Course coordinator
Dr Simon Worrall
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course will introduce you to key skills required to carry out modern molecular biological research. By the end of this course, you will have an understanding of how many commonly used molecular biological techniques work, as well as their advantages and limitations, together with the fundamentals of experimental design and the ethical considerations of research. To get to this point you will reinforce and apply material learnt in lectures and tutorials in regular laboratory practical sessions where the detection, quantification, characterisation, and purification of proteins and nucleic acids will be explored.
BIOC6001 Introduction to Molecular Biology Laboratory has been designed to meet the needs of people from a variety of professional backgrounds, but in particular those undertaking training in the biological sciences including molecular biology, biotechnology and bioinformatics. The main emphasis of this course is to provide a deeper understanding of the most commonly used techniques in molecular biology and will also provide hands-on experience of these laboratory techniques. ﾠCompletion of this course will provide the foundational knowledge required for BIOC7001.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students taking this course will have foundational biological and chemical knowledge either from their previous studies or through taking foundational courses as part of their study plan.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOC6017
Restrictions
Internal offering only.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Simon Worrall
Dr Evelyne Deplazes
Professor Stephen Barker
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
More information about your timetabled activities can be found on the course Blackboard site.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the commonly used techniques in the study of biological molecules. The focus of the course is understanding and applying laboratory techniques that are used every day in research laboratories around the world. Completion of this course will provide the foundational knowledge required for BIOC7001.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and articulate the theoretical basis of common molecular biological techniques.
LO2.
Competently carry out common techniques in the laboratory.
LO3.
Describe and apply the principles of basic experimental design.
LO4.
Apply and describe practices that demonstrate scientific ethics.
LO5.
Collect, interpret and report molecular biological data.
LO6.
Present findings in common forms of scientific communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Assessment of laboratory performance
|
15% |
3/03/2025 - 27/05/2025 |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
20% |
Week 7, Thu 6:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Communicating Molecular Biology
|
20% |
Week 11, Wed 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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 of laboratory performance
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
3/03/2025 - 27/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Assessment will be on the basis of how well each student attains the objectives of each practical session.
The students will be asked questions by the lab demonstrator in every practical class. The students answer the questions orally, in class.
Attendance and active participation in all practical classes is compulsory. See Additional Information for information on absence from practical sessions.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Students will be asked questions by the tutor (lab demonstrator) in every practical class. The students answer the questions orally, in class.
In addition to answering questions, the students are required to keep a record of their experimental data entered into the lab manual. The manual will be retained within the teaching laboratory until completion of the practical sessions.
Attendance of practical classes is compulsory. See Additional Information for information on absence from practical sessions.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
See Additional Information for information on absence from practical sessions.
In-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 7, Thu 6:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This exam will assess material covered in the first 5 weeks of the course. Further information on the exam format and conditions will be provided in lectures prior to the exam, and on the course website.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Two A4 sheets of handwritten notes, double sided, are permitted One sheet of handwritten notes per module. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Communicating Molecular Biology
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 11, Wed 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L06
Task description
Detailed instructions on how to complete this task are detailed on the course Blackboard site.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
This assessment item requires the submission of two files.
1 - the Promotional Flyer must be submitted to the Turnitin portal available on the course Blackboard site by the due date.
2 - the Video Explainer must be submitted to the Assessment portal available on the course Blackboard site by the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide approved documentation to support your application by the due date and time, you must still submit your application by the deadline but with an attached Word document that outlines why you cannot provide the approved documentation by the deadline. You will then need to acquire and upload the approved documentation to your request within 24 hours. Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting by the requested due date and time.
Prolonged Absence
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g. a medical certificate.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
Final exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L05
Task description
This exam will predominantly assess material covered in weeks 6-13 but material in the first 5 weeks of the course may be reassessed. Further information on the exam format and conditions will be provided in lectures prior to the exam, and on the course website.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Two A4 sheets of handwritten notes, double sided, are permitted One sheet of handwritten notes per module. |
| 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: Student has made little attempt to address the requirements for this topic. Written submissions and performance are incomplete or unsatisfactory. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student fails to demonstrate relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts associated with this topic. The student shows little evidence of the skills and understanding expected of a graduate. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates a limited knowledge of the topics being assessed. The student shows little aptitude to continue in this area, but has benefited from the exercise and may be able to apply this knowledge for other purposes. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's answer to the topic is unambiguous and addresses the specific question(s) or issue(s) being examined. Performance in the assessment instrument(s) demonstrates basic knowledge and comprehension of the underlying concepts of the topic being examined. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 4, the student demonstrates in his or her assessment a superior understanding of some of the underlying concepts of the topic(s) being examined. The student has shown some competence in addressing the assessment criteria. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 5, the student demonstrates a higher level of understanding of the factual and conceptual information available from the literature or other appropriate sources (e.g. the student's own experimental data). A good attempt has been made to dissect and integrate different aspects of that knowledge, resulting in well-balanced and appropriate conclusions and a commendable attempt to synthesize ideas. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Reserved for an outstanding performance which demonstrates a level of achievement superior to a grade of 6, and includes a substantial and original synthesis of ideas based on a critical analysis of the subject matter available to the student. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
- You must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
- You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components; and
- You must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination course assessment items; and
- You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of the course.
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
Practical absences
You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of this course (Assessment Hurdles - under Additional Course Grading Information).
If you cannot complete your timetabled practical session because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness), you must submit an online practical absence request through the Practical Absences link in Blackboard and attach supporting documentation that covers the date of the missed practical. A list of acceptable reasons and required supporting documentation can be found at
Your request must be made prior to or on the day of the missed practical. It is your responsibility to submit an application and provide correct documentation by the due date and time. Requests without correct supporting documentation may not be approved. If the reason for your absence is not approved, you will be considered as absent from that practical session, and the laboratory completion hurdle may apply.
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lab coat | Available from on-campus retail outlets. | own item needed |
| Appropriate eye protection | Available from on-campus retail outlets. | own item needed |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Lab manual | An elctronic version is available on the course website and a hard copy will be provided at your first practical session. |
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Additional supplementary material may be posted on the Blackboard site at learn.uq.edu.au
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Course Introduction & Scientific method Lecturer: Simon Worrall & Evelyne Deplazes Practical sessions and workshops will be associated with the lecture material. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
Lecture |
Module 1: Working with numbers Lecturer: Evelyne Deplazes Practical sessions and workshops will be associated with the lecture material. Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Practical sessions You will be allocated to a morning (10:00-1:00) on Mondays and Tuesdays OR afternoon group (2:00-5:00) on Tuesdays. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Workshops Workshop activities will be related to lecture content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Module 2: Working with nucleic acids Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Module 3: Working with proteins Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06 |
Additional learning activity information
The workshop in any given week will relate to recent lecture material or practical sessions.
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.