Course coordinator
Professor Stefan Thor
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
- Biomedical Sciences School
Students in the Bachelor of Advanced Science program undertaking a biomedical science major will gain exposure to a real-life research setting. Students will be mentored to develop research skills, drawing on their previous learning and preparing them for their future Honours projects. Students completing this course will gain an appreciation of the contribution of their specialisation to contemporary biomedical science including benefits to the community, the importance of scientific ethics, and further develop their statistical and computational skills in the analysis and interpretation of data.
This is the capstone course for the Biomedical Science major in the Bachelor of AdvancedﾠScience (Hons) degree.ﾠ It is intended to draw on your knowledge and experience from your prior courses, and to have you apply that knowledge to a new experimental model system.ﾠ The beginning of the course will be an intense lecture and practical module that will give you background on the genetic system that we will be focusing on: C. elegans, and on the details of egg-laying behaviour.ﾠ After this introduction the course will be a guided research experience culminating in a journal-style manuscript, where you will use experimental data, gathered in groups, to characterise and analyse an unknown mutant.
Course requirements
Restrictions
Course is available for BAdvSc (Biomedical Science) students. Permission from School of Biomedical Science required
Course contact
Lecturer
Professor Stefan Thor
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
Associate Professor Anne Lagendijk
Tutor
Dr Igor Bonacossa Pereira
Mrs Raeleen Jennings
Dr Aswathi Gopalakrishnan
Dr Cecilia Gomez Inclan
Mr Ruofan Wei
Demonstrator
Dr Shaun Walters
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
As this is a research-intense course, students should have the following aims:
- Learn the fundamentals of C. elegans research practices
- Through research, gain experience with diverse fields, including genetics, anatomy, developmental biology, neuroscience, physiology, and microscopy
- Work effectively as a member of a group in an extended research project
- Develop good research practices in the gathering of data
- Apply quantification and statistics to your data
- Present your project effectively as part of a group
- Write a detailed, high-quality manuscript, in the style of a journal article
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply the knowledge of the research system to solve problems or analyse situations
LO2.
Work effectively as a part of a group to collect research data for your report
LO3.
Work as part of a group to prepare and deliver an oral presentation
LO4.
Apply your writing skills to produce an extensive manuscript based on the analysis of your raw data
LO5.
Work as part of a group to apply your knowledge of research systems to plan and execute relevant experiments
LO6.
Review a peers work for quality and soundness in scientific writing
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-semester exam
|
20% |
21/08/2024 |
| Presentation |
Group Oral Presentation
|
10% |
Stream 1 29/08/2023 2-5pm or Stream 2 30/08/2023 2-5pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Final Written Manuscript | 60% |
7/11/2024 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Your review of another student's manuscript
|
10% |
15/10/2024 2:00 pm |
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
- 20%
- Due date
21/08/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
A closed book exam on the lecture, practical, and reading content to this point in the course.
Bring your UQ student ID card to all of your exams.
This is a closed book in-person online Blackboard exam. We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into BlackBoard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
This assessment task evaluates 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 student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct .
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Group Oral Presentation
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Stream 1 29/08/2023 2-5pm or
Stream 2 30/08/2023 2-5pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Groups will present their data to this stage of their project, and will describe the final experiments that they have planned. The presentations will be recorded and assessed by two markers.
This will be a face-to-face activity, but may move to Zoom if there are new health directives launched during the course.
Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria 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.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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.
Final Written Manuscript
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
7/11/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
This will be the final report for your project. These will be written individually, but using data collected by your group. It will be written in the format of a manuscript that might be submitted to a journal for publication. Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
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.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (http://www.uq.edu.au/sbms/undergraduate-forms) , 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 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Your review of another student's manuscript
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
15/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06
Task description
You will read and review one of your classmates' manuscripts, as a reviewer for a journal would. You will assess the quality of the manuscript, suggest improvements, and judge whether the manuscript is fit for publication. Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
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 obtain a PASS mark on the Peer AssessmentSubmission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (http://www.uq.edu.au/sbms/undergraduate-forms), 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 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
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 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 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 assessment items of 45% - 49% 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 "Other Requirements & Comments" |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all assessment items of 50% - 64%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Other Requirements & Comments" |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all assessment items of 65% - 74%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Other Requirements & Comments" |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all assessment items of 75% - 84%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Other Requirements & Comments" |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all assessment items of 85% - 100%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Other Requirements & Comments" |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements:
- You must obtain a PASS mark on the Peer Assessment
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
5.4 Other
School of Biomedical Sciences Assessment Guidelines
• Assessment due dates and times listed are Brisbane local (AEST) time.
• Oral Presentations are not eligible for requests for re-mark because the assessment cannot be replicated or duplicated.
• A summary of all assessment results, including the end of semester examination will be sent to you by email after the release of your course grade.
• If you require further feedback on your performance in examinations, you can email the Student and Academic Administration Team at sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au
Information onﾠapplying for anﾠassessment extensionﾠcan be found on theﾠApplying for an extensionﾠwebsite.
Information onﾠapplying for aﾠdeferred examﾠcan be found on theﾠDeferring an examﾠwebsite.
Information onﾠassessment re-mark requestsﾠcan be found on theﾠQuerying a resultﾠwebsite.
Further details will be made available on the course Blackboard site.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Required - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Clean white laboratory coat, surgical face masks, safety glasses and fully enclosed shoes. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory without these items. Please note that cloth masks are not acceptable in laboratory classes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. 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 |
Additional learning resources information
Material will include lecture notes, guides to practical work, and journal articles.ﾠ These will be available from the course Blackboard site as the course proceeds.
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 |
Practical |
Open Lab Experimental Project You will describe, quantitatively, the basic details of the mutant that your group has been given and carry out analyses of your choosing to identify the mechanism for your mutant phenotype. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Lecture |
Introduction to the Course [Thor] Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Introduction to C. elegans. [Coakley] Basics of the model system, with genetic and anatomical underpinnings Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Genetic analysis in C. elegans [Coakley] Detailed description of C. elegans genetics and heredity Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Practical |
Lab Intro [Thor, Hilliard, Coakley] Meeting in Macgregor Building 64, Room 215. After the safety training, we will begin your C. elegans training. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Lecture |
Vulval development in C. elegans [Hilliard] An introduction to the process that we will be studying: vulval development and egg-laying in C. elegans. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Forward Genetics in C. elegans [Hilliard] A description of the experimental approach for identifying genes involved in vulval development and egg-laying. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Summary of available assays [Coakley] A description of the approaches that you will have at your disposal as you proceed with your research project. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Practical |
Lab Intro [Thor, Hilliard, Coakley, Walters] Identifying sexes, ages, and phenotypes in C. elegans. Hands-on demonstration and practice of DIC Microscopy. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Fluorescence and DIC imaging [Thor] The fundamentals of microscopy, as they apply to C. elegans, will be covered. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Summary of Bootcamp and Exam Advice [Thor] Overview of the system and the research project that is commencing, and advice for next week's exam. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Practical |
DIC Microscopy [Thor, Hilliard, Coakley, Walters] Identifying sexes, ages, and phenotypes in C. elegans. Hands-on demonstration and practice of Fluorescence Microscopy. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Honours strategies [Hilliard, Thor, Coakley] Advice for finding an honours supervisor. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Workshop |
Group Oral Presentations [Thor] For Prac Stream 1. In your groups, you will give a lab meeting-style presentation of your results to date, and will discuss your conclusions with your peers. This will help to guide your final experiments. This is worth 20% of your final marks. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Workshop |
Group Oral Presentations [Thor] For Prac Stream 2. In your groups, you will give a lab meeting-style presentation of your results to date, and will discuss your conclusions with your peers. This will help to guide your final experiments. This is worth 20% of your final marks. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Workshop |
Literature Searching and EndNote Training [Thor] This will be a Zoom workshop on using PubMed for literature searches, and in using EndNote to download and format references. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Workshop |
How to make figures [Lagedijk] This will be a Zoom workshop showing how to generate figures from primary data and images. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Lecture |
How to write a manuscript [Thor] Details and suggestions for your main assignment: writing your manuscript. Learning outcomes: L01, 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.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: