Course coordinator
Professor Luke Guddat
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 the basics of molecular biology, covering both nucleic acid and proteins, to prepare you for the more advanced courses in the program. The emphasis will be on understanding the key roles of nucleic acids and proteins in biology, and how we characterise them.
Course requirements
Assumed background
None, although we travel from the basics to more advanced material at a fairly brisk pace. Engineers, computer scientists, school teachers and nurses have completed similarﾠcourses and done quite well, as have medical doctors, physiotherapists, veterinarians and academics. We prefer students to have a solid biology background (at least senior high school biology), but you need not have done any molecular biology.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOC6006, BIOC6007
Course contact
Lecturer
Professor Luke Guddat
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Mathew Jones
Associate Professor Jack Wang
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly.
Aims and outcomes
The goal is to gain an understanding of the fundamental biochemistry and function of nucleic acids and proteins in one semester.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Be able to interpret and articulate the basic concepts of molecular genetics (DNA, RNA, protein).
LO2.
Find and interpret published works.
LO3.
Source and interpret information about nucleic acids and proteins from databases.
LO4.
Develop an experimental approach to investigate a protein or gene.
LO5.
Clearly communicate complex concepts and information to a diverse audience.
LO6.
Competently use electronic resources to analyze nucleic acids and proteins.
LO7.
Competently use electronic resources for data discovery and analysis.
LO8.
Competently find information using electronic and other resources and be able to evaluate the veracity of this information.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation |
Science Communication Assessment
|
20% |
9/05/2025 2:00 pm
The presentation will be made in video format. Your face may or may not be shown, it is your choice but you must narrate in your own voice. |
| Examination |
Quiz for Module 1
|
15% |
26/03/2025 8:00 am |
| Examination |
Quiz for Module 2 and 3
|
15% |
30/04/2025 8:00 am |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
50% |
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
Science Communication Assessment
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
9/05/2025 2:00 pm
The presentation will be made in video format. Your face may or may not be shown, it is your choice but you must narrate in your own voice.
Task description
A report evaluating and communicating the importance of an important concept in proteins and nucleic acid technology by analysing current research literature and news headlines.
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
Please see ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION belowSubmission guidelines
Submit through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way. FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1
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.
Quiz for Module 1
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
26/03/2025 8:00 am
Task description
An in class quiz will be held to assess your knowledge of modules 1 and 2
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 - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Quiz for Module 2 and 3
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
30/04/2025 8:00 am
Task description
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 - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Final Examination
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
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.
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 - no written materials permitted |
| 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: The student does not demonstrate knowledge of the basic factual information presented in the course. The student shows no ability to integrate and process the information. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a rudimentary understanding of the factual information presented in the course but at a level below that considered necessary as a basis for professional practice. The student shows little ability to integrate and process the information. 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 rudimentary understanding of the factual information presented in the course but at a level below that considered necessary as a basis for professional practice. The student shows limited ability to integrate and process the information. 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 demonstrates a level of understanding of the factual information and general concepts presented in the course at a level that just provides a basis for professional practice. The student shows some ability to integrate and process the information. The student is able to present material in at least one way. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a good level of understanding of the factual information and concepts presented in the course at a level that provides a sound basis for professional practice. The student shows a good ability to integrate and process the information. The student demonstrates a grasp of major ethical issues. The student is able to present material in more than one way. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a high level of understanding of the factual and conceptual information presented in the course together with a good ability to integrate different aspects of that knowledge and evaluate the problems. The student demonstrates a good grasp of ethical issues and the ability to reflect and evaluate these issues. The student is accomplished in the presentation of material in several ways. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a very high level of understanding of the factual and conceptual information presented in the course together with an excellent ability to integrate different aspects of that knowledge and evaluate the problems. The students demonstrates a wide understanding of ethical issues and insight into the factors which influence the issues. The student is accomplished in the presentation of material in a number of ways. 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 an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam; and
- You must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination course assessment items.
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 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Genetics by Snustad |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Biochemistry by Lehninger |
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 From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Module 1: DNA structure, Gene structure, transcription, electrophoresis, hybridisation Lectures and tutorials for Module 1: Weeks 1-3 of semester. A/Prof Jack Wang (lectures 1-7) will provide a series of lectures with interwoven tutorials. |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Module 2: Promoters, transcription factors, chromatin remodelling, small RNA and Module 3: Molecular genetics, DNA manipulation, chimeric genes Dr Mathew Jones will provide lectures 8, 9, 10 and 11, 12, 13 with interwoven tutorials. |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Module 4 : Protein structure and function including amino acids, protein folding, insulin, haemoglobin, collagen and enzymes Luke Guddat will provide lectures 14-23 with interwoven tutorials |
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.