Contemporary biological research utilises foundational analytical approaches including genetic manipulation, biochemistry and microscopy to understand life. This course focuses on the application of various microscopic approaches to analyse the variance, function and structure of plant, animal and human samples across scales from the biological system to the molecular level. Students will experience how microscopy enables researchers to undertake powerful qualitative and quantitative analysis and they will be guided in interpretation of biological sample analysis. Enrolment places are limited to 30 as entry will be merit-based and practicals require small groups. Students should email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au by 30 November to register for this course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Appraise the relevance of microscopic approaches to life sciences inquiries.
2. Determine an appropriate sample preparation and instrumentation selection based on the nature of the research inquiry being pursued.
3. Critically analyse, interpret and report visual data with awareness of the limitations and affordances inherent in selected methods and analytical tools.
4. Participate in and contribute to collaborative research inquiries.
5. Manage necessary experimental protocols and documentation to ensure accurate interpretation, publication and reproducibility of visual data.
6. Transfer and infer microscopic approaches for different inquiry contexts.

Research-Led Teaching

all modules revolve around real research enquiries and are described in detail in the book template of the course page

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Examination Material or equipment

as specified for each day in the book template of the course

Required Resources

as specified for each day in the book template of the course

Recommended Resources

as specified for each day in the book template of the course

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Where an assignment is formed of a number of activities, the date range indicates the due date for the first component and the return date of the final component. Further information is provided in the assessment section of the class summary, and details are provided on the course wattle site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Day 1 - Introduction to Light Microscopy Day 2 - Histological processes Day 3 - Plants: reporter genes & fluorescent probes Day 4 - In situ hybridisation Day 5 - Cytology, IFA & Malaria Day 6 - Nano-scale microscopy: SEM Day 7 - Nano-scale Microscopy:TEM Day 8 - Image Analysis & CLEM Part 1 Day 9 - Image Analysis & CLEM Part 2 Day 10 - The future in microscopy	see book template for details

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Electronic lab book via Lab Archives	10 %	29/01/2019	28/02/2019	5,3
Research Reflections	7 %	04/02/2019	28/02/2019	1,2
Group Reports (3)	18 %	01/02/2019	14/02/2019	1,2,3,4,5
Group Presentation participation	5 %	29/01/2019	28/02/2019	1,2,3,4,5
Online Quiz	10 %	05/02/2019	10/02/2019	1,2,3,5,6
Research Essay	25 %	18/02/2019	28/02/2019	1,2,3,5,6
Final Exam (online)	25 %	14/02/2019	28/02/2019	1,2,3,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

course participation in group activities and presentations; 5% of final mark; students are expected to attend all lectures and class practicals and participate actively in group work and group presentations throughout the 2 weeks intensive course

Examination(s)

Quiz and final exam

Assessment Task 1

Electronic lab book via Lab Archives

Documentation of laboratory and practical work over 10 days. This is a form of continuous assessment based on students meeting each individual lab deliverables (describe samples and sample preparation for microscope analysis, and analyses of visual data from lab/practicals results). This is an online lab book, so teaching staff will comment progressively and assess, after completion of each module on each day. Use prompt questions as a guide and answer them after each module.

Due: need to be logged every day; final submission of all content: Wednesday 13/02/2018: 11.59pm

Returned: with final mark: Thursday 28/02/2019

Assessment Task 2

Research Reflections

Two research reflection posts over the course based on a question bank to integrate theory, practicals and personal learning.

No.1 Due: Monday 04/02/2019 by 11:59pm, @250 words

No.2 Due: Tuesday 12/02/2019 by 11:59pm, @400 words

The date range for this task indicates the approximate due date for the first reflection, and the approximate return date for the last reflection. There are 2 reflections due in this course. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 3

Group Reports (3)

Three group reports:

Histology: appraisal of application of histological processes and rationale for sample preparation and staining decisions.

Due: 1st February, by 11:59pm, @600 words. 

Value: 6%

Returned: Monday 4th February

Fluorescence Labelling and Microscopy: comparison between live and fixed samples approaches.

Due: 5th February by 11:59pm, @600 words. 

Value: 6%

Returned: Friday 9th February

Structural Analysis & Correlation.

Due: 11th February, by 11:59pm, @600 words. 

Value: 6%

Returned: Thursday 14th February

The date range for this task indicates the approximate due date for the first report, and the return date for the last report. There are 3 reflections due in this course. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 4

Group Presentation participation

Based on group members contribution to group presentations through the course.

Value: 5%

Assessment Task 5

Online Quiz

(duration 60 minutes); tests knowledge of concepts that have been covered to this point

Due: Tuesday 5th February 9am

Returned: Sunday 10th February

Value: 10%

Assessment Task 6

Research Essay

Choice of research scenarios to apply sample preparation and microscopic analysis to. No more than 1600 words. To be submitted through Turnitin.

Due: Monday, 18th February. 11:59pm

Returned: with final mark: Thursday 28/02/2018

Value: 25%

Assessment Task 7

Final Exam (online)

Set time: Thursday 14th February, (duration 1.5 hours)

tests transfer of knowledge capability

Value: 25%

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students