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Course profile

Molecular Theory, Data & Application in the Animal Sciences (ANIM7241)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
External
Attendance mode
Online

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
External
Attendance mode
Online
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.

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 In Person, with activities and assessment that may vary (Online modules for External) to suit the mode and campus of study.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

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 Questions relating to the practical classes
  • Online
20%

13/09/2024 2:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Essay: Could humans live forever?
  • Online
30%

4/10/2024 2:00 pm

Performance, Presentation Oral presentation on a genomic topic
  • Online
10%

9/10/2024 - 18/10/2024

Within weeks 11 and 12 practical classes and / or lecture classes.

Examination Final Exam
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
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

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20%
Due date

13/09/2024 2:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

You will answer a set of short answer questions relating to practical activities. These questions will be released on Blackboard in Week 2 and can be completed in your own time. The online practical resources will give you the tools to answer the questions and will also help you connect lecture theory to practical know-how and laboratory methods.

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.

See the conditions definitions

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 on a genomic topic

  • Online
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.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

You will give a 5-minute oral presentation on the same topic as your essay, which will occur via live Zoom during the scheduled In Person classes as noted.

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 via Zoom during the scheduled practical sessions.

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 Exam

  • 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. 

Have your UQ student ID card available for all of your exams. Students enrolled in External delivery must attend the exam in-person at an approved off-campus venue.

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.

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.

Additional learning resources information

Opportunities for wider reading 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.










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Learning activities

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

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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:

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: