
1 22-Jul Introduction to Unit PP Introduction to Topic SR   -    -     
2 29-Jul Chemistry of non-covalent Interactions SR Chemistry of non-covalent Interactions SR   -    -     
3 5-Aug Folding & stability of macromolecules in solution PP Folding & stability of macromolecules in solution PP #WS1 - how to write prac reports (optional); SGTA Quiz 1   -    SGTA Quiz 1 - 1%
4 12-Aug Folding & stability of macromolecules in solution PP Biological Macromolecules PP   -  Prac 1: Cyclodextrin Host-Guest Chemistry    
5 19-Aug Biological Macromolecules PP Biological Macromolecules PP #WS2: WorkshopFold IT (on campus, report to be submitted); SGTA Quiz 2   -    SGTA Quiz 2 - 1%
6 26-Aug Biological Macromolecules MA Biological Macromolecules ZK   -  Prac 2: Protein Unfolding/Circular Dichrosism   Prac 1 Report - 7.5%
7 2-Sep Special Topics: Molecules built to specific shapes (nanogold) YW Synthesis & self-assembly AGB #WS3: Extra prac help session (optional); SGTA Quiz 3   -    WS2 Report - 5%; SGTA Quiz 3 - 1%
8 9-Sep Synthesis & self-assembly AGB Introduction to Polymer Chemistry AGB   -  Prac 3: making and characterisation of nanogold particles   Prac2 Report - 7.5%
                                                                                    Mid-semester break: 16-29 Sept          Prac3 Report - Wk2 of Break
9 30-Sep Characterising Macromolecules - Scattering methods AGB Characterising Macromolecules - Electron Microscopy AGB #WS4: Biomolecules workshop Part A  (oncampus, report to be submitted); SGTA Quiz 4     SGTA Quiz 4 - 1%
10 7-Oct Characterising Macromolecules - Fluorescence microscopy and X-Ray PP Characterising Macromolecules - NMR & Force Based Methods PP   -  Prac 4: Polymer Chemistry   *Mon Workshop students attends Thur or alternate sessions- Check iLearn
11 14-Oct Characterising Macromolecules - Molecular Mass PP Characterising Macromolecules - Analytical Centrifugation PP #WS5: Biomolecules workshop Part B  (oncampus, report to be submitted); SGTA Quiz 5     WS4 Report - 5%; SGTA Quiz 5 - 1%
12 21-Oct Characterising Macromolecules - Optical Methods PP Special Topics: Molecules built to specific shapes PP #6. Case studies: Oral Presentations (10%)   -   Prac 4 Report - 7.5%; Presentations -10%
13 28-Oct Special Topics: Molecules built for specific functions SR Special Topics: Molecules built to specific shapes SR #6. Case studies: Oral Presentations (10%)   -   WS5 Report - 5%; Presentations -10%
                   
    Lecturer code: PP - Phani Potluri; YW - Yuling Wang; AGB - Alf Garcia Bennett; MA - Morten Andersen; SR - Shahrzad Rezvani; ZK - Zahra Kabir    
    ***Schedule is subject to change as the semester progresses    
    The unit guides below contain important information about scheduling of activities, assessments and other important policies such as the special consideration policy. Please read this document carefully.    

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 connect.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.

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:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, 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 2024.01R of the Handbook