Students

MEDI2200 – Human Cell and Molecular Biology

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
Lucinda McRobb
Contact via email
Consultation by appointment
Course Director
Marina Junqueira Santiago
Contact via email
Consultation by appointment
Tutor
Christine Chiu
Contact via email
Consultation by appointment
Tutor
Livia Rosa Fernandes
Contact via email
Consultation by appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to BClinSc and (CBMS104 or BMOL1001 or CHEM1001)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces concepts which are core to biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. You will learn about the nature of chemical reactions that occur within the human body and explore the functions and the relationships between the four main biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). You will gain an understanding of the fundamental structure of the cell and how this relates to function. You will also examine the basic principles of molecular biology and how cellular processes are regulated.

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 the major structural features of biological cells at the biochemical and molecular levels.
  • ULO2: Discuss the functions of the major structural features of human cells and how interaction and communication between these structures contributes to cellular activity.
  • ULO3: Examine the molecular processes involved in cell division, DNA replication, transcription and translation.
  • ULO4: Discuss the cellular mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of genetic stability or to genetic variation.
  • ULO5: Apply biochemical and genetic knowledge to analyse and communicate biological processes.

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenors.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 127).

To pass this unit, students must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submission

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 one-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.

For example:

Number of days (hours) late Total possible marks Deduction Raw mark Final mark
1 day (1-24 hours) 100 5 75 70
2 days (24-48 hours) 100 10 75 65
3 days (48-72 hours) 100 15 75 60
7 days (144-168 hours) 100 35 75 40
>7 days (>168 hours) 100 - 75 0

For any late submissions 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.

Special Consideration

If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due to circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive and beyond your control, you may apply for special consideration in accordance with the Special Consideration Policy. Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via ask.mq.edu.au.

NOTES:

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

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Quiz 5% No Week 4
Mid-session Exam 25% No Week 7
Practical Assignment 30% No Week 10 (Part A), Week 11 (Part B)
Final Exam 40% No Exam Period

Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 5%

 

Quiz assessing content delivered up to this point.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the major structural features of biological cells at the biochemical and molecular levels.
  • Discuss the functions of the major structural features of human cells and how interaction and communication between these structures contributes to cellular activity.
  • Examine the molecular processes involved in cell division, DNA replication, transcription and translation.

Mid-session Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 25%

 

Formal written examination assessing all unit content delivered to this point and will be composed of a mixture of multiple-choice and short answer questions

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the major structural features of biological cells at the biochemical and molecular levels.
  • Discuss the functions of the major structural features of human cells and how interaction and communication between these structures contributes to cellular activity.
  • Examine the molecular processes involved in cell division, DNA replication, transcription and translation.
  • Discuss the cellular mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of genetic stability or to genetic variation.

Practical Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 10 (Part A), Week 11 (Part B)
Weighting: 30%

 

Problem-based assignment assessing content delivered in the virtual practical modules.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the major structural features of biological cells at the biochemical and molecular levels.
  • Discuss the functions of the major structural features of human cells and how interaction and communication between these structures contributes to cellular activity.
  • Examine the molecular processes involved in cell division, DNA replication, transcription and translation.
  • Apply biochemical and genetic knowledge to analyse and communicate biological processes.

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%

 

Formal written examination assessing content delivered across the unit. Examination will include a combination of question types: MCQ and short answer questions. This task is completed under examination conditions during the University examination period.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the major structural features of biological cells at the biochemical and molecular levels.
  • Discuss the functions of the major structural features of human cells and how interaction and communication between these structures contributes to cellular activity.
  • Examine the molecular processes involved in cell division, DNA replication, transcription and translation.
  • Discuss the cellular mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of genetic stability or to genetic variation.
  • Apply biochemical and genetic knowledge to analyse and communicate biological processes.

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

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of face to online and face-to-face learning activities, including pre-recorded lectures, online modules, and in-class tutorials. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit. 

Recommended Readings 

Molecular Cell Biology, 8th edition, Lodish, Harvey F. Freeman-Macmillan Learning, 2016

Please note that the book and the prescribed readings for each week are recommended to complement your understanding of the lecture content. The prescribed readings are not compulsory and will not be assessed unless covered in the lectures.

Technology Used 

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library. 

Unit Schedule

MEDI2200 Human Cell and Molecular Biology - Learning Activity and Assessment Outline

Week

Lecture themes*

(online activities in iLearn)

Tutorial

(2h face-to-face,

on campus)

Practical

(online, self-paced modules)

Assessments

Pre-

Chemical bonds (revision)

 

-

-

-

1

Biomolecules

Yes

Start Module 1

(complete by week 3/4)

-

2

Cell organisation

 

Yes

 

-

3

Cell division (mitosis)

Yes

 

-

4

DNA replication

Yes

Start Module 2

(complete by week 6/7)

AT1 - Summative QUIZ

5

Transcription

Yes

 

-

6

Translation

Yes

 

-

7

Genetic variation I

Optional pre-exam

Q&A session

 

AT2 Mid-session exam, on campus

8

Genetic variation II

Yes

Start Module 3 (complete by week 9/10)

-

 

RECESS (2 weeks)

-

-

-

9

Membrane transport and intracellular signalling

Yes

 

-

10

Cell signalling

Yes - 

In class test (AT3A)

 

AT3 Practical Assignment Part A (in class during tutorial time)

11

Cell structure and interactions

Yes

 

AT3 Practical Assignment Part B

12

Glucose oxidation

Yes

 

-

13

No activities - exam revision

>14+

Examination period

 

 

AT4 Final Exam

 

(Note - *topics subject to minor modification, please see Unit iLearn site for most up to date information).

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

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 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 from Previous Offering

Refinement of the Unit Learning Outcomes from 2023 to produce 5 new ULO.Updated mapping of each assessment task to the revised ULOs.

Assessment task AT1 has changed from a formative to summative quiz worth 5% of the total marks for the unit. Asessment task AT2 is now worth 25% of the total marks for the unit (reduced from 30%).

Minor changes to assessment descriptors and estimated time on task.

 

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions, including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join the activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2024.02 of the Handbook