Course coordinator
Associate Professor Deanne Whitworth
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
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 or BIOL1040 will need permission from the Faculty of Science to enrol into AGRC1041. Please contact the Faculty of Science.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Deanne Whitworth
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the timetable throughout the semester and so it is important to check AGRC1041 Blackboard site regularly. Students will be notified of changes to the timetable 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.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Distinguish the main tissue types (epithelia, connective tissues, bone, cartilage, muscle, nervous tissue and blood) and integumentary structures within histological sections of complex tissues and organs.
LO2.
Describe the physiology of muscle and nervous tissue and how this relates to the structure of muscle and nervous tissue, respectively.
LO3.
Explain the importance of homeostasis and how this is achieved through cell membrane function and cellular communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment Sequence Practical Class Quizzes
|
10% 8 practical class quizzes. Each quiz is worth 1.25%. | |
| Examination |
Digital Practical Exam
|
25% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Theory Exam
|
65% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Assessment Sequence Practical Class Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10% 8 practical class quizzes. Each quiz is worth 1.25%.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
8 online, multiple-choice, practical class quizzes that assess the material from each practical class.
Each quiz is worth 1.25%.
The online quizzes will be delivered using Blackboard and will remain open for 48 hours. Students will complete the quizzes using their own device at any time within the 48 hours that the quiz is open. Further details will be provided on the AGRC1041 Blackboard site in Week 1 of the semester and in the first practical class.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Students who do not complete a quiz, and who do not contact the Course Co-ordinator, will receive a mark of 0 out of a possible 5 marks for that quiz.
Digital Practical Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
End-of-semester Practical Exam covering all of the material in the histology practical classes.
This will be an on-campus invigilated examination hosted on Inspera in the Central Examination Period.
Students are required to use their own device for this exam.
Further details will be provided on the AGRC1041 Blackboard site and in the Course Wrap-up lecture in Week 13.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End-of-semester Theory Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 65%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Theory exam covering all lectures from weeks 1 through 13.
This will be an on-campus invigilated examination hosted on Inspera in the Central Examination Period.
Students are required to use their own device for this exam.
Further details will be provided on the AGRC1041 Blackboard site and in the Course Wrap-up lecture in Week 13.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 30-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85-100% |
Additional course grading information
Students must achieve a passing mark (at least 50%) in each of the theory and practical components in order to pass the course. The mark for the theory component is derived from the End-of-Semester Theory Exam (65%); the mark for the practical component is derived from the online quizzes (10%) and the End-of-Semester Practical Exam (25%).
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
For INSPERA exams, the summary page shows a ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button that students must click to submit their answers. After submission, students will receive a confirmation on the dashboard that they have submitted and can no longer edit responses. For all End of Semester exams with durations of 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes you will receive an additional 10 minutes of planning time to read the examination questions and plan your responses, but you may commence working if you wish. It’s essential that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Get familiar with Inspera provides the most up to date information for students about using Inspera. 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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop computer | All of the histological material examined in the practical classes is available digitally as virtual microscopy and so students require a computer that they can bring to the practical classes in order to access this material. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Ensuring work-life balance and seeking help at an early stage are key attributes for successful study at university. UQ Student Servicesﾠand the Student Union (UQU) provide many resources for students studying at UQ. Student Services provide a range of mindfulness programs and counselling services to help improve confidence and overall wellbeing. UQU also provide a range of student support, welfare and wellbeing resources.
If immediate help is needed, please call the 24/7ﾠUQ Counselling and Crisis Line 1300 851 998
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Practical |
Histology Practical Classes |
Lecture |
Cell Biology Lectures |
|
Lecture |
Histology Lectures |
|
Lecture |
Integument Lectures |
|
Lecture |
Physiology Lectures |
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 - 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: