Students

CBMS336 – Molecular Biology and Genomics

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Distinguished Professor
Ian Paulsen
Contact via 9850 8152
E8A 202, 14 Eastern Road
Professor
Paul Haynes
Contact via 9850 6258
F7B 331, 4 Wally's Walk
Senior Scientific Officer
Ray Duell
Contact via 9850 8184
E8A 106, 14 Eastern Road
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above) including CBMS202 or CBMS224
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
CBMS336/836
Unit description Unit description
Molecular biology is a central science in twenty-first century biology and biotechnology. Understanding the fundamentals of molecular biology is essential for many other fields in the life sciences, including microbiology, cell biology, immunology, and development. Molecular biology makes a significant and increasing contribution to major sectors of our society including agriculture and medicine, and is also important in environmental science and forensics. In this unit we explore topics that allow students to obtain an advanced understanding of the mechanisms of molecular biology, including those of DNA replication and recombination, prokaryotic gene expression, eukaryotic gene expression, mobile elements, the functions of the nucleus, and epigenetics. We also address topics on the rapidly changing technologies in molecular biology, including those used in genome sequencing, metagenomics, and microarray analysis. Practical sessions complement the lectures and provide students with hands-on experience with a range of critical laboratory skills including those required for DNA and RNA isolation, PCR and RT-PCR, cloning, and bioinformatics. Students gain experience in working with both bacterial and eukaryotic systems in the laboratory classes so that their skills and experience are valuable for a variety of positions in both industry and research.

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:

  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to describe and discuss essential molecular processes in the cell, especially as related to DNA and RNA. These molecular processes include transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombination, DNA repair, and transposition.
  • Students will be able to relate the revolutionary impact of genomics across all biological sciences.
  • Students will be able to analyse and interpret experimental data and present this in a structured report utilising appropriate scientific referencing.

General Assessment Information

Assignments

  • All assignments must be submitted in hard copy to the FSE Student Centre by midday on the date specified and must include a completed and signed coversheet stapled to the front cover.
  • In addition, all written work must be submitted to Turnitin for plagiarism checking. Instructions will be provided on iLearn.
  • Criteria and standards required for the assessment tasks will be available on iLearn.

Extensions will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved.

 

Problem Set

Problems 1 - 12 should be done in time for marking and discussion during the practical session of the Week 12.

 

Requirements

Assessment tasks involve the practical assignments and the problem sets which are both integral components of the unit.  Apart from the marks formally allocated to these components, a comprehensive understanding of them will greatly assist you in the final exam.  You should remember that the final exam covers ALL components of the unit. 

Participation in ALL practical sessions is required in order to complete the practical reports.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Laboratory Reports 25% No TBA
Bioinformatic Report 10% No TBA
Mid-Semester Test 10% No Week 7 (April 30th - May 4th)
Problem Set 5% No Week 12 (June 4th - June 8th)
Final Examination 50% No University Examination Period

Laboratory Reports

Due: TBA
Weighting: 25%

3 lab reports, 1500 words each


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to analyse and interpret experimental data and present this in a structured report utilising appropriate scientific referencing.

Bioinformatic Report

Due: TBA
Weighting: 10%

Report on Bioinformatic Analysis


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will be able to relate the revolutionary impact of genomics across all biological sciences.
  • Students will be able to analyse and interpret experimental data and present this in a structured report utilising appropriate scientific referencing.

Mid-Semester Test

Due: Week 7 (April 30th - May 4th)
Weighting: 10%

Multiple Choice Test carried out during regularly scheduled laboratory time.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to describe and discuss essential molecular processes in the cell, especially as related to DNA and RNA. These molecular processes include transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombination, DNA repair, and transposition.

Problem Set

Due: Week 12 (June 4th - June 8th)
Weighting: 5%

12 Question Problem Set in Prac Manual.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.

Final Examination

Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%

2 essays, 20 short answer questions


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to describe and discuss essential molecular processes in the cell, especially as related to DNA and RNA. These molecular processes include transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombination, DNA repair, and transposition.
  • Students will be able to relate the revolutionary impact of genomics across all biological sciences.

Delivery and Resources

Classes There are two weekly lectures of 1 hour each on Friday (10 am - 11 am Friday in 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave - E7B T5 Theatre, and 12 noon - 1 pm Friday in 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave - E7B T5 Theatre) and a weekly practical session of 3 hours (14 Eastern Road E8A labs 130 and 150, 10 am - 1 pm or 2 pm - 5 pm Wednesday). In weeks 9 to 11, the practical class includes a bioinformatic workshop in the same location. Attendance at practical sessions (and bioinformatic workshop) is a compulsory component of this unit. Lecture recordings and graphics slides are available online through iLearn (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/), although lecture attendance in person is highly recommended. The practical manual is also available online through iLearn.  

Required and Recommended Texts The course syllabus is defined by all of the subject material presented in lectures and practicals, much of which is beyond standard textbooks. The prescribed text for this unit is Molecular Biology Fifth edition by Robert F Weaver. Available from the Co-op bookshop. The following texts may also be useful and are available in the library:

GenesIX by Benjamin Lewin

Mobile Genetic Elements by Sherratt

Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual by Maniatis, Fritsch and Sambrook

An Introduction to Genetic Engineering by Des Nicholl.

Technology Requirements Within this Unit, you will be introduced to Web-based search engines that are commonly used in molecular biology. Our expectation is that you will be able to readily access the internet and have a computer available to you for web browsing and preparation of your laboratory reports. Handwritten reports will not be accepted. Your laboratory reports will be submitted and circulated via the online Turnitin program, for which access instructions will be given at submission time. Your practical reports will require you to carry out minor computational tasks, for which a calculator and access to basic statistical tools will be required. We place a large emphasis on correct referencing style in all your reports, and use of the program EndNote is encouraged, but not essential.

Unit Schedule

Week

Date

Lecture

Title

Lecturer

1

March 2

1

Introduction/What is Molecular Biology/Genome Structure

Haynes

March 2

2

Gene Organization/function

Haynes

2

Mar 9

3

Molecular Biology Techniques

Haynes

Mar 9

4

Molecular Biology Techniques

Paulsen

3

Mar 16

5

Molecular Cloning

Haynes

Mar 16

6

Tools for studying Gene Activity

Haynes

4

Mar 23

7

Transcription in Prokaryotes

Paulsen

Mar 23

8

Structure of Prokaryotic Operons

Paulsen

5

Apr 6

9

Bacterial Gene Regulation

Paulsen

Apr 6

10

Transcription in Eukaryotes

Paulsen

6

Apr 13

11

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

Paulsen

Apr 13

12

Nucleosomes/Histones/Chromatin

 

Paulsen

      SEMESTER BREAK   

7

May 4

13

Messenger RNA splicing

Paulsen

May 4

14

Mechanism of Translation

Paulsen

8

May 11

15

Ribosomes and transfer RNA

Paulsen

May 11

16

DNA replication

Paulsen

9

May 18

17

DNA recombination

Paulsen

May 18

18

DNA repair

Paulsen

10

May 25

19

Mobile DNA elements

Paulsen

May 25

20

Mobile DNA elements

Paulsen

11

June 1

21

Genome Sequencing

Paulsen

June 1

22

Genomes, Pan-Genomes and Metagenomics

Paulsen

12

June 8

23

Bioinformatics and Genome Annotation

Paulsen

June 8

24

Functional Genomics and Systems Biology

Paulsen

13

Jun 15

25

Synthetic Biology

Paulsen

Jun 15

26

Revision

Paulsen

 

Policies and Procedures

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).

Student Code of Conduct

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

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.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

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:

Learning outcome

  • Students will be able to relate the revolutionary impact of genomics across all biological sciences.

Assessment tasks

  • Bioinformatic Report
  • Final Examination

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

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:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to describe and discuss essential molecular processes in the cell, especially as related to DNA and RNA. These molecular processes include transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombination, DNA repair, and transposition.
  • Students will be able to relate the revolutionary impact of genomics across all biological sciences.
  • Students will be able to analyse and interpret experimental data and present this in a structured report utilising appropriate scientific referencing.

Assessment tasks

  • Laboratory Reports
  • Bioinformatic Report
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Problem Set
  • Final Examination

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

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:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to describe and discuss essential molecular processes in the cell, especially as related to DNA and RNA. These molecular processes include transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombination, DNA repair, and transposition.
  • Students will be able to relate the revolutionary impact of genomics across all biological sciences.
  • Students will be able to analyse and interpret experimental data and present this in a structured report utilising appropriate scientific referencing.

Assessment tasks

  • Laboratory Reports
  • Bioinformatic Report
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Problem Set
  • Final Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

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:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to describe and discuss essential molecular processes in the cell, especially as related to DNA and RNA. These molecular processes include transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombination, DNA repair, and transposition.
  • Students will be able to relate the revolutionary impact of genomics across all biological sciences.
  • Students will be able to analyse and interpret experimental data and present this in a structured report utilising appropriate scientific referencing.

Assessment tasks

  • Laboratory Reports
  • Bioinformatic Report
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Problem Set
  • Final Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

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:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will be be able to describe the theory behind and demonstrate competency in the use of a range of molecular biology experimental techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing and DNA hybridization.
  • Students will be able to describe and discuss essential molecular processes in the cell, especially as related to DNA and RNA. These molecular processes include transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombination, DNA repair, and transposition.

Assessment tasks

  • Laboratory Reports
  • Mid-Semester Test
  • Problem Set
  • Final Examination

Effective Communication

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:

Learning outcome

  • Students will be able to analyse and interpret experimental data and present this in a structured report utilising appropriate scientific referencing.

Assessment tasks

  • Laboratory Reports
  • Bioinformatic Report