Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
Overview of topical issues in biotechnology: Scientific principles of biotechnology. Technical and non-technical issues in biotechnology products. Intellectual property basics. Social, ethical and economic considerations and their impact on research and marketing. Currently debated issues in biotechnology. Information acquisition and management in biotechnology and familiarisation with sources of this information.
Welcome to the Issues in Biotechnology, part of the UQ Biotechnology Program. In this course you will be taught by leading experts from academia and industry about topical issues in biotechnology. You will gain a strong understanding of how broad-reaching the field of biotechnology is and how innovations in this field are changing the future of agricultural, medical and industrial biotechnology.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students will be expected to have completed at least one semester of first year science courses.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOT2002 (co-taught), BIOT3001 or or BIOT6006
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
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 each semester.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to expose students to a) the local biotechnology industry, b) a broad range of core technologies used in the biotechnology industry, c) key concepts in intellectual property protection, and d) quality management issues.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
describe a range of core technologies as applied in different fields of biotechnology;
LO2.
identify, analyse and use the key parts of a patent document to make decisions;
LO3.
explain the relevance of intellectual property concepts in varied biotechnological contexts;
LO4.
describe the therapeutic drug development pipeline and clinical trials process;
LO5.
interrogate the underpinning science of various technologies to allow an independent and sophisticated critique of ethical issues in biotechnology;
LO6.
search patent databases (including those in the public domain and subscription based, as used by patenting professionals).
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Examination |
Examination - Biotechnology Concepts Module 1
|
35% |
In-semester Saturday 31/08/2024 - 14/09/2024 |
Quiz |
Quiz - Modules 2, 3 and 4
|
30% |
2/09/2024 - 6/09/2024 16/09/2024 - 20/09/2024 7/10/2024 - 11/10/2024 |
Presentation |
Innovation Pitch
|
35% |
21/10/2024 2:00 pm
Video upload due 2 pm Monday. Detailed instructions on how to complete this task are provided on Blackboard. |
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
Examination - Biotechnology Concepts Module 1
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
31/08/2024 - 14/09/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The Zoom-invigilated in semester examination will sample your knowledge of topics covered in Module 1.
A single viewing session will be held AFTER any deferred examinations have taken place and have been marked, as a time when all of the relevant examiners are available.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI 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 | 60 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 | Learn.UQ |
Invigilation | Invigilated by Zoom |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Quiz - Modules 2, 3 and 4
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
2/09/2024 - 6/09/2024
16/09/2024 - 20/09/2024
7/10/2024 - 11/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
These in-class, invigilated blackboard quizzes will sample your knowledge and understanding of topics covered in Modules 2, 3 and 4.
You may need to use on-line searching tools as part of this quiz - it is your responsibility to ensure you have internet access during this time.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI 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
Submission is via 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
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Innovation Pitch
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
21/10/2024 2:00 pm
Video upload due 2 pm Monday. Detailed instructions on how to complete this task are provided on Blackboard.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The abilities to learn independently and to communicate effectively are both key traits that are valuable not only in a career, but in most fields. In the 'Innovation Pitch' assessment, students are required to prepare a video recording up to 5 minutes long, which provides a critical analysis and discussion of a topic pertinent to Biotechnology Innovation. Detailed instructions on how to complete this task are provided on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic, and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, successful completion in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide limited support and guidance. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference Generative AI 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
The video will be submitted electronically on Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin, please name your file in the following way: FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName. For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1
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.
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.
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: 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):
1.ᅠ You must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
2. ᅠYou must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination/quiz course assessment items (Assignment and Presentation); and
3. You must complete and submit ALL assessment items and learning tasks.
Additional course requirement:
1. To receive a grade above 4 you must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more in eachᅠexamination/quiz.
The maximum grade you will receive will be a 2 if you:
1. Obtain a weighted average mark of 30% or less across the non-examination/quiz course assessment items (Assignment and Presentation) and learning tasks.ᅠ
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
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Please 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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP) for your course also 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.
Any student who enrols in a course must not be given exemption or partial credit from their previous attempt(s) for any individual piece of assessment. Instead, the student must successfully complete all of the learning activities and assessment items within the study period of enrolment (PPL Assessment - Procedures Section: Assessment integrity).
If the same assessment item is set from one year to the next, repeating students are allowed to submit the same work they submitted in previous attempts at the course. Where possible SCMB recommends that you use the feedback you received in your last attempt to improve parts of the item where you lost marks. Resubmission of an altered or unaltered assessment item by a repeating student (where the same assessment has been set) will not be considered as self-plagiarism.
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 are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 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
Additional supplementary material may be posted on the Blackboard site for the course at learn.uq.edu.auᅠ
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates. ᅠ
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 5 |
Lecture |
Module 1 - Biotechnology Concepts Focus on Biotechnology Concepts Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Biotechnology Workshops Biotechnology Focussed Workshops Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Module 2 - Industrial Biotechnology Focus on Industrial Biotechnology Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Module 3 - Agricultural Biotechnology Focus on Agricultural Biotechnology Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 11 |
Lecture |
Module 4 - Medical Biotechnology Focus on Medical Biotechnology Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Module 5 - Ethics in Biotechnology Focus on Ethics in Biotechnology Learning outcomes: L06 |
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.