Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Students taking this course will learn about the fundamentals of molecular cell biology and genetics by examining what cells are made of and how the genetic information to build cells and perform cellular processes is encoded, executed, and inherited. The course explores the connections between physical processes at the molecular level and the whole organism phenotype, and identifies how cellular, genetic, and evolutionary processes affect everyday life.
Cells and genetic material form the building blocks of life. This course will start by focussing on cells: examining the major domains of life (recognisable by their distinct cell types), introducing biologically important molecules and their roles in defining cell structure and function, considering metabolic energy flows, and finally inspecting the mechanics of cellular division and reproduction. Then we will examine how genetic information is encoded, copied and used to create proteins by various organisms (prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses). Building upon this understanding of the mechanics of DNA copying and transcription, we will explore how these molecular and cellular processes yield whole organism phenotypes. And, conversely, using phenotypes as a starting point for observations, we will examine how the underlying molecular structures and cellular processes can be inferred. Then, we will consider how the relationships between molecular andᅠcellular structures and organismal phenotypes influences evolutionary change, and we will discuss how evolution impacts our everyday lives. The course will close by introducing students to new insights being revealed by genomics and by illustrating the many ways that modern molecular biology and biotechnology use “tools” taken from biological organisms.
Examples in lectures, tutorials, practicals, online activities and assigned readings will draw on a wide range of experimental systems and will be related to contemporary issues in human health, agriculture, and biodiversity whenever possible. Small group and peer-to-peer learning are an important part of the university experience and will be especially promoted during practicals andᅠtutorials. Becoming a life-long learner requires developing skills in self-directed learning; the development of these skills will be supported by guided online activities and assigned readings.
ᅠ
SIGNING UP FOR LECTURES, PRACTICALS, and TUTORIALS!!!!
In Semester 2, there is only one stream of lectures. There are several on-campus tutorial sessions available throughout the week. You attend a one-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial a week.
Enrol in one of the practical sessions. You will attend one practical session per week that lasts three hours. Some weeks will not have practicals due to public holidays. Practicals start in teaching week 1.
There will be one weekly Online Learning for every week of class (roughly requiring 1-3 hours to complete). You can complete your online learning at your own pace up to each weekly due date for each online learning.
Attendance in practicals and tutorialsᅠis mandatory.ᅠ
Please ensure that you include your UQ student number and the course code in all correspondence.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE1001, BIOL7020 (co-taught)
Restrictions
Any student who has completed AGRC1020, AGRC1021, ANIM1060, or AGRC1041 will need permission from the Faculty of Science to enrol into BIOL1020. Please contact the Faculty of Science.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Laboratory coordinator
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please take care to note the timetable for tutorials and practicals as they do not run every week.
Please note:ᅠEvery effort is made to place students in their preferred class. However, it is not always possible for a student to be in the most preferred practical or tutorial class. If you have a reason for special consideration (e.g. elite athletes, students with student access plan, or other objective and unplanned issues) please email Lois Eden at l.eden@uq.edu.au with:
- Your full name (as per UQ enrolment)
- Your student ID number
- Details of the class time you'd prefer and the reason why
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce students to central concepts in cell biology, genetics, and evolution.
Lectures, research orientated laboratory practicals, tutorials, readings, and self-directed study activities are organized around 3 themes:
- Molecular and cellular biology
- Genes to traits
- Inheritance and evolution
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Generic Skills - Identify and describe how cellular, genetic, and evolutionary processes impact everyday human life, including (but not limited to) effects on human health, agriculture, and biodiversity.
LO2.
Generic Skills - Be able to formulate testable hypotheses and evaluate those hypotheses against empirical results.
LO3.
Generic Skills - Demonstrate practical skills in different aspects in biology.
LO4.
Molecular & cellular biology - Compare and contrast the diversity in molecular components and cellular structures across the three domains of life and describe examples of fundamental similarities arising from the common origin of life.
LO5.
Molecular & cellular biology - Explain how cells are able to coordinate the basic molecular building blocks of life in order to divide, replicate, and survive.
LO6.
Genes to traits - Understand what genes are and how they link to traits, the physical nature of the gene and molecular processes underlying the “Central Dogma” of molecular biology.
LO7.
Genes to traits - Compare and contrast the gene regulatory mechanisms between bacteria and eukaryotes.
LO8.
Genes to traits - Describe sexual reproduction through meiosis and how it contributes to genetic variation.
LO9.
Genes to traits - Conceptual knowledge of viruses and synthetic biology
LO10.
Inheritance and Evolution - Explain and compare processes contributing to genetic variability, including but not limited to: mutation, recombination, transformation, gene flow, horizontal gene transfer, gene and genome duplication, genetic drift, and natural selection.
LO11.
Inheritance and Evolution - Understand the relationship between recombination and linkage.
LO12.
Inheritance and Evolution - How to detect if evolution is occurring by calculating allele frequencies.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Quiz |
Online Quiz
|
5% |
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
Online activity questions (UQ Extend) |
Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical
|
5% |
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
Practical preparation and participation |
Examination |
Mini-tests
|
40% 3 x 13.33% |
19/08/2024 - 25/10/2024
On weeks 5, 9, and 13 during practical times |
Examination |
End of semester exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Online Quiz
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
Online activity questions (UQ Extend)
Task description
Short sets of study questions (mostly multiple choice or short answer format) will accompany assigned readings and videos in the weekly Online Learning. Questions based on the weekly Online Learning materials (including pre-recorded lectures, videos, and other material) will be found on the UQ Extend website for BIOL1020 (URL link available via the course's Blackboard page). The Online Learning will contain several sets of questions each week. These questions will be due weekly and are paced to match content in lectures+tutorials and practicals. Students should expect to spend approximately 1-3 hours per week undertaking self-study: this includes time spent reading, watching videos, taking short quizzes, and revising the material. The questions provided will be a good guide for exam preparation.
Submission guidelines
- Criteria & Marking: The Online Learning will contain several sets of questions each week. These questions will be due weekly by 1pm on the Friday of the teaching week. The due dates are clearly given to you on the "Course" page of UQ Extend. The content is paced to match content in lectures and practicals so it is advisable to complete the module prior to the teaching week. All questions can be attempted multiple times. To be considered "completed", all questions must be answered correctly. Part marks for a week are not awarded. You can check this on the "Progress" page. Each week's activities successfully completed gives you 0.5% to a maximum of 5% over the course of the semester. There are modules due for 12 of the 13 weeks of the semester.
“ Please note that once the due date is passed, the interactive learning assessment (questions) should be accessed for study purposes (but completion is recorded at the due date).
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Practical
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
Practical preparation and participation
Task description
Practical activities to be conducted during practical time require some reading and preparation in advance. Students are required to be prepared for the practical, hence they are expected to read the relevant sections of the practical manual (posted on blackboard) and to complete a short set of pre-practical questions.
Additional questions and activities will occur during the regular scheduled practical time. Students must have their pre-practical questions checked off by their tutor upon arriving at the beginning of each practical session. All questions from practicals might also appear on the mini tests and final exam, so students are encouraged to make the best attempts possible.
You must also participate fully and follow your tutor's instructions. You must show your tutor your worksheet and clean up before you leave.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Mini-tests
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% 3 x 13.33%
- Due date
19/08/2024 - 25/10/2024
On weeks 5, 9, and 13 during practical times
Task description
There will be three mini-tests held at the start of regularly scheduled practical sessions during teaching weeks 5, 9 and 13. Each test will include questions based on materials from lectures, assigned readings and Online Learning materials, tutorials, and practicals and will be in a multiple-choice, short answer and/or problem solving format. Example deep-thought short answer questions based on lectures, assigned readings, Online Learning materials, and tutorials will be posted on Blackboard the Friday before each mini-test.
Mini-test 1 - Teaching week 5 - focused on content from teaching weeks 1-4
Mini-test 2 - Teaching week 9 - focused on content from teaching weeks 5-8
Mini-test 3 - Teaching week 13 - focused on content from teaching weeks 9-12
Because many of the concepts in BIOL1020 are cumulative, many mini-test questions will rely upon concepts covered in earlier weeks.
Exam details
Planning time | no planning time minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 40 minutes |
Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
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.
If you are unable to sit a mini-test, you are required to submit a deferred exam request via mySI-net. Applications can be submitted any time before the date of the mini-test but must be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original mini-test. When you are completing the application, please choose “Mid-semester exam”.
Acceptable grounds for the deferral of a mini-test and the required supporting documentation are outlined here: Deferring an exam - my.UQ - University of Queensland
The date of the deferred mini-test will be provided to you as part of the deferred exam application outcome in mySI-net or by email from Lois Eden.
End of semester exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
Students must pass the final exam (score 50% or higher) in order to receive a passing mark for the course. The exam will cover all material in the course including prac material. The format will be multiple choice, short answer, and/or problem solving.
Exam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Materials | Unmarked Bilingual 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: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 25 |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 45 |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50 |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65 |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75 |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85 |
Additional course grading information
HERE ARE A FEW RULES TO NOTE FOR BIOL1020 ASSESSMENT:
- All Assessments are Compulsory.ᅠAllᅠrequired assessment items MUST be completed in order to obtain a passing grade for this course, unless you are granted an exemption for a particular assessment item.
- You must achieve 50% on the final exam to pass the course, even if you have passing grades in other BIOL1020 assessment tasks. For example, if you obtain a grade of 4 or 5 for all non-exam assessment, but fail the final exam, your overall course grade will be brought down to a 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
HERE ARE A FEW RULES TO NOTE FOR BIOL1020 ASSESSMENT:
- All Assessments are Compulsory. All required assessment items MUST be completed in order to obtain a passing grade for this course, unless you are granted an exemption for a particular assessment item.
- You must achieve 50% on the final exam to pass the course, even if you have passing grades in other BIOL1020 assessment tasks. For example, if you obtain a grade of 4 or 5 for all non-exam assessment, but fail the final exam, your overall course grade will be brought down to a 3.
- Attendance: practical classes and tutorials is highly recommended. Practical work is an important part of biology. Preparation for and participation in your practicals is part of your assessment. Tutorials are designed to reinforce lecture and reading materials.
- You must complete all online study weeks on time, unless you are granted an exemption. Bear in mind that most of the Online Learning content will not be covered separately in lectures.
Missed Mini-Test
If you are unable to sit a mini-test, you are required to submit a deferred exam request via mySI-net. Applications can be submitted any time before the date of the mini-test but must be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original mini-test. When you are completing the application, please choose “Mid-semester exam”.
Acceptable grounds for the deferral of a mini-test and the required supporting documentation are outlined here: Deferring an exam - my.UQ - University of Queensland
The date of the deferred mini-test will be provided to you as part of the deferred exam application outcome in mySI-net or by email from Lois Eden.
Absence from a Practical Session or Missed Online Learning (UQ Extend) module
If you are unable to attend your timetabled practical session & you have not been able to attend an alternative session or you have missed an Online Learning module due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must email the Practical Coordinator, Lois Eden (l.eden@uq.edu.au) immediately and provide the following information:
Email Subject Line: BIOL1020 Practical Absence or BIOL1020 Missed UQ Extend Quiz
Name:
Student ID Number:
Timetabled Practical Day and Time or Online Learning week.
Statement outlining why you are unable to attend your timetabled practical or complete your LearnX quiz.
Attached supporting documentation (if appropriate)
Your request must be made prior to or on the day of the missed practical or UQ Extend quizIf the reason for your absence is approved, a note will be added to your record to ensure that you are not penalised for the missed practical or Online Learning module.
If the reason for your absence is not approved, you will be considered as absent from that practical session or your online learning module will be considered incomplete. You will therefore not gain the marks for that activity.
Supplementary assessment
If you are awarded supplementary assessment then generally the supplementary assessment will be equivalent to the failed assessment piece. For example, If you failed the practical component, then you will be required to complete an additional practical report/exam. If you failed the exam component, then you will be required to complete an exam. If you failed both components, you will be required to complete both.
- A passing grade will be awarded only if you obtain at least 50% of the marks in all items of supplementary assessment that you undertake.
- The decision on the format of the supplementary assessment will be made by the course coordinator.
- For some assessment items, for example oral presentations, a different type of assessment may be substituted at the discretion of the course co-ordinator
Supplementary assessments will be designed to allow eligible students to demonstrate specific learning objectives of the course.
Information on supplementary assessment can be found on the MyUQ website.
PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED: You should be aware that the University employs purpose built software to detect plagiarism. It is very important that you understand clearly the practical meaning of plagiarism.
Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.
DEFINITION OF PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. 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 are expected to submit work that is in their own words and/or that properly recognises/cites when their work presents ideas or words etc of others.
EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM:
Copying or adapting another student's original work into a submitted assessment.
Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence without attributing its origin;
Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence with an end reference but without quotation marks around the copied text;
Copying ideas, concepts, research results, computer codes, statistical tables, designs, images, sounds or text or any combination of these;
Paraphrasing, summarising or simply rearranging another person's words, ideas, etc without changing the basic structure and/or meaning of the text;
Offering an idea or interpretation that is not one's own without identifying whose idea or interpretation it is;
A 'cut and paste' of statements from multiple sources;
Presenting as independent, work done in collaboration with others;
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USE (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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 documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
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. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
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.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Book |
Campbell Biology
by Urry; Lisa A.; Meyers; Noel; Cain; Michael L.; Wasserman; Steven A.; Minorsky; Peter V. - 2022 Edition: Twelfth edition. Australian and New Zealand version Publisher: Pearson Education Australia ISBN: 9781488626272; 9781488626241; 9780655705840 |
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
Item | Description | Further Requirement |
---|---|---|
Practical manual | The practical manual will be available electronically through the course's blackboard website. There is NO purchase cost associated with the manual. | |
Textbook | Textbook is highly recommended. The textbook is Campbell Biology (published by Pearson, authors: Reece et al., 12th edition (Australia & NZ edition). Several copies will be available at UQ Library for on-site use. There is also an eBook available (http://www.pearson.com.au). The licence allows a limited number of students at a time to READ ONLINE. It is important that you close your browser when you have finished reading so that other students can access the online option. Alternatively, digital copies of the textbook can be purchased via the Vital Source platform for around $70, which will give you permanent access to the textbook. | |
Online Learning activities | Are an integral part of the lecture content and will be available electronically through the course's blackboard website. Compulsory study questions to reinforce learning will accompany these online study materials and will be assessed weekly. Students should plan on spending around 1-3 hours a week studying the Online Learning Materials. |
Additional learning resources information
Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.
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 |
SECTION 1: MOLECULAR & CELLULLAR BIOLOGY (Kate Stacey) W1. Welcome to BIOL1020! Basic cell structures W2. DNA structure & Replication, Cell organelles W3. Tree of Life. Cellular energy and respiration W4. Cell division, cell cycle and cancer |
Tutorial |
SECTION 1: MOLECULAR & CELLULLAR BIOLOGY W1. Basic cell structures W2. DNA structure & Replication, Cell organelles W3. Tree of Life. Cellular energy and respiration W4. Cell division, cell cycle and cancer |
|
Practical |
SECTION 1: MOLECULAR & CELLULLAR BIOLOGY W1. Introduction W2. Molecular Biology Techniques W3. Cell Biology W4. NO RACTICAL |
|
Not Timetabled |
SECTION 1: MOLECULAR & CELLULLAR BIOLOGY Online learning modules on UQ Extend W1. Intro to Course and Molecular Structure of Cells W2. Molecular structure of cells W3. Cellular Function: Energy generation & metabolism W4. Cellular Function: Cell division |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
SECTION 2: GENES TO TRAITS (Sassan Asgari) W5. What's a gene? Gene structure and organisation W6. Gene regulation in prokaryotes & eukaryotes W7. Sexual reproduction, meiosis & Inheritance W8. Introduction to Mendelian Genetics |
Tutorial |
SECTION 2: GENES TO TRAITS W5. What's a gene? Gene structure and organisation W6. Gene regulation in prokaryotes & eukaryotes W7. Sexual reproduction, meiosis & Inheritance W8. Introduction to Mendelian Genetics |
|
Practical |
SECTION 2: GENES TO TRAITS W5. Mini-test 1 W6. PCR 1 (DNA Replication & amplification) W7. PCR 2 (Gel electrophoresis) & Cloning 1 W8. Mendelian Genetics |
|
Not Timetabled |
SECTION 2: GENES TO TRAITS Online learning modules on UQ Extend W5. The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology W6. Viruses W7. Phenotypic variation and heritable traits W8. Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
SECTION 3: INHERITANCE & EVOLUTION (Celine Frere) W9. Sex chromosomes, probability & pedigrees W10. Genetic mapping W11. NO LECTURE W12. Evolution in action W13. How genomics has sparked an evolution revolution? |
Tutorial |
SECTION 3: INHERITANCE & EVOLUTION W9. Sex chromosomes, probability & pedigrees W10. Genetic mapping W11. NO TUTORIAL W12. Evolution in action W13. How genomics has sparked an evolution revolution? |
|
Practical |
SECTION 3: INHERITANCE & EVOLUTION W9. Cloning 2 and Mini-test 2 W10. Population Genetics 1 W11. NO PRACTICAL W12. Population Genetics 2 W13. Mini-test 3 & Genomics |
|
Not Timetabled |
SECTION 3: INHERITANCE & EVOLUTION Online learning modules on UQ Extend W9. Linkage, Recombination and Mapping W10. Evolutionary processes and the HW model W11. NO ONLINE LEARNING W12. Real-world genetics W13. Genomes |
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.