Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor, Lecturer, Demonstrator
Mark Baker
Contact via 9850-8211
Office 19, T75
Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri 9-12
Lecturer
Helen Rizos
Contact via 9850-2762
Office 22, T75
Mon-Weds 10-3, Fri 10-3
Lecturer
Ian Blair
Contact via 9850-2725
Office 15, T75
contact by email
Lecturer
Shoba Ranganathan
Contact via 9850-6262
Level 1, F7B
Mon-Fri 10-3
Lecturer
Ashley Crook
Contact via email
MUH
contact by email
Lecturer
Stuart Gallagher
Contact via 9850-2762 (Helen Rizos)
Lecturer
Kelly Williams
Contact via 9850-2731
Level 1, T75
contact by email
Lecturer
Russell Diefenbach
Contact via email
Level 1, T75
contact by email
Lecturer
Esther Lim
Contact via email
Level 1, T75
contact by email
Liza Culleney
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
CBMS104
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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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 how they are regulated. You will explore the structure and the relationships between the four main biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) within the human body. You will gain an understanding of the fundamental structure of the cell and how this relates to function. Examples of how these processes are altered resulting in human diseases will also be provided. You will participate in practical classes which reinforce the lecture content and provide training in basic laboratory skills
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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:
Assessment: Your raw marks from assessments are combined into a weighted sum. The weighted sums for the whole class are ranked, and compared across other units for appropriate consistency. This process of comparison allows for the identification of unusual influences on class performance that might warrant the weighted sums of marks being scaled or otherwise altered. The numerical cut-off for each descriptive grade is then determined. The numerical value which you are issued with (i.e., Standardised Numerical Grade; SNG) is determined to match your descriptive grade by standardising weighted sums of raw marks to match standard scores out of 100. The SNG gives you an indication of how you have performed within the band for your descriptive grade. As the SNG is the result of scaling the weighted sum of your raw marks, you won't be able to:
It is our professional responsibility as your mentors to assign you a grade that accurately reflects your performance. Our grading decisions are subject to scrutiny by academic colleagues at the Program, Faculty and University level.
Grades ranging from High Distinction to Fail are defined as follows:
Grade |
SNG |
Description |
HD High Distinction |
85-100 |
Work of outstanding quality. This may be demonstrated in areas such as criticism, logical argument, and interpretation of materials or use of methodology. This grade may also be awarded to recognise a high order of originality or creativity in student performance |
D Distinction |
75-84 |
Work of superior quality in the same areas of performance as above. This grade may also be awarded to recognise particular originality or creativity in student performance |
Cr Credit |
65-74 |
Work of predominantly good quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of content together with efficient organisation, selectivity and use of techniques |
P Pass |
50-64 |
Satisfactory achievement of unit objectives |
F Fail |
0-49 |
Failure to achieve unit objectives |
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Practical Session Write-Ups | 30% | No | 2 weeks after pracs |
Oral Presentation | 20% | No | MEDI219 Weeks 4,5,6 |
Essay | 20% | No | Feb 8th, 5pm |
Final Exam | 30% | No | Friday Feb 15th (10-12) |
Due: 2 weeks after pracs
Weighting: 30%
All laboratories (University weeks 2-4) will be conducted in computer data analysis labs. These labs will have a highly investigative approach, where you will be conducting analysis to apply theoretical knowledge to understand genetics, genomics, and other omics data. You will be required to write reports for each of the 3 x MEDI209 practicals. Each is only one week long (i.e., 3 x 10% = 30% of your total assessment). The detailed requirements for each report will be given with notes available before or during each practical class. Prac reports are due two weeks after the practical is complete. Please check iLearn for final due dates. All prac reports should be submitted as requested.
Due: MEDI219 Weeks 4,5,6
Weighting: 20%
You will be randomly assigned either a Hot Topic team PowerPoint oral presentation or to one side of a Debate (POSITIVE/NEGATIVE). These will occur during practicals classes (hot topics first followed by debate) held in weeks 4-6 of the unit.
These will be chaired by demonstrators assisting in the running of practical classes.
Past Hot Topics and Debates have been video recorded for marketing of BClinSci program and MEDI209 unit.
Due: Feb 8th, 5pm
Weighting: 20%
Maximum 1,500 word essay (not inclusive of any words used in tables, figures, legends or references) on a topic of relevance to personalised/precision medicine. This means that your integration/synthesis of ideas into new figures, diagrams, summaries and tables will be highly valued.
ESSAY TOPIC
In 2016, Science staff writer Dr Jocelyn Kaiser provocatively concluded that “the gene editor CRISPR won’t fully fix sick people anytime soon”. Critically evaluate CRISPR technology, in light of her statement and recent advancements.
Due: Friday Feb 15th (10-12)
Weighting: 30%
The final exam (30% total assessment) will be composed of multiple short answer questions and is 2hr in length with 10min reading time. It is designed to address specific understanding of topics presented in lectures, practicals and peer-assisted oral presentation learning exercises. It also assesses that the knowledge you have obtained can be applied to new problems. It is Macquarie University policy to not set early examinations for individuals or groups of students.
Lectures, 12hr; Seminars/Tutorials, 12hr; Assessments, 60hr; Class Preparation, 50hr; Labs, 9-12hr; Other, 3hr; Total, 150hrs.
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MEDI219 Lectures, Practicals, Hot Topics and Debates |
Academics |
Date |
Time |
Location |
Week 1 |
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L1 |
DNA, Chromosomes & Cells (Chap 1; pp1-18) |
MSB |
Jan 7th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
Prac 1 |
Highlighting Protein Structure/Function in Rare Human Diseases (Serpinopathies)
|
MSB, EL, +2 demonstrators |
Jan 7th |
10-2 |
6 Eastern Rd 214 Faculty PC Lab |
L2 |
Gene Structure/Expression & the Human Genome (Chap 2; pp19-56) |
MSB |
Jan 8th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
Week 2 |
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L3 |
Underpinning DNA Technologies - PCR, Cloning (Chap 3; pp57-79) |
RD |
Jan 14th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
Prac 2 |
Global Gene Expression Profiling (Transcriptomic Profiling)
|
EL, RD, AdeP, AS |
Jan 14th |
10-2 |
6 Eastern Rd 214 Faculty PC Lab |
L4 |
Transcriptomics |
EL |
Jan 15th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
Week 3 |
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L5 |
Single Gene Disorders, Inheritance, Allele Frequencies (Chap 5; pp 117-148) |
KW |
Jan 21st |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
Prac 3 |
(Pedigrees, Disease Prediction/Susceptibility) |
IB, EL, JF, Alison x |
Jan 21st |
10-2 |
6 Eastern Rd 214 Faculty PC Lab |
L6 |
Identifying Disease Genes & Susceptibility (Chap 8) |
KW |
Jan 22nd |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
Week 4 |
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L7 |
****AUSTRALIA DAY HOLIDAY – NO FORMAL LECTURE**** BUT ECHO Task – Listen to Genetic Counselling & Approaches to Treating Disease - a lecture by Macquarie Hospital Genetic Counsellor Dr Ashley Crook and Study (textbook Chaps 8 and 9; pp247-370] |
AC |
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L8 |
Epigenetics & Gene Regulation (Chap 6; pp149-188) |
SG |
Jan 29th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
HTS 1/2/3 /4
D1 |
Healthy Lifestyle Is More Important than Known Genetic Risk Factors in Cardiovascular Disease.
|
MSB, HR, RD, TS, EL, AdeP or 1 from Itner’s group
|
Jan 29th |
10-2 |
4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm
AND
4 Western Rd 232 Tutorial Rm |
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Week 5 |
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L9 |
Transcriptomics: Global Expression Analysis to Medicine |
EL |
Feb 4th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
L10 |
Cancer Genetics, Genomics and the TCGA (Chap 10; pp373-427) |
MSB |
Feb 5th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
HTS 5/6/7/8
D2 |
Offspring generated through MRT (often termed as targeted mitochondrial replacement IVF) will (negative) or will not (affirmative) or be adversely affected from the deployment of what effectively is a three-parent technology |
MSB, HR, RD, TS, EL, AdeP or 1 from Itner’s group
|
Feb 5th |
10-2 |
4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm
AND
4 Western Rd 232 Tutorial Rm |
Short Essay (1,500 word) |
In 2016, Science staff writer Dr Jocelyn Kaiser provocatively concluded that “the gene editor CRISPR won’t fully fix sick people anytime soon”. Critically evaluate CRISPR technology, in light of her statement and recent advancements. |
|
Feb 8th |
5pm |
Turnitin/iLearn |
Week 6 |
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|
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L11 |
Big Data: The “Omics” Revolution, HPP & Human Protein Atlas |
MSB/SR |
Feb 11th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
L12 |
Personalised Cancer “Omics”, Human Proteome Project & Human Protein Atlas |
MSB |
Feb 12th |
9-10 |
4 Western Rd 220 |
HTS 9/10/11/12
D3 |
Next-gen human genome sequencing will allow diagnosis and treatment of all human cancers within the next decade. |
MSB, RD, TS, EL, AdeP or 2 from Itner’s group
|
Feb 12th |
10-2 |
4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm
AND
4 Western Rd 232 Tutorial Rm |
Final Exam (2hr) |
An equal combination of Part A (multiple-choice) and Part B (short answer) questions |
MSB |
Feb 15th |
10-12 |
4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm |
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 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
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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:
A review of the BClinSci program was undertaken in late 2017. After consultation with past MEDI209 classes only minor changes have been incorporated into the 2019 unit, with significant changes anticipated at a programmatic level in S2 2019. Following positive comments and constructive feedback, two of the MEDI219 practicals have been simplified/shortened with less emphasis on data construction and increased emphasis on data analysis/interpretation.