BIOCHEM 3125 - Advanced Molecular Biology IIIA (Biochemistry)
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015
-
General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code BIOCHEM 3125 Course Advanced Molecular Biology IIIA (Biochemistry) Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 6 Contact Up to 14 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Prerequisites BIOCHEM 2510, BIOCHEM 2520, BIOCHEM 2504 & BIOCHEM 2505 Incompatible BIOCHEM 3000 & BIOCHEM 3230 Restrictions Available to BSc(MolBiol) students only Assessment Exam on lecture material, practical reports/PBL & online assessments Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Tony Fratini
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
-
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Understanding aspects of protein structure and function including protein folding, degradation, development of new therapies, molecular interactions and recognition. 2 Understanding aspects of the control of gene expression including genetic circuits, chromatinstructure and remodelling, gene promoter assembly, eukaryotic mRNA synthesis, processing and translation. 3 Understanding key experimental processes required to evaluate protein structure, functionand gene expression, and knowledge of how to apply them to solve specific biochemical problems. 4 Specific skills in planning, performing, interpreting, quantitatively analysing and communicatingbiochemical research using a variety of modern experimental techniques. 5 Ability to find, read, interpret and critically analyse relevant scientific literature. 6 Ability to work in teams and communicate scientific outcomes. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3, 4, 5 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4, 5, 6 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 2, 3, 4 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3, 4, 5, 6 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 5, 6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4, 6 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Laboratory coat, safety glasses and closed shoesRecommended Resources
Text book: Molecular Biology of the Cell (5th Edn) by Alberts et al., 2008, Published by Garland ScienceOnline Learning
Resource material such as lecture, tutorial, practical and past exams will be available on Myuni.
Online assessment will be conducted via Myuni. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course will be delivered by the following means:
3 Lectures (same lectures as BIOCHEM 3000) of 1 hour each per week.
1 Tutorial of 1 hour per week developing material covered in lectures. The lecturer takes the tutorial classes for their section.
1 Laboratory based research project (45 hours) or BIOCHEM 3000 Practical (15 hours per fortnight, odd weeks = 5 hours & Even weeks = 10 hour duration) in weeks 1 - 6. Includes oral presentation in week 6 with immediate feedback provided.
1 x 2 hour problem-based learning (PBL) exercise per week for weeks 7 - 12. Involves two different PBLs based on current research, each assessed by 10 - 15 minute presentation in small groups.
3 online multiple choice tests of 1 hour duration (weeks 4, 8 and 12, with immediate feedback
provided), to be done during non contact hours.
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 24 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).Learning Activities Summary
Schedule Week 1 Protein Life Cycle Lecture Week 2 Introduction to Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography Lecture Week 3 Applications of Structural Biology/Proteomics Lecture Week 4 Proteomics/Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions Lecture Week 5 Genetic Circuts and Synthetic Biology Lecture Week 6 Genetic Circuts and Synthetic Biology Lecture Week 7 Chromatin Remodelling and Transcriptional Control Lecture Week 8 Chromatin Remodelling and Transcriptional Control Lecture Week 9 How TranscriptionFactors are Regulated to Control Complex Promoters Lecture Week 10 How TranscriptionFactors are Regulated to Control Complex Promoters Lecture Week 11 RNA Processing Lecture Week 12 RNA Processing Lecture -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome Written exam on lecture material Summative examination week 65% 1, 2, 3 Practical write up on research project Summative/Formative week 6 15% 4, 5 PBL exercises Summative/Formative week 12 15% 4, 5, 6 Online assessment Summative/Formative weeks 4, 8 and 12 5% 1, 2, 3 Assessment Related Requirements
Attendance and active participation at all practicals is mandatoryAssessment Detail
End of term Exam (65% of total course grade) – A 3 hour examination covering the lecture material. It is made up of a mixture of short and long answer type questions.
Laboratory placement/Practical (15% of total course grade). The half semester research project (students can choose a laboratory placement or BIOCEHM 3000 practical) will include experimental work, keeping an up to date laboratory notebook, 1 oral presentation and the submission of afinal practical report. The oral presentation is 10-15 minutes, covers the research performed in the practical and performed individually (research placement) or small groups (BIOCHEM 3000practical) in week 7. Students receive feedback throughout the semester on laboratoryperformance and keeping of laboratory notebooks, as well as immediately after the oral presentation, and on the fina lreport.
PBL exercises, weeks 7- 12: Involves two different PBLs based on current research, each assessed by 10-15 minute presentation in small groups (15% of total course grade).
Online exercises (3 per semester):Three multiple choice tests in weeks 4, 8 and 12 (5% of total course grade). Encourages revision of the material soon after the relevant lectures and immediate
feedback provided to studentSubmission
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted,then a penalty for late submission
will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
-
Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Provision of Feedback to Students
The assessor usually provides appropriate feedback of assessment tasks to the student by means of written comments. The student has the opportunity to directly liaise with the assessor to obtain additional feedback and clarification if required. -
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
-
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
-
Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
