BIOCHEM 2504 - Biochem II (Mol Biol): Molecular and Cell Biology

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

BIOCHEM 2504 uses the knowledge and understanding gained in the prerequisite level 1 courses (see below) to provide students with an appreciation and an understanding of key biochemistry and molecular biology concepts. Consequently the topics covered include DNA structure, synthesis and repair, RNA and protein synthesis, and the control of gene expression, recombinant DNA technology, cell structure and organisation and signal transduction pathways. The course combines lectures, special tutorial sessions that reinforce the lecture content and research aspects in molecular biology, and the practicals offered by the school of Molecular and Biomedical Science to complement this material. This practical component draws from the MBS Practical series: Prac A, Prac B and Prac C. Refer to Current Students Online information at www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current-students/enrol/continuing/ for information about enrolling in these practicals.

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Course Details

Course Code	BIOCHEM 2504
Course	Biochem II (Mol Biol): Molecular and Cell Biology
Coordinating Unit	School of Molecular and Biomedical Sci(Inactive)
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 8 hours per week
Prerequisites	CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1200 or CHEM 1101 & CHEM 1201, BIOLOGY 1101 & BIOLOGY 1201 or BIOLOGY 1202
Incompatible	BIOCHEM 2500 & BIOCHEM 2502
Restrictions	Available to B Sc (Molecular Biology) students only
Assessment	Final exam, written tests, written assessments for practicals within the Prac ABC system and online tests of multiple choice questions

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Ms Lynn Rogers

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Understand aspects of: DNA structure, synthesis and repair RNA and protein synthesis The control of gene expression Cell structure and organisation Signal transduction pathways
2	Understandind hypothesis-based experimental design
3	Plan and safely performfundamental techniques in molecular and cellular biology
4	Interpret, analyse and effectively communicate experimental data and conclusions of scientific research

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, 4
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	1, 2, 3, 4
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	1, 2, 3, 4
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	3, 4
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.	1, 2, 3, 4
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1, 2, 3, 4
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	3, 4

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Textbooks:
Either
Biochemistry, a Short Course, 2nd Edition
Tymoczko J., Berg J., & Stryer L.

Or
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 4th EditionElliott W.H. & Elliott D.C.

For Practicals
Laboratory coat and closed shoes on practical days

Online Learning

MyUni is an essential resource for this course but it is essential for students to login regularly to check on important course-related announcements and material.

Students will find the following on MyUni:

All lectures are recorded

All lecture notes

Tutorial questions

Past examinations

The Discussion Board which is monitored daily

Formative and Summative MCQs

Lynn's Swot Activities to help with some of the more difficult concepts in the course
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lectures
An average of three lectures per week which are recorded for MyUni

Tutorials
An average of one tutorial per week although some weeks may be tutorial-free because the tutorials are held as "Lectorials": tutorial sessions in a large class format where students are encouraged to ask questions

Practicals
An average of 20 hours per semester

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 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

Weeks 1-2
DNA Structure, Replication and Repair

Weeks 3-4
Transcription and Gene Expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Weeks 5-6
Review and revision of new concepts
How to answer exam questions

Weeks 7-8
The genetic code
Translation and control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Week 9
Review

Week 10
Protein sorting and delivery

Weeks 11-12
Concepts of Cell signalling
Review

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	Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes	Hurdle Yes or No	Learning Outcome
Written test	Formative & Summative	15%	No	1-4
Online tests	Formative & Summative	5%	No	1-4
Major written test	Formative & Summative	10%	No	1-4
Practical assessments	Formative & Summative	20%	No	1-4
Final exam	Summative	50%	No	1-4

Assessment Detail

Online tests of multiple choice questions:

FIVE formative tests to help ensure understanding of lecture material and to encourage further reading of course material. Feedback and correct answers are provided IMMEDIATELY a question is answered. Students are notified as each test is released and given one week to organise their time to complete the test. There are 10 questions in each test and students are given one hour to complete each test. Each test is attempted over a 6-7 day period in the student’s own time and can only be attempted once but that students have an opportunity to do a similar test to improve their grade. These tests are initially formative because students can retake each test if they wish to improve their marks so they NOW become summative.

Written Tests:

Three written tests (each worth 5%) are also to ensure understanding of the content presented during the semester. These are usually in weeks 4, 7, and 12 during tutorial and or lecture sessions (timetable permitting) and are 20-30 minutes in duration. Students receive feedback within a week. This verbal feedback is done either during the tutorials or during a specified lecture (as the timetable permits). The students are also given written feedback in the form of examples of excellent (anonymous) answers written by peer students in the class. These are put up on MyUni and remain accessible for all students as many do not attend lectures, or tutorials and some may not even turn up for the tests.

The first test provides the students with a benchmark for communicating scientific information effectively in writing. Subsequent summative tests are given as the semester progresses to ensure summative knowledge of course material.

Major written Test:

This test is 50-60 minutes in duration and is held during a lecture session in the usual lecture theatre venue. Feedback is provided as above and within one week.

Practical:

Four written practical assessments per semester handed in by the students are promptly assessed to provide feedback.. Details vary depending on which practical students enrol into in the prac ABC system.

Final written Examination:

A 2.5 hour exam covering lecture and tutorial material is held during the June/July examination period.

Submission

No information currently available.

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.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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.

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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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