Course coordinator
Dr Nick Hudson
Consultation is by appointment. To make an appointment, please email n.hudson@uq.edu.au
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course provides an introduction to genomics and the molecular basis of metabolism across species, spanning aspects of zoology, wildlife and animal production science. It will assist students in developing an understanding of genetics, epigenetics, functional genomics and other levels of biological organisation. Particular emphasis is placed upon various environmental influences on genomic biology. These influences include - but are not limited to - diet, exercise and ambient conditions.
In agricultural,ﾠveterinary and wildlifeﾠscienceﾠthe implementation of post-genomic tools is an important step towards a more detailed understanding of the complex biological systems that control the anatomy, physiology and behaviourﾠof animals.ﾠ
This course provides an introduction to genomics and the molecular basis of metabolism across species, spanning aspects of zoology, wildlife and production science. It will assist students in developing an understanding of genetics, functional genomics and other levels of biological organisation with respect to various environmental influences. These influences includeﾠdiet, exercise and ambient conditions. It will provide an understanding of the tools and techniques, both in the wet lab and computer,ﾠthat are now widely available and how to acquire, analyse and biologically interpret those data.
In the specific context of farm animalsﾠnutrition is a key component of productivity.ﾠImproving diet can help maximise the expression of genetic potential.ﾠMuch of the data gathered from experiments on farm animals are relevant not only for direct application in the animal sciences, but also for adding to our understanding of complex biological mechanisms of health and disease across the animal world.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have some basic knowledge of general biology. Online learning modules will be available through Learn.UQ at the beginning of semester to help students adequately prepare for the course.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANIM7240
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANIM3061, ANIM7014
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
This course shares content with ANIM7241 External, with activities and assessment that may vary (Online modules for External mode) to suit the mode and campus of study.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Lyndal Hulse
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please refer to course materials on Blackboard for the definitive lecture and tutorial schedule. All lectures will be on zoom and recorded.
Aims and outcomes
This course provides an introduction to nutrigenomics and the molecular basis of metabolism. It will assist students in developing an understanding of genomics and gene regulation with respect to diet and metabolism. Students will obtain an appreciation for the role and importance of nutrition in animal health and performance with examples from a broad range of production animals and wildlife species set across the Animal Kingdom.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the role of genomes, genes and their encoded proteins in determining performance.
LO2.
Understand the complex, integrated molecular processes underpinning the modulation of metabolic gene expression by environmental factors including nutrients.
LO3.
Understand the processes and techniques required for the successful deployment of nutrigenomics, including comparative biology, post-genomics technologies and the numerical handling and biological interpretation of 'Big Data'.
LO4.
Explain the potential roles and uses of emerging genomic technologies in optimising health, production and performance.
LO5.
Synthesise complex information, some of which is quantitative, and present it in a concise, compelling manner using the written word.
LO6.
Be able to express yourself compellingly and defend your ideas convincingly during formal oral presentation.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution |
Questions relating to the practical classes
|
20% |
13/09/2024 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Essay: Could humans live forever?
|
30% |
4/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Performance, Presentation |
Oral presentation: Could humans live forever?
|
10% |
9/10/2024 - 18/10/2024
Within weeks 11 and 12 practical classes and / or lecture classes. |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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
Questions relating to the practical classes
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
13/09/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
You will answer a set of short answer questions relating to the practical class activities. These questions will be released on Blackboard in Week 2 and can be completed in your own time. The practical exercises are a major part of this course and provide a 'hands-on' understanding of the theoretical knowledge you will gain through the lectures. Participation in the practicals is compulsory. If you are unable to attend any of the practicals please submit an extension request through the formal channels. A minimum participation of 60% is required to achieve a pass.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Essay: Could humans live forever?
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
4/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
You will submit an essay on the specified topic via the Turnitin link within Blackboard. Please include a 1-page abstract. Concision is encouraged. As a general guide, essays should be less than 2000 words excluding Figures, Tables and references. Credit will be given for creative use of Figures and Tables that are clearly alluded to in the main body of the text. Figures and Tables should have captions. Any consistently applied referencing style is acceptable. The majority of your references should be from the peer reviewed scientific literature. However, further societal context can be provided through newspaper reports, documentaries and other forms of media, if relevant.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Oral presentation: Could humans live forever?
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Performance, Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
9/10/2024 - 18/10/2024
Within weeks 11 and 12 practical classes and / or lecture classes.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
You will give a 5-minute oral presentation on the same topic as your essay.
It is recommended you base your presentation on 5-7 Powerpoint slides using the UQ template.
Presentations running overtime will be penalised.
In line with the marking rubric, students showing skill in concisely and compellingly presenting their argument will gain credit.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Presentations will be delivered live in the classroom.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
The final exam may cover content presented in the lectures, guest lectures, practical classes and assignments. A combination of MCQ, short answer and essay questions may be used.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in person.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, double sided, is permitted bilingual unmarked dictionary |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| 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% - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35% - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 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
Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles
All Assessment is Compulsory.
All required assessment items MUST be completed in order to obtain a passing grade for this course.
Students must pass the end of semester exam in order to pass the course. If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing grade in the final exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
PRACTICAL CLASSES
You must complete and adhere to the OHS paperwork to attend practical classes.
For In Person students, there are Practical Classes scheduled everyﾠweek. The practicals run for approximately 2-3 hours and areﾠlaboratory-based activities. To obtain a grade for the practical classes studentsﾠmust attendﾠand complete the associated exercises.ﾠIf you do not attend a practical class, your answers for that class will not be marked/graded.
In Person students who cannot attend an in-person prac for legitimate reasons should contact the course coordinator as soon as they know they will not be able to attend, even if on the same day/morning of a scheduled prac activity.ﾠAlternative dates CANNOT be arranged (i.e. attending another prac group/scheduled class) and you will be referred to AGFSﾠadmin to apply for an extension and potentially be given the option of doing the alternative ‘take home prac’.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
TurnItInﾠ
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.
Release of marks
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved,ﾠevery attempt will be made to haveﾠthe results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.ﾠ
Re-mark Applicationsﾠ- ﾠPlease consult theﾠUniversity's Re-mark Policyﾠto check on your eligibility prior to submitting an application.ﾠ
Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:
- You have consulted the course coordinator for feedback
- Your academic grounds for remark have been discussed and are valid
- Wanting a higher grade is not grounds for a remark. A remark can decrease your grade.
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.ﾠ
Deferred and Supplementary assessment (including Deferred In-Semester Examinations)
Deferred and Supplementary information can be located on the my.UQ website
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
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PPE (lab coat and close in shoes) | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Opportunities for wider reading and other useful resources will be discussed in the lecture series.
A brief summary ofﾠexamples of environmental influences on gene expression can be foundﾠinﾠRalston et al (2008). Environment controls gene expression: sex determination and the onset of genetic disorders. Nature Education 1(1):203.
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 |
|---|---|---|
General contact hours |
Week 1-Lecture and self directed learning Course outline; Genomics |
|
General contact hours |
Week 2-Lecture and self directed learning Metabolism |
|
General contact hours |
Week 3-Lecture and self directed learning Nutritional Physiology |
|
General contact hours |
Week 4-Lecture and self directed learning Tissue and Organelle Metabolism 1 |
|
General contact hours |
Week 5-Lecture and self directed learning Tissue and Organelle Metabolism 2 |
|
General contact hours |
Week 6-Lecture and self directed learning Concepts and Techniques in Nutrigenomics |
|
General contact hours |
Week 7-Lecture and self directed learning Comparative Metabolism and Adaptation |
|
General contact hours |
Week 8-Lecture and self directed learning Metabolomics |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 9-Self directed learning Lecture Free Week |
|
Not Timetabled |
Intra-semester break |
|
General contact hours |
Week 10-Lecture and self directed learning Functional Genomics: Animal Health and Production 1 |
|
General contact hours |
Week 11-Lecture and self directed learning Functional Genomics: Animal Health and Production 2 |
|
General contact hours |
Week 12-Lecture and self directed learning Metagenomics |
|
General contact hours |
Week 13-Lecture and self directed learning Microbes and Animal Metabolism |
Additional learning activity information
The practical class schedule will be made available on Blackboard.
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: