Course coordinator
Professor Benjamin Schulz
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 one-semester course is the coursework component of the BSc(Hons) and BAdvSc(Hons) program for students undertaking an Honours year in the molecular biosciences through the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. Learning material builds beyond the content taught in first second and third level courses in these disciplines. The course will be delivered in the form of lectures, seminars, and workshops.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that you have completed a plan in a relevant discipline; have a sound working knowledge of the major technical areas of that discipline, and a desire to develop your knowledge of one of these in more depth; possess a curiosity for discovery through scholarly research; have good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to use contemporary software tools to undertake analysis and to prepare reports; and are able to manage your time effectively, to set priorities, to meet deadlines and to act in an ethical and professional manner.
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
SCIE4000 and SCIE4481/SCIE4482
Restrictions
Restricted to BSc(Hons) and BAdvSc(Hons) students. Permission from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Benjamin Schulz
Professor Ulrike Kappler
Dr Mathew Jones
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce the student to new and advanced topics in the form of lectures, problem solving sessions and seminars. The course has been divided into several parallel streams and the student chooses the one that most suits them. In addition to acquiring new and deep understanding of concepts related to biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or genetics in their area of specialisation, it is likely that some aspects of the course content will assist the student in their research work.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills in your area of specialisation (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or Genetics).
LO2.
Utilise and adapt advanced knowledge of research techniques relevant to aspects of your research work.
LO3.
Communicate advanced knowledge of research techniques relevant in your area of specialisation.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Journal Club Presentation
|
25% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025 |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Journal Club Participation
|
25% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Report on Experimental Technique
|
50% |
30/05/2025 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
Journal Club Presentation
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The oral assessment task will involve a 20 minute PowerPoint presentation on your selected paper followed by a 20 minute question period.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or 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 and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Journal Club Participation
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
During your Journal Club sessions you will be assessed based on attendance, willingness to ask questions and your overall contribution to any discussion. You must read the paper to be presented prior to each session to enable you to ask relevant questions that focus on critical issues of the study, presentation or overall research theme.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or 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 and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Report on Experimental Technique
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
You will write a report on an experimental technique of your choosing that is relevant to your Honours research project. The report will review the history, development, underlying mechanisms, uses, strengths and deficiencies, and future directions of your chosen technique.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or 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
Submit your Report on Experimental Technique 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 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: Student has made little attempt to address the requirements for this topic. Written submissions and performance are incomplete or unsatisfactory. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student fails to demonstrate relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts associated with this topic. The student shows little evidence of the skills and understanding expected of a graduate. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates a limited knowledge of the topics being assessed. The student shows little aptitude to continue in this area, but has benefited from the exercise and may be able to apply this knowledge for other purposes. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 40% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's answer to the topic is unambiguous and addresses the specific question(s) or issue(s) being examined. Performance in the assessment instrument(s) demonstrates basic knowledge and comprehension of the underlying concepts of the topic being examined. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 4, the student demonstrates in his or her assessment a superior understanding of some of the underlying concepts of the topic(s) being examined. The student has shown some competence in addressing the assessment criteria. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 60% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 5, the student demonstrates a higher level of understanding of the factual and conceptual information available from the literature or other appropriate sources (e.g. the student's own experimental data). A good attempt has been made to dissect and integrate different aspects of that knowledge, resulting in well-balanced and appropriate conclusions and a commendable attempt to synthesize ideas. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 70% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Reserved for an outstanding performance which demonstrates a level of achievement superior to a grade of 6, and includes a substantial and original synthesis of ideas based on a critical analysis of the subject matter available to the student. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 80% |
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 complete and submit ALL course assessment items and learning tasks; and
- You must complete and participate in ALL journal club sessions or you will be downgraded by one grade level.*
*In order to complete the journal club assessment item, it is compulsory that you attend and participate in all sessions. Anyone who fails to complete this assessment item will have their final grade downgraded by one grade level. In the event that you miss a session due to unforeseen circumstances or otherwise, it is essential that you immediately email enquiries@scmb.uq.edu.au, outlining the reasons for your absence. The Honours convenors will consider the circumstances relating to the absence and may, at their discretion, provide alternative assessment to meet hurdle 3 above.
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 Course Profile (CP) for your course also provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Further information regarding this course can be found on the course Blackboard site at learn.uq.edu.au. Additional supplementary material may also be posted on the site.
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 |
Tutorial |
Journal Club Journal club presentation and participation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Report on Experimental Technique Report on Experimental Technique Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.