Students

BMOL6401 – Microbiology and Molecular Biology

2025 – 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
Anwar Sunna
anwar.sunna@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
14EaR202
Monday to Thursday - by appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradDipBiotech or MBiotech
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
BMOL2401
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 biomolecular sciences, biology, environmental sciences and medical sciences.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Good Health and Well Being; Quality Education

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

A. Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%.

B. Practice-based task

Development of knowledge and skills requires continual practice at authentic problems in a laboratory-based setting. This unit has weekly laboratory classes and a continuous self-directed research project. You must demonstrate your progress in developing and communicating knowledge and skills.

C. Participation

We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

D. 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 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.

In this unit, late submissions will be accepted for the Scientific Report, which is a written tasks with a specified due date.

E. Descriptions of Assessment Activities and other information

Practical Competency

Due: Week 8 Weighting: 20%

Students will be assessed on their competency in essential microbiology techniques by demonstrating laboratory skills acquired during practical classes.

Self-Directed Research Project

Due: 2/11/2025, by 11:55 pm Weighting: 30%

This task will introduce students to the process of conducting and managing an independent research project. Students will work in pairs. This assignment is designed to support the development of the learning outcomes, graduate attributes and capabilities outlined in this unit guide.

Each pair will take ownership of their research project and are therefore responsible and accountable for its design, execution and outcomes. The project will run continuously throughout the practical period and will involve investigation, discussion, and reflection on experimental results. Towards the end of the practical sessions, each group will predict the identity of their selected unknown organism, providing a rationale based on their experimental findings. This prediction will be presented in class using a PowerPoint presentation, which must be no longer than 3 minutes. After each presentation, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions or provide feedback.

Each student must submit an independently written, 4-page scientific report based on their group’s findings. The report is due by 11:55 pm on 2 November 2025 and must be uploaded to iLearn as a PDF file to avoid formatting issues. A template will be provided and must be used for the report. A detailed rubric and style guide are included in the Laboratory Manual, available via iLearn. Penalties apply for exceeding the page limit or for late submission.

Final Examination

Due: University Examination Period Weighting: 50%

The final examination will assess your ability to apply key terminology and concepts from both the lecture and practical components of the unit. The exam will consist of a range of questions designed to test critical thinking and problem-solving skills.You must bring a calculator to the exam. Only non-programmable calculators are permitted.

F. 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 https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Practical Competency  20% No Week 8
Self-directed research project 30% No 02/11/2025
Final Examination 50% No University Examination Period

Practical Competency 

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 7 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%

 

Students will be assessed on their competency in essential microbiology techniques by demonstrating laboratory skills acquired during practical classes.

 
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.

Self-directed research project

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 02/11/2025
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will undertake a self-directed research project applying laboratory skills developed throughout the unit. They will document and analyse their findings in scientific report format.

 
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: 35 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%

 

Students will be tested on their knowledge of course content. The exam will include material from lectures, practical classes and assessments tasks.

 
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

Week 1

Lectures begin in week 1 (28 July 2025). There are no lab-based practicals in week 1.

BMOL6401 Microbiology and Molecular Biology Web Site: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

Monday

12:00 – 1:00 pm 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave (14SCO) - Mason Theatre

  

Tuesday

1:00 – 2:00 pm   14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave (14SCO) - T2

  

Laboratory classes

Practical sessions commence in Week 2 of the semester, with the first lab classes held on 6 and 7 August 2025. You must bring the following items to your first lab session:

  • A lab coat (mandatory – students will not be permitted to participate without one)
  • An A4 laboratory notebook (minimum 60 pages)
  • Safety glasses (recommended – students are encouraged to bring their own. Safety glasses will also be available in the lab for use during the session and must be returned at the end of each class)

Participation and proper preparation are essential for successful completion of the practical component of this unit.

Laboratory classes

Wednesday

1-4 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.

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. If you have queries for the unit convenor, you can: 

  • Post your question on the iLearn discussion board (preferred for general queries that may benefit other students)
  • Send a private message to the unit convenor via iLearn

Please check your university email and iLearn regularly to ensure you do not miss important updates.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

Recommended text book:

  • Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition 16th edition. Madigan, Aiyer, Buckley, Sattley and Stahl. Publisher: Pearson Australia. ISBN: 9781292404790
  • Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition 15th edition. Madigan, Bender, Buckley, Sattley and Stahl. Publisher: Pearson Australia. ISBN: 9781292235103

BMOL6401 Microbiology and Molecular Biology Practical Manual - The full laboratory manual will be available for download on iLearn. You must either bring a printed copy or access it electronically via iLearn using the lab computers. You are expected to read through all planned activities before attending each session.

Technology Used and Required

You are expected to access the unit iLearn site regularly to download required materials (e.g. PDF files) and stay up to date with unit announcements. Important information may also be sent to your student email account, so please check your email frequently to ensure you do not miss any updates.

Unit iLearn Page

The URL of the BMOL6401 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.

Teaching and Learning Strategy

BMOL6401 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 all practical sessions.
  • Complete the practical competency assessment, scientific report, and final exam.

If you prepare thoroughly and participate fully in all components of the unit, and work consistently throughout the semester, you will develop a strong understanding of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, acquire essential laboratory skills, and be well positioned to succeed in this unit. Laboratory classes are designed to:

  • Develop fundamental laboratory skills and safe work practices
  • Foster critical and analytical thinking
  • Support accurate and detailed recording of experimental observations
  • Strengthen your understanding of the theory behind experiments and your ability to apply that knowledge to solve related problems

These skills are not only vital for further studies in Microbiology and Molecular Biology but are also transferable across a wide range of scientific disciplines.

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/

Academic Success

Academic Success 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.

Changes from Previous Offering

To enable students more time to focus on learning, understanding and reflecting on the content of our unit we have revised the assessment structure as follows. There are now only three assessments:

  1. Practical Competency: Students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate essential microbiology techniques developed during practical classes.
  2. Self-Directed Research Project: Students will be assessed on their ability to plan, execute, interpret, and report an independent research project.
  3. Examination: Assesses students’ comprehensive knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities across lecture and practical content.

Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook