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
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course is intended to be a comprehensive introduction to Cell Biology. We will discuss the vast diversity of cells and how their structures subserve their functions.
This course is intended to be a comprehensive introduction to cell biology. Some of the main concepts covered include
- The main components of the cells and how they are organised, the molecular structures of these components and how they relate to their cellular functions.
- Organelles and the principles of compartmentalisation, and their relevance to cellular functions.
- Cellular membranes, their structure and function, and how the structure of membranes relates to the structure and function of integralᅠmembrane proteins and membrane-associated proteinsᅠ.
- The main components and types of proteins that make up ᅠthe cytoskeleton and their functions in transporting cargo around the cell, including the main motor proteins.
- Protein trafficking and its role in cellular functions, including endocytosis, exocytosis, and endosomal trafficking.
- The cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, cell death ᅠand proteins involved in controlling these processes. The cell cycle changes in cancer.
- Cell signalling with a focus on G-protein coupled receptors and how these proteins are used in signalling.ᅠ
Lecturesᅠᅠ
The course has 3 one-hour lectures per week.ᅠ All lectures are recorded and made available on Blackboard for delayed viewing.
Practicals
Students will have two series of practicals. Prac1 consists of two, 3-hour practical classes per week for a total of 2 weeks. Prac 2 consists of 2 fully-day practical classes in the mid-semester break
Course requirements
Assumed background
Assumed basic background knowledge from BIOL1020 or equivalent course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1020
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1040
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOL2200, BIOL2008
Restrictions
Internal offering only. Available to Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) students only.
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
Parts of this course are jointly taught with BIOL2200. This includes all lectures and practical 1 classes, but not practical 2.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Practical 1 coordinator
Practical 2 coordinator
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check your timetable regularly at the start of semester.ᅠ
A weekly schedule for the Lectures and Practicals will available on the Blackboard site ᅠ
Aims and outcomes
- To provide a comprehensive introduction to the structure and function of a variety of cells in humans and model systems.
- To design and execute practical exercises that stimulate critical thinking and problem solving.
- To gain an understanding of how scientific experimentation associated with cell biology is carried out including fluorescent microscopy
- To provide an undergraduate research project through practical sessions that demonstrate mammalian cell culture and its application in cell biology.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the major components of cells, their molecular structures, and functions, and understand intracellular compartmentalization
LO2.
Explain how cells respond to external signals using specific examples
LO3.
Competently complete experimental techniques in cell biology including the cell culture, microscopy, handling cells, and DNA analysis.
LO4.
Clearly communicate experimental results through the accurate recording and evaluation of experimental observations
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Assignment 1
|
20% |
3/04/2025 2:00 pm |
Quiz |
Quiz on practical 2
|
20% |
1/05/2025
The online quiz will be available for a 24 hour period. More detailed information on how to access the quiz will be provided on Blackboard closer to the time of assessment. |
Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
30% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025 |
Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
30% |
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
Assignment 1
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
3/04/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
This assignment assess student's knowledge to research and synthesise information on cellular compartments. More detailed information and instructions will be provided on Blackboard closer to the time of assessment.
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.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Please submit your assignment through Turnitin using the dedicated link in the assessment section of the Blackboard.
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.
Late Submission Penalty
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 on practical 2
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
1/05/2025
The online quiz will be available for a 24 hour period. More detailed information on how to access the quiz will be provided on Blackboard closer to the time of assessment.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
A quiz covering the principles of practical 2. More detailed information will be provided on Blackboard.
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.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Online via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Extensions are NOT applicable to this assessment item. To request a deferred quiz, students are referred to the relevant UQ policy for reasons acceptable for a deferred quiz. A SAP is not sufficient to be granted a deferred quiz.
Late submission
Late Submission Penalty
For submissions:
- less than 5 minutes late: 5% penalty
- between 5 minutes to less than 15 minutes late: 20% penalty
- more than 15 minutes late: 100% penalty.
In-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will test your knowledge of module 1 (Organelles), module 2 (membranes) and module 3 (cytoskeleton) of the course.
This will be a closed book, in-person, invigilated exam. This means you are not permitted any course material or any other reference material or resources.
Detailed instructions will be provided on Blackboard closer to the examination.
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 | No calculators permitted |
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
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will test your knowledge of module 4 (Protein Trafficking), module 5 (cell cycle) and module 6 (cell signalling) of the course.
This will be a closed book, in-person, invigilated exam. This means you are not permitted any course material or any other reference material or resources.
Detailed instructions will be provided on Blackboard closer to the examination.
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 | No calculators permitted |
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 | Cut off Percent | Description |
---|---|---|
1 (Low Fail) | - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
2 (Fail) | - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Inability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
3 (Marginal Fail) | - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
4 (Pass) | - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Acceptable application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
5 (Credit) | - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effective application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
6 (Distinction) | - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Extensive application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
7 (High Distinction) | - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills 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
Absence from a Practical Session
You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of this course. Completion of Practical sessions is a hurdle for passing this course.
If you are unable to complete your timetabled practical session because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you will need to submit an online practical absence request through the Practical Absences link in Blackboard and attach supporting documentation as outlined in the table below. ᅠDue to the large number of students in the course, switching to another class or make up session is not possible.ᅠ
Your request must be made before or on the day of the missed practical, except for a sudden illness or accident that prevents you from doing so, in which case you need to submit your request as soon as you are able to.
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.ᅠ
Approved absences from practical laboratory classes cannot be used as a reason for special consideration or deferral for the Quiz associated with the Practical classes.
If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the School -ᅠ enquiries@scmb.uq.edu.au.
Please note:ᅠ Personal statements will not be accepted as supporting documentation.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Lecture notes and additional material will be available on the Blackboard site atᅠlearn.uq.edu.au.
Echo360 lecture recordings will be available on Blackboard.
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 |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures |
Mid-sem break |
Practical |
Practical 2 (SCMB) Practical 2 is run by Dr Evelyne Deplazes (SCMB) and Dr Sumaira Hasnain (Mater). The practical will run over 2 full days during the mid-semester break. Please carefully check the timetable on Blackboard for the exact dates of your practical classes. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
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.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: