Cell & Tissue Biology for Agriculture & Veterinary Science (AGRC1041)

Course overview

Understanding the structure and function of cells and cell components is intrinsic to defining how tissues, organ systems and ultimately whole organisms operate in normal, healthy conditions. This includes how cells communicate with each other and regulate coordinated activity. This course describes basic physiological principles that govern cellular activity. It also provides students with the opportunity to explore the ultrastructure of cells and link form to function using observational, research and experimental approaches.

AGRC1041 is a biomedical science course that integrates the structure of cells and tissues with their function. Course content includes the structure of eukaryotic cells, the histology of the main tissue types (epithelia, glandular tissues, connective tissues, muscle, bone, cartilage, nervous tissue and blood), the physiology of muscle and nerves, the gross anatomy and histology of the integument, the mechanisms of cellular metabolism, transport and signalling, and the nature and potential applications of stem cells.

Course requirements

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

BIOL1028

Restrictions

Any student who has completed BIOL1020, BIOL1030, BIOL1040 or BIOL1050 will need permission from the Faculty of Science to enrol into AGRC1041. Please contact the Faculty of Science.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest Timetable information.

Please note that unexpected changes to the Timetable may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates to the timetable will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.                                                     

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of animal cell and tissue structure and function.

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Assessment Sequence: Practical Class Quizzes

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

10% 1.25% each

Due date

28/07/2025 - 27/10/2025

Please check the Timetable on the course Blackboard site for the Due Date of each Quiz (8 in total).

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).

If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.

Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.

Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.

Digital Practical Exam

• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

30%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).

If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.

Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time. Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.

Theory Exam

• Hurdle
• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

60%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).

If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.

Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time. Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

To pass AGRC1041

• Students must achieve 50% overall to pass this course.
• Students must achieve a passing mark (at least 50%) in each of the theory and practical components to pass the course.

Grade Calculations

When rounding final marks for grade calculations, part marks of <0.5 will be ROUNDED DOWN to the nearest whole number, and part marks of >/= 0.5 will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole number. 

Work Integrated Learning - BVSc(Hons) students

A passing grade must be attained in ALL Year One courses prior to the commencement of the Animal Husbandry & Pre-Clinical Work Integrated Learning (WIL) milestone.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. 

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.  

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.  

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes. 

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Assessment using the Inspera platform

Students must click the ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button on the summary page to submit their answers. After submission, a confirmation will appear on the dashboard indicating that the answers have been submitted and can no longer be edited.

For all exams lasting 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes, an additional 10 minutes of planning time is provided to read the questions and plan responses, though students may start working immediately if they choose.

It’s crucial to ensure your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments before the exam. If you don’t have a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Check Get Familiar with Inspera for the most up-to-date information about using the platform. Note that power outlets will not be available during exams.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Other course materials

Additional learning resources information

UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services

Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).

The Hub

The Student Clinical Skills Hub is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), Room 101) with two main areas and an online resource community available for all SVS students.

The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visual resources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and a debriefing space.

The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competences beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.

If you cannot access the community or have any other questions, please contact the Hub Coordinator via svs-hub@uq.edu.au or ext 15046.

SVS BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech Student Support

The 2025 School of Veterinary Science Student Support Blackboard Site can be found by visiting [SCIE0586] Student Support for BVSc & BVetTech programs 2025 SCIE0586_7520_00101   

This site contains links to valuable resources and information for all BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students. Here you will find information on topics such as:

• Orientation and new student information
• Mental health and wellbeing
• OH&S
•  Program rules and requirements
• Study planners
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Study help and support
• Useful SVS staff contacts –
• Academic Student Mentors, International Student Mentor, Peers Support Network, SVS Academic Progression and Integrity Officer, SVS Chief Examiner, SVS Director of Students and Admissions, etc.
• SVS Student Information Resource Handbook

The site also offers a way for you to share your valuable feedback directly with the School about your experiences as a student. We welcome and encourage your input, as it helps us continually improve our processes. If you have a formal grievance regarding academic or teaching standards, please refer to the Student Grievance Resolution Policy to understand your options and the steps you can take.  

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

• Fitness to Practise Policy
• Vaccinations and Immunisation Procedure