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Course profile

Frontiers in Medical Biotechnology (BIOT7060)

Study period
Sem 2 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Chemistry & Molec Biosciences

This course provides a current overview of cutting-edge innovation in medical biotechnology. We cover, in detail, specific enabling technologies driving change in medical industries. This includes artificial intelligence, biomechanics, imaging, organoids, diagnostic/wearable devices, cell-based therapeutics, and other recent advances. Students learn about the current global trends in medical biotechnology and how cutting-edge biotechnology tools are changing industries to meet demand.

Welcome to the Frontiers of Medical Biotechnology! In this course you will be taught by leading experts from academia and industry about cutting edge medical biotechnology. You will gain a strong understanding of how broad-reaching the field of Medical Biotechnology is and how innovations in this field are changing the future of medicine.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students enrolling in Frontiers in Medical Biotechnology are expected to have a solid background in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics, typically gained through a relevant undergraduate degree in science (e.g., biotechnology, biomedical science, or a related life science field). Experience in reading and interpreting scientific literature and critical thinking, are assumed to ensure readiness for this course.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Check your online timetable regularly

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to introduce students to a) current advances in the medical biotechnology sector and future opportunities, b) a broad range of core technologies used in medical biotechnology and c) key concepts in development of medical biotechnology products. This will enable students to progress to more advanced and specialised studies in the field of medical biotechnology.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation Modules "Cell-based therapies", "Organoids", and "Nanoscience Innovation"
  • In-person
25%

26/09/2025 10:00 am

In the scheduled EXM activity in your timetable.

Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Poster Modules "AI", "Imaging", and "Biomechanics"
  • In-person
25%

Poster submission on Blackboard 29/10/2025 2:00 pm

Poster presentation 30/10/2025

Examination End of Semester Exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

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

Modules "Cell-based therapies", "Organoids", and "Nanoscience Innovation"

  • In-person
Mode
Oral
Category
Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation
Weight
25%
Due date

26/09/2025 10:00 am

In the scheduled EXM activity in your timetable.

Other conditions
Peer assessment factor.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

This assessment entails two parts: 1) Buddy Check Group Peer Evaluation and 2) group presentation. The group presentation aims to convince an audience to invest in your technology, communicate your ideas and findings to a granting body, selection panel, or other stakeholders. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT 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 generative AI or MT 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. Presentations are held in person and cannot use an artificially generated voice.

Submission guidelines

Submit your group presentation for the Shark Tank through the course Turnitin submission point in 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.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Applications for extension

Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.

Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.

For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.

For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).

Information on medical certificates

Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.

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.

Modules "AI", "Imaging", and "Biomechanics"

  • In-person
Mode
Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Poster
Weight
25%
Due date

Poster submission on Blackboard 29/10/2025 2:00 pm

Poster presentation 30/10/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Working in pairs you will conduct a short case study in "AI", "Imaging", and "Biomechanics" and present your findings in a poster presentation.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT 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 generative AI or MT 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. Presentations are held in person and cannot use an artificially generated voice.

Submission guidelines

Submit your poster through the course Turnitin submission point in 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 extension

Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.

Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.

For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.

For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).

Information on medical certificates

Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.

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.

End of Semester Exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The on-campus, invigilated end-of-semester examination will sample your knowledge of ALL the modules covered in this course. More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard. 

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 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

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 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. You must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam.

2. You must complete and submit an examinable attempt* on 100% of the assessable items in the course.

* An examinable attempt is a submission that demonstrates genuine engagement with the task as evidenced by addressing the task, shows effort, meets basic requirements, is of a coherent structure and demonstrates academic integrity.

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

Criterion sheets

Students should download and familiarise themselves with the criterion sheets for each item of assessment, from the "assessment" section of this profile and/or documents supplied through Blackboard.

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

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Blackboard

Information relevant to the course can be found on the Blackboard website for BIOT7060 at learn.uq.edu.au

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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 2
(28 Jul - 10 Aug)

Lecture

Module "Cell-based therapies"

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Multiple weeks

From Week 3 To Week 4
(11 Aug - 24 Aug)

Lecture

Module "Organoids"

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Multiple weeks

From Week 5 To Week 6
(25 Aug - 07 Sep)

Lecture

Module - "Nanoscience Innovation"

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Multiple weeks

From Week 7 To Week 8
(08 Sep - 21 Sep)

Lecture

Module - "Artificial Intelligence"

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Multiple weeks

From Week 9 To Week 10
(22 Sep - 12 Oct)

Lecture

Module - "Biomechanics"

Lectures and practical application

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Multiple weeks

From Week 11 To Week 12
(13 Oct - 26 Oct)

Lecture

Module - "Imaging"

Lectures and computer based practical classes. Artificial intelligence in medical biotech.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.