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
- Biomedical Sciences School
Students will examine core systems in molecular & cellular physiology & develop an understanding of how they maintain homestasis & how the failure of these systems translate into disease.
The biomedical discipline of physiology focuses on the maintenance of an “internal environment” (homeostasis), conducive to the survival of the organism. Students will examine core systems in molecular and cellular physiology and develop an understanding of how they maintain homeostasis and how the failure of these systems translates into disease. BIOM3014 builds on the cell and systems physiology that you learnt in BIOM2011 and BIOM2012.
This course will consist of 3 lectures per week and will be divided into a number of modules. These modules will focus on topics such as receptors and their associated signalling pathways (GPCRs, RTKs, tasteﾠand olfactory),ﾠintracellular signalling andﾠtrafficking processes. Cellular responses to both external and internal environment will also be discussed, as well as the molecular basis for cell secretion. The relationship between the cellular processes studied in this course and human health and disease will be discussed.
There will also be presentations from invited lecturers on cutting-edge research in their fields and you will be required to give a presentation based on theseﾠtopics. A practical component over 5 weeks will provide you with skills and insights into the key experimental concepts of cell and molecular physiology - including the ability to introduce normal and mutated genes into cells, to determine their expression,ﾠreport on cell signalling systems and responses and understand the link betweenﾠgenotypeﾠand protein function and how this determines phenotype in organisms.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOM2012 or BIOL2200
Course contact
School enquiries
Student and Academic Administration Team
The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130)
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to examine core systems in molecular and cellular physiology and explain how cells maintain homeostasis via receptor and signalling pathways and how the failure of these systems translates into disease.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the role that receptors play in maintaining normal cellular function and homeostasis
LO2.
Examine how the human body responds to receptor dysfunction and the implications from this such as disease states
LO3.
Achieve demonstrated competency in experimental techniques and data analysis in cellular and molecular physiology.
LO4.
Communicate and critically assess cutting edge research approaches to cellular and molecular physiology through oral presentations
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
25% |
9/04/2025 6:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Practical Report
|
25% |
16/04/2025 1:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Presentation Assessment
|
15% |
23/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
35% |
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
In-Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
9/04/2025 6:00 pm
Task description
This exam will test your knowledge of the first 3 modules of the course.
This is a closed book examination and that means that you may not consult any hard copy, online or other resources during the examination. This examination must be completed individually. You are NOT permitted to share this exam with any un-authorised person. You must NOT make a copy of any of the material in the exam by any means.
Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 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.
Practical Report
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
16/04/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
Practical component assessment will be in the form of a written report of research results. Practical manual and full details of the assessment task description and criteria will be made available via Blackboard during the Semester. If campuses are closed, an online supplement to the practicals will be offered on Blackboard and via Zoom.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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 AI 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 tools.
Hurdle requirements
You must attempt the Practical Report assessment and submit a report relevant to the practical task.Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the Schools website, to Turnitin by the submission deadline.
You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date.
You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
The maximum extension length possible for this piece of assessment is 14 calendar days. This is to ensure that the various assessment pieces do not overlap with one another and that the assessment piece is completed within a reasonable timeframe of the associated learning activity.
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.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
Presentation Assessment
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
23/05/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
Presentation (Summative): Critical Analysis of Journal Article submitted online for assessment.
Individuals to submit PowerPoint slides and video assignment (Zoom Recording) for evaluation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Refer to Blackboard for detailed instructions on how to submit your video presentation.
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
The maximum extension length possible for this piece of assessment is 14 calendar days. This is to ensure that the various assessment pieces do not overlap with one another and that the assessment piece is completed within a reasonable timeframe of the associated learning activity.
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.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
The exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus, undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
The exam will be a closed book on-campus invigilated exam. You should refer to your personal examinations timetable that will be emailed to you by UQ Examinations Section regarding the specific timing of your examination.
This is a closed book examination and that means that you may not consult any hard copy, online or other resources during the examination. This examination must be completed individually. You are NOT permitted to share this exam with any un-authorised person. You must NOT make a copy of any of the material in the exam by any means.
Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI 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 | Inspera |
| 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) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49%ﾠ OR A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% or greater, but less than a pass in any of the assessment hurdles outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information".ﾠ |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64% AND successful completion of the assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74% AND successful completion of the assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84% AND successful completion of the assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100% AND successful completion of the assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements:
- You must attempt the Practical report and submit a report relevant to the practical task.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course and does NOT successfully complete the hurdles, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Information onﾠapplying for an assessment extensionﾠcan be found on theﾠApplying for an extension website.
Information onﾠapplying for a deferred examﾠcan be found on theﾠDeferring an exam website.
Information onﾠassessment re-mark requestsﾠcan be found on theﾠQuerying a result website.
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.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Clean white laboratory coat, safety glasses and fully enclosed shoes. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory without these items. Each student must have their UQ Student Identification Card visibly displayed above the waist. While public health directions no longer require face masks to be worn, they are recommended when you cannot physically distance, you are a vulnerable person or caring for vulnerable people. Please note that cloth masks are not acceptable in laboratory classes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the School Locker. | own item needed |
| Practical Manual | Will be available on the course Blackboard site prior to the 1st practical class. | 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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Course Introduction and Overview [Dr Dominic Ng] Introduction to the course; description of modules; details of tutorials; assessment tasks and expectations. |
Lecture |
Introduction to Lab Practical [Dr Dominic Ng] Introduction to the laboratory practical, background context, experimental objectives and techniques utilised. |
|
Lecture |
G-Protein Coupled Receptors I [Prof Wally Thomas] RECEPTORS SYSTEMS IN CELL BIOLOGY. |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 6 |
Practical |
Cell Culture and Transfection Analysis Students will be required to attend five laboratory practical sessions. The experiments are designed to demonstrate the link between genotype, receptor function and the phenotype of taste sensation. Students will perform genomic analysis of taste receptors and taste testing to demonstrate the concept of genotypic variation within a population and the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms on receptor function and human physiology. Students will be introduced to the techniques and concepts of mammalian cell culture and the introduction (transfection) of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) to these cells as a tool to study cell and gene function. Students will be required to analyse data obtained in experiments and use this data to prepare a research report for assessment. A full breakdown of the requirements for the Practical assessment will be made available in a lecture prior to the commencement of the practical sessions. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
G-Protein Coupled Receptors II [Prof Wally Thomas] THE BALANCING ACT. |
Lecture |
G-Protein Coupled Receptors III [Prof WallyThomas] MULTIPLE RECEPTOR STATES. |
|
Lecture |
G-Protein Coupled Receptors IV [Prof Wally Thomas] Discussion and review of integration of receptor function and discussion of assessment and practice questions for this module. |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Taste Receptors I [Prof Eugeni Roura] The mammalian taste system: Nutrient sensing. Carbs and proteins and the T1R |
Lecture |
Taste Receptors II [Prof Eugeni Roura] How we sense fatty acids and other acids and salt. Taste interactions. |
|
Lecture |
Taste Receptors III [Prof Eugeni Roura] Cellular mechanisms of bitter taste (T2R). Taste genetic diversity |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Taste Receptors IV [Prof Eugeni Roura] Taste sensory cells in non-taste tissues |
Lecture |
Muscle Biology I [Dr Brad Launikonis] Muscular Dystrophy |
|
Lecture |
Muscle Biology II [Dr Brad Launikonis] Eccentric Contractions |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Muscle Biology III [Dr Brad Launikonis] Ca2+ Sparks |
Lecture |
Muscle Biology IV [Dr Brad Launikonis] Malignant Hyperthermia |
|
Lecture |
Mid-Semester Exam Review [Prof Wally Thomas] To review lecture modules and discuss exam technique and preparation |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Kinase Signalling I [Dr Dominic Ng] Introduction to intracellular kinases |
Lecture |
Kinase Signalling II [Dr Dominic Ng] Kinase mechanisms underlying human disease |
|
Lecture |
Kinase Signalling III [Dr Dominic Ng] Kinases as drug-targets |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Kinase Signalling IV [Dr Dominic Ng] Cutting edge techniques in kinase studies |
Lecture |
Kinase Signalling V [Dr Dominic Ng] Review of kinase signalling module. |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Gene Therapy and Muscle Health Online workshop series by an expert researcher in the field will introduce cutting edge viral vector technologies utilized for gene delivery and gene therapy. Journal articles offered for presentation assessment will be based off of this workshop topic. |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Molecular Cancer I [Dr Sherry Wu] Introduction to cancer when things go wrong |
Lecture |
Molecular Cancer II [Dr Sherry Wu] Extracellular vesicles as means for cell-to-cell communication in tumours. |
|
Lecture |
Molecular Cancer III [Dr Sherry Wu] Molecular and cellular mechanisms for evading immune surveillance I |
|
Workshop |
AI in Cell Biology: Separating Hype from Reality In this workshop, we will discuss the explosion of AI in the field of biomedical research. Seemingly not a day goes by without the mention of how AI technologies will advance research and transform our lives. But what exactly are these new AI approaches and how are they useful? What represents innovative application of AI technology in understanding how our cells work or is it mostly hype? |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Molecular Cancer IV [Dr Sherry Wu] Molecular and cellular mechanisms for evading immune surveillance II |
Lecture |
Olfactory System I [Prof Brian Key] Introduction to the olfactory systems |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
Presentation Assessment Information Sessions In this workshop, we will cover how to prepare slides and deliver an engaging oral presentation for assessment. |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Olfactory System II [Prof Brian Key] Evolution of a sensing apparatus |
Lecture |
Olfactory System III [Prof Brian Key] Overview of olfactory systems in different animals. |
|
Lecture |
Olfactory Systems IV [Prof Brian Key] The molecular and cellular organisation of the olfactory system in mouse and man. |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Olfactory System V [Prof Brian Key] The function of the olfactory system ﾖ from antechinus to humans. |
Lecture |
Protein Trafficking I [Prof Brett Collins] Endocytosis |
|
Lecture |
Protein Trafficking II [Prof Brett Collins] Exocytosis |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Protein Trafficking III [Prof Brett Collins] Trafficking meets the clinic |
Lecture |
Protein Trafficking IV [Prof Brett Collins] Endosomal trafficking |
|
Lecture |
Final Exam Review [Dr Dominic Ng] To review the course and discuss exam technique and preparation |
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: