Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- 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.
The goal is to understand the fundamental roles and biochemistry of nucleic acid and proteins in biology. This will be accomplished through lectures, tutorials, and quizzes. Molecular genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, protein structure and function are such rapidly advancing fields that one of the primary goals of the course is to simply show you where the information is, how to access it and interpret it. This will equip you to engage in self-directed learning throughout your careers.
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
Course staff
Lecturer
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.
Interpret and articulate advanced concepts of nucleic acid structure and function (DNA and RNA) and protein biochemistry (protein structure and function).
LO2.
Interpret and competently discuss current developments in genetics, epigenetics, genomics, genetic engineering, molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
LO3.
Critically analyse and explain advancements in sequencing and detection methodologies for nucleic acids and proteins.
LO4.
Evaluate how recombinant DNA technologies are used in genetic engineering.
LO5.
Articulate the ethical issues associated with discoveries and their applications in molecular genetics.
LO6.
Competently find information in the field of molecular genetics using electronic and other resources and be able to evaluate the veracity of this information.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Presentation |
Science Communication Assessment
|
25% |
24/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
25% |
In-semester Saturday 6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
24/09/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
A report and a 3 minute video 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)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your assessment item through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
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.
In-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
Task description
The on-campus, invigilated examination will assess your knowledge of Module 1 (lectures 1 to 7). This exam falls on a Saturday to be determined by UQ Examinations, which may start on the Saturday immediately following the end of Module 1.
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.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
The on-campus, invigilated end of semester examination will assess your knowledge of topics covered in Modules 2, 3, and 4.
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 | 120 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):
1. You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students will be provided with annotated lectures; slides and notes, and example quizzes.
Additional material may be found on the Blackboard site for BIOC6040 at learn.uq.edu.au.
Please check the announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.ﾠ
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 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials Each week tutorials will revise and expand on content covered in the lectures. |
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Module 0: Chemistry Foundations Luke Guddat - Overview of chemistry foundations for course |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Module 1: DNA structure, Gene structure, transcription, electrophoresis, hybridisation Jack Wang (lectures 1-7). Includes overview of Science Communication Assessment. |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 2: Promoters, transcription factors, chromatin remodelling, small RNA Mathew Jones (lectures 8, 9, 10) |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 3 Molecular genetics, DNA manipulation, chimeric genes Mathew Jones (Lectures 11, 12, 13) |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Module 4: The basics of protein structure and function including amino acids, protein folding, insulin, haemoglobin, collagen and enzymes Luke Guddat (lectures 14-21) |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.