Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Introduction to biochemical and microbiological principles of relevance to engineers: cell biology, metabolism, molecular aspects of gene expression, structure and functions of biological molecules. Applications to industrial processes.
Many chemical engineering processes and products depend on biological processes. Increasingly these processes and products are developed and produced using modern advanced biotechnology techniques. Biomedical engineering also relies on cell and molecular biology, associated with a deep understanding of systems physiology. In this course you will receive an introduction to biological principles of relevance to engineers, including cell biology, metabolism, molecular aspects of gene expression, structure and functions of biological molecules including proteins and DNA, systems physiology and cell signaling. You will learn how scientific principles underpin advances in biomedical and bioprocess engineering. Examples of the application of these principles to industrial processes will be presented. This course provides you with the basic knowledge required for multidisciplinary projects in bioprocess and biomedical engineering, and will provide the background to proceed further in courses associated with bioengineering.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No previous knowledge of biology is assumed
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
High School Chemistry or High School Biology or CHEM1090
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOL1020, CHEE1001
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Simon Cool
Professor Justin Cooper-White
Dr Amanda Kijas
Dr Justin Goh
Dr Aswathi Gopalakrishnan
Dr James Heffernan
Tutor
Mrs Astrid Nausa Galeano
Miss Diane Young
Ms Raluca Ghebosu
Miss Yi Yang
Mr Reno Roberton
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course is an introduction to biological principles of relevance to engineers: cell biology, metabolism, molecular aspects of gene expression, structure and functions of biological molecules, cells to organs and cell signaling. It explores applications of molecular and cell biology to bioengineering, and forms a basis for further study in multiple aspects of this field of study. The course content includes:ﾠ
- ﾠStructure and function of nucleic acids
- ﾠGene engineering and expression
- ﾠStructure and function of proteins
- ﾠProtein engineering and analysis
- ﾠMicrobial biochemistry and metabolism
- ﾠMicrobial biotechnology.ﾠ
- ﾠSystems physiology
- ﾠCell signaling
- ﾠPublic perceptions of biotechnology and its application in health, energy, food and environment sectors
- ﾠApplications of biotechnology to biopharmaceuticals
- ﾠApplication of biomedical principles to cell and tissue engineering
- ﾠApplications of biotechnology to biofuels
- ﾠBiotechnology for sustainable industrial development.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain and apply concepts of microbiology, biochemistry and cell and molecular biology necessary for further studies in biomedical or bioprocess engineering: Describe the biochemical structures of biomolecules relevant to their use in biotechnological processes; Explain the basic growth characteristics and metabolism of engineered organisms; Describe the use of molecular biological techniques in biotechnology; Detail the principles of systems physiology and cell signaling underpinning biomedical engineering applications; Describe the role of biotechnology and bioengineering fundamentals in a wider industrial and societal context.
LO2.
Describe the techniques used for observing, monitoring and engineering cultures, cells and cell metabolism. Use practical biological engineering laboratory skills: Demonstrate good, safe experimental techniques in biological engineering practical classes; Observe, record and interpret experimental data; Integrate theoretical knowledge and experimental results into a broader understanding of the course material.
LO3.
Recognise the diversity of biomedical and bioprocess engineering products and processes and identify the science that underpins them; integrate knowledge gained from different methods of learning to gain an overall understanding of bioprocess and biomedical engineering applications.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration |
Submission of Practical Reports
|
30% |
Separate deadlines for each practical and group (see description). |
| Quiz |
Quiz During Tutorial Time
|
30% |
26/03/2025 16/04/2025 21/05/2025
During tutorial (bonus questions asked at the end of lectures) |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
|
40% |
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
Submission of Practical Reports
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Separate deadlines for each practical and group (see description).
Task description
Practicals will take place on campus. Each student has to complete three practicals during the semester:
- Basic bioengineering laboratory skills (weight 10%)
- Bioengineering - beer fermentation (weight 10%)
- Biomedical engineering - vaccine development and electrocardiograms (weight 10%)
Due dates for submission of practical reports
Practical 1
Group 1: 18th March, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 2: 31st March, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 3: 8th April, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 4: 27th March, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 5: 1st April, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 6: 3rd April, 2025 (5 pm)
Practical 2
Group 1: 8th April, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 2: 10th April, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 3: 15th April, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 4: 17th April, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 5: 29th April, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 6: 1st May, 2025 (5 pm)
Practical 3
Group 1: 6th May, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 2: 8th May, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 3: 13th May, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 4: 15th May, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 5: 20th May, 2025 (5 pm)
Group 6: 22nd May, 2025 (5 pm)
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.
Hurdle requirements
At least two of the three practical reports must be completed to pass the course.Submission guidelines
The practical report should be submitted online in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applications for extension requests must be submitted through the following link: https://my.uq.edu.au/node/218/2#2.
The maximum extension length is 14 calendar days to allow provision of timely feedback to students. Marking is usually completed two weeks after submission.
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.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Quiz During Tutorial Time
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
26/03/2025
16/04/2025
21/05/2025
During tutorial (bonus questions asked at the end of lectures)
Task description
On-campus invigilated closed-book quizzes are to be completed in-person during tutorial time.
Each quiz is worth 10%. Bonus questions (leading to bonus marks) are asked at the end of each lecture.
Quiz 1: 26th March, 2025 (8 am)
Quiz 2: 16th April, 2025 (8 am)
Quiz 3: 21st May, 2025 (8 am)
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
Must achieve greater than 45% on weighted average of the two best quizzes out of three (1/3) and the final exam (2/3) to pass.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Applications for deferred quizzes must be submitted through SI-net. Further information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/3#3
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
Closed-book written examination on the material covered in the course.
On campus invigilated.
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
Must achieve greater than 45% on weighted average of the two best quizzes out of three (1/3) and the final exam (2/3) to pass.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.
Applications for a deferred exam must be submitted through SI-net. Further information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/3#3
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: A mark between 0 and 24.99%. Lack of understanding of any biological concepts and their application in biological engineering and/or very incomplete work. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark between 25 and 44.99%. Minimal understanding of most biological concepts and their application in biological engineering and/or substantial amounts of incomplete work. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: An overall mark between 45 and 49.99% or less than 45% on weighted average of the two best quizzes out of three (1/6 each) and the final exam (2/3). Demonstrates developing understanding of biological concepts covered but still shows an incorrect understanding of some key concepts. The linking of biological phenomena to engineering systems is generally incorrect. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 50 and 64.99%. Must achieve greater than 45% on weighted average of the two best quizzes out of three (1/3) and the final exam (2/3), and complete at least two of the three practicals. Functional understanding of biological concepts and their application in biological engineering; ability to apply biological concepts to engineering problems. A good understanding of most biological concepts covered in the course. The student is sometimes able to identify the biological phenomena involved in engineering systems and to explain the impact of system changes. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 65 and 74.99%. Must achieve greater than 60% on weighted average of the two best quizzes out of three (1/3) and the final exam (2/3), and complete at least two of the three practicals. Proficient understanding of most biological concepts covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to identify the biological phenomena involved in engineering systems and to explain the impact of system changes. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 75 and 84.99%. Must achieve greater than 70% on weighted average of the two best quizzes out of three (1/3) and the final exam (2/3), and complete all the three practicals. Advanced understanding of all biological concepts covered in the course with a very good coverage in essential knowledge. The student is often able to identify the biological phenomena involved in engineering systems and to explain the impact of system changes, only failing to do so in the most complex systems considered in the course. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 85 and 100%. Must achieve greater than 80% on weighted average of the two best quizzes out of three (1/3) and the final exam (2/3), and complete all the three practicals. Exceptional understanding of all biological concepts covered in the course with a complete coverage of essential knowledge. The student is almost always able to identify the biological phenomena involved in engineering systems and to explain the impact of system changes, even for the most complex systems considered in the course. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of calculators
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all quizzes or exams for this course. Please consult ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators ﾠfor information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory coat | Laboratory coats are required for practical classes | own item needed |
| Safety glasses | Safety glasses are required for practical classes | own item needed |
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 |
Lecture |
Lectures Lectures covering scientific fundamentals of biology relevant to engineering, and their application in biomedical and bioprocess engineering. |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 5 |
Practical |
Practical 1 Introduction to biological engineering laboratory skills |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials Tutorial relative to the previous week's contents. |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 7 |
Practical |
Practical 2 Bioprocess engineering (fermentation) |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Fieldwork |
Field trip Visit to a bioengineering industry |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 10 |
Practical |
Practical 3 Biomedical engineering practical |
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.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.