Molecular and Cellular Biology (8375.3)

Required texts

Required: Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory Manual 2022 - available from the Canvas site. This must be printed by you and the relevant practical protocol must be brought to every practical session.

Recommended: Hardin and Bertoni 2018 Becker's World of the Cell Global Edition 9th edition - the e-text or paperback version can be ordered online from Pearson publishing. The link will be posted on the unit Canvas site. 

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

All sections of Module Assessments 1-3, and the Final Assessment, must be submitted via Canvas.

Special assessment requirements

Deferred Assessments

In the event a student misses an online module assessment, or the final assessment, due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, the student must contact the unit convener and request a deferred test/assessment within 3 days of the scheduled assessment. This request must be made in writing by email, and include a completed deferred examination request form, which can be found on the Canvas site. Students must provide medical certificate or other relevant supporting documents as requested by the unit convener before sitting the deferred assessment. 

The final grade for the subject is allocated according to the aggregation of marks achieved in all assessment items. To achieve a passing grade or higher in this subject, students must:  

1. Attempt all assessment items.
2. Attend at least 80% of practical sessions (ie 5 out of the 6 sessions).
3. Achieve at least 45% in the final assessment.
4. Achieve an aggregate mark of 50% or higher.

Your final aggregate mark, out of 100, is calculated based on the sum of all marks across each assessment item:

1. Module 1 Assessment           20%
2. Module 2 Assessment           20%
3. Module 3 Assessment           20%
4. Final Online Assessment       40%  
5. Total                                     100%

The Unit Convener reserves the right to quesiton students on any of their submitted work.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Learner engagement

In this unit, there is a total of 40 contact hours in the semester comprising 18 hours of practicals + 22 hours of lectures.The remaining hours should be assigned to personal study of the unit material, and to the completion of assignments. As a guide, allow approximately 1 hour of work per one percent of the final mark. For example, an assessment item worth 10% should be allocated 10 hours of work.

Participation requirements

Active participation in all scheduled laboratory classes is compulsory and attendance will be recorded. To avoid penalty in the case of illness or extenuating circumstances, please email the unit convener of your absence prior to the session, or within 3 days of missing the practical session. For all absences, students must provide supporting documentation. Students must attend at least 80% of the practical sessions (ie 5 out of the 6 sessions) in order to pass the unit. 

Watching all online lectures is expected and strongly recommended. 

Required IT skills

Basic knowledge of word processing software, Excel, and search engines are required.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

Additional information

Foundation of unit

The theoretical focus will be on the fundamentals, tools and applications of molecular and cellular biology. The learning and assessment modes have been designed to develop research skills and practical skills in the students.

Potential hazardous materials

Such materials will be used as part of this unit. Risk assessments have been performed and control measures implemented to manage hazards and risks. Students have an obligation to comply with any safety directions issued by staff and to inform staff if incidents of a potentially hazardous nature occur. With respect to chemicals, staff will provide students with access to Material Safety Data Sheets. It is essential that students be alerted to the potential danger of chemicals to which they may be sensitive.  For example, if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, a dry or sore throat, stinging or burning sensation in their eyes, fatigue or loss of concentration, students   must   inform  their  tutor  and   leave   the  laboratory  immediately.  Students may need to go to the University Health Centre if symptoms persist.

Provision of information to the group

Notifications through the Canvas Announcements Forum or the Canvas Discussion Forums are deemed to be made to the whole class. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they check for announcements on the unit's Canvas site (Canvas forum messages are also emailed to student email addresses only). Students should ensure they check their student email regularly.  The Canvas discussion forums will be checked by staff regularly.

Provision of unit materials

Unforeseen circumstances beyond the unit convener's control could result in changes to the mode of delivery of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and assessments. Students will be advised if this occurs and appropriate alternatives will be arranged.

Use of student email account

The University Email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes". Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.

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