Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Anwar Sunna
6WW207 (E8C207)
Practical coordinator
Angela Sun
14ER301 (E8A301)
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MLabQAMgt or MRadiopharmSc or MSc or MBiotech or MBioBus
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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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.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Pre and lab quizzes | 10% | No | Ongoing |
Practical Skills | 5% | No | Ongoing |
Continuing assessment | 5% | No | Ongoing |
Short literature review | 5% | No | 26/8/18 |
Mid-Semester Examination | 10% | No | 12/9/18 |
Scientific Report | 20% | No | 11/11/18 |
Final Examination | 45% | No | University Examination Period |
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
Unannounced pre-lab quizzes will be conducted throughout the semester at the start of a practical session. The questions in the quiz will cover the practical materials and pre-lab questions of the week. The quizzes will take 5 to 10 min to finish and will be collected at 15 min past the practical start time. Late arrivals will not be able to sit for the quizzes. This will contribute to 10% of your overall course mark
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 5%
You will be tested for two practical skills essential for Microbiology. You will have enough time to learn and practice these techniques during the laboratory sessions before being tested. This will contribute to 5% of your overall course mark.
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 5%
This is a continuing assessment and you will need to attend the lectures to participate in this assessment. You will be given a number of multiple choice questions relevant to the current lecture that will need to be completed during the lecture session. This assessment utilises the Kahoot! platform (https://kahoot.it/) and requires mobile device and internet access to participate. A paper form of the assessment will be available upon request. See instructions on the iLearn unit for additional details on the installation and participation in this assessment. You will be given an opportunity to practice during the unit introductory lecture. The quizzes will be conducted and assessed randomly, it is advised that the students endeavour to participate in all lecture sessions for the best possible outcome.
Due: 26/8/18
Weighting: 5%
You must choose two microorganisms to research and write a short report about. One microorganism should be chosen which you consider 'worrying' and a second which is 'weird and wonderful'. For each you must source peer-reviewed scientific literature to write half a page about the worrying/interesting characteristics of the organism. You must ensure your work is properly referenced and provide a reference list. An example report detailing the required format , reference style and including an example reference list, will be provided on the unit iLearn site. This assignment will contribute to 5% of your overall course mark. Submission date for this report is 26 August 2018, no later than 11:59 pm. Penalties will apply for work over the page limit and late submission.
Due: 12/9/18
Weighting: 10%
A multiple choice mid-semester test will be held during class time on 12/9/18( 12-1pm). The test will cover material (lectures and practicals) from Week 1 to 6 only (lecture 1-12). You will need to take a calculator into the examination. Only non programmable calculators may be taken into the examination. This will contribute to 10% of your overall course mark.
Due: 11/11/18
Weighting: 20%
This exercise is an introduction to conducting and managing an independent research project. Students will work in pairs. This assignment is designed to allow you to develop and achieve the learning outcomes, graduate attributes and capabilities outlined in this unit guide. Thus groups/pairs are empowered to own their research work and therefore are responsible and accountable for the design, performance and achievements resulting from the research.
This research task will be an ongoing exercise to be performed between week 3 and 13, over which the group is to work together on the investigation, discussion and reflection of results. In week 12, each lab group will make a prediction of the identity of the bacteria (all three organisms) and the rationales behind their decision, and present their prediction in front of the class. Each presentation (Power Point) should take no longer than 3 minutes. After each presentation, the audience will be given an opportunity to ask questions or make suggestions to the presenters.
An independently written 4-page scientific report, based on your research findings, is to be submitted by each student on 11 November , no later than 11:59 pm.
A rubric outlining what is expected regarding final report structure and a style guided will be provided in the Laboratory manual, which will be available on iLearn. The assignment should be uploaded onto iLearn as a pdf file – this is to avoid formatting discrepancies that may occur from using different word processors. This assignment will contribute to 20% of your overall course mark. Penalties will apply for work over the page limit and late submission.
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 45%
The final exam will require students to apply terminology and concepts learnt in the lecture and practical components to answer a variety of questions of a critical thinking nature. The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, short and long answer questions. You will need to take a calculator into the examination. Only non programmable calculators may be taken into the examination (3 hours plus 10 minutes reading time).
Lectures will be held on:
Tuesday | 9-10 am in 17 Wallys Walk - T1 Theatre |
Wednesday | 12-1pm in 17 Wallys Walk - T1 Theatre |
Lectures begin on the 31 July 2018. Lectures graphics will be available in iLearn on the day before each lecture.
CBMS622 Microbiology and Molecular Biology Web Site: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
Laboratory classes
Wednesday | 1-5 pm | 14 Eastern Rd - 130 Science Lab |
Wednesday | 1-5 pm | 14 Eastern Rd - 150 Science Lab |
Thursday | 9-1pm | 14 Eastern Rd - 130 Science Lab |
Thursday | 9-1 pm | 14 Eastern Rd - 150 Science Lab |
Thursday | 2-6 pm | 14 Eastern Rd - 130 Science Lab |
Thursday | 2-6 pm | 14 Eastern Rd - 150 Science Lab |
Students will need to register for one of the classes only.
Practicals start the first week of the semester (first lab on session on 1st and 2nd August 2018). Bring a lab coat and A4 notebook (60+ pages) to your first lab session.
Please note that practical classes are a compulsory component for this course with medical certificates being required should a student be absent due to illness. These should be submitted online as Special Consideration application using the application form in AskMQ. More information and how to apply for Special Consideration cab be found at: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration.
Prescribed text:
Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition 15th edition. Madigan, Bender, Buckley, Sattley and Stahl. Publisher: Pearson Australia. ISBN: 9781292235103
CBMS622 Microbiology and Molecular Biology Practical Manual - The full laboratory manual will be available on iLearn for download, you must bring a copy with you to your laboratory class and are expected to have read through all of the planned activities. Please note you must also bring a lab coat, closed shoes and A4 lab notebook (60+ pages) to each practical, beginning in Week 1. Important, you won't be allowed in the laboratory without a lab coat!
You are expected to access the unit web site on a frequent basis and download PDF files provided. Please note information may also be sent by email to your student email account so please look at your email account on a frequent basis.
Unit Web Page
The URL of the CBMS622 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.
You are expected to access the unit web site very frequently. This site contains important information including notes on ALL the topics to be covered.
Continuing assessment
The in class continuing assessment utilises the Kahoot! platform (https://kahoot.it/) and requires mobile device and internet access to participate.
CBMS622 is a 4-credit point, half year unit and will require an average of 9 hours of work per week (contact hours plus self study time).
The unit expectation is that you will:
If you prepare and attend all components of the unit and work consistently and continuously throughout the semester, you should be able to develop a strong understanding of the subject, develop key microbiology and molecular biology practical skills and perform satisfactorily in this unit.
Laboratory classes are designed to develop basic laboratory skills, general safety practices and critical and analytical thought- this will be very useful if you continue with molecular biology and microbiology, but are also fundamental to many other areas of science. In-lab and post-lab work are designed to allow you to appropriately record your experimental observations in a detailed and accurate manner and assess your understanding of the theory behind the experiments conducted and to use this understanding to solve related problems.
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results shown in iLearn, 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.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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.
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
The University is committed to equity and fairness in all aspects of its learning and teaching. In stating this commitment, the University recognises that there may be circumstances where a student is prevented by unavoidable disruption from performing in accordance with their ability. The University has a policy on special consideration requests that may be found at https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration.
If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.
You need to show that your circumstances meet all of the following criteria:
Your supporting evidence must include all of the following:
This policy is instituted to support students who experience serious and unavoidable disruption such that they do not reach their usual demonstrated performance level. If this does occur please submit a Special Consideration application using the application form in AskMQ.
Non-Attendance: Submit online the relevant documentation together with a Special Consideration application using the application form in AskMQ as described above.
Students MUST contact Dr. Angela Sun (angela.sun@mq.edu.au) immediately to make alternative arrangements if a laboratory session or an assessment task has been missed. Contact can be by email or phone. The intensive nature of laboratory sessions and assessments over a period of weeks means that non-attendance can significantly impact on your progress, can impact on your ability to complete the assignments and also impacts on your laboratory partner/group.
Final Exam
If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the week of December 17-21 2018. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.
Extensions and penalties
10% of the mark allocated for the assignment will be deducted per day for any work submitted late.
Only medical certificates and/or other appropriate supporting documents outlining other serious, extenuating circumstances will be considered when submitting an assignment after the due date. All applications for special consideration or extension must be sought before the due date unless this is absolutely impossible.
All applications for extensions of deadlines must be submitted to the Dr. Angela Sun (angela.sun@mq.edu.au).
Date | Description |
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23/07/2018 | Final Exam If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the week of December 17-21 2018. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination. |