This course will introduce students to a variety of state-of-the-art techniques, both practically and theoretically, that are commonly used in the research fields of molecular biology and genetics.

Learning Outcomes

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

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand the theory behind the new technologies related to different areas of biology and how to apply these technologies to a specific research question
2. Gain practical skills in cutting-edge technologies such as real-time PCR, Westerns, cell analysis, sequencing, reporter gene analysis, DNA and RNA purification, cDNA synthesis and proteomic gel analysis.
3. Be able to record and analyse scientific data.
4. Be able to read and write scientific papers.
5. Orally present scientific information
6.  to appreciate and design solutions to scientific problems.

Research-Led Teaching

Students will be lectured by a several Early Career Researchers, to be introduced to cutting edge techniques that they use in their research. Therefore, this course acts as an interface between teaching and the research that is carried out at the Research School of Biology. Additionally, traditional lab notebooks are replaced by computer based Lab archives, to introduce students to the latest in data recording. For on-campus students, two extended practicals will be written up as scientific papers; workshops to teach correct scientific writing will be provided by the Academic Skill and Learning Centre at ANU. For remote students, one of this practicals (the plant practical) will be replaced by Virtual Plant practical, which corresponds to a series of modules. Remote students are able to do the other practical, as this is a bioinformatic practical that is taught via a series of videos and zoom tutorials. Finally, a module on COVID biology and the techniques of detect and vaccine production will be introduced in 2022.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course, but the on campus plant practical is carried out during the mid-semester break.

Additional Course Costs

Lab coat and glasses are not provided, but are mandatory for the on campus practical class.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

• ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:
• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

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

• All assessment will be marked and extensive critical feedback provided. This will be on mark sheets for the oral presentation, but for all other assessment it will be done on Wattle, either in the Turnitin tool, or the quiz tools. Problem solving tutorials discussing answers to the first three assignments are done for assignments 1-3, with feedback on answers provided.

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

For on-campus students, two extended practicals will be written up as scientific papers; workshops to teach correct scientific writing will be provided by the Academic Skill and Learning Centre at ANU. For remote students, one of this practicals (the plant practical) will be replaced by Virtual Plant practical, which corresponds to a series of modules. Remote students are able to do the other practical, as this is a bioinformatic practical that is taught via a series of videos and zoom tutorials. Finally, a student conference (oral presentations) will take place, and this will be done over zoom to accommodate the remote students.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Recombinant DNA technology
2	PCR	Assignment 1
3	Genetic manipulation
4	Gene expression/Protein analysis	Assignment 2
5	Cell Biology/microscopy
6	Bioinformatics/sequencing technology	Assignment 3
7	Mid Semester break Plant molecular biology practical	Lab archives - journal of lab experiments
8	Mid Semester break	Lab archives - journal of lab experiments
9	COVID module
10	COVID module	COVID assignment
11	Insect bioinformatics coding practical
12	Insect bioinformatics coding practical	Insect/bioinformatics scientific paper
13	On campus Plant practical writeup - or virtual plant practical
14	On campus Plant practical writeup - or virtual plant practical
15		Plant paper (on campus) - virtual Plant practical modules

Tutorial Registration

Registration for tutorials are not required.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Assignment 1	12 %	04/03/2022	16/03/2022	1, 6
Assignment 2	12 %	18/03/2022	30/03/2022	1, 6
Assignment 3	12 %	01/04/2022	15/04/2022	1, 6
Proteomics Assignment	6 %	15/04/2022	25/05/2022	1, 6
COVID assignment	10 %	29/04/2022	10/05/2022	4, 5
Insect-bioinformatics paper.	20 %	16/05/2022	23/04/2022	2, 3, 4, 6
LabArchives - Insect-bioinformatics practical	5 %	16/05/2022	26/04/2022	3
Plant Scientific paper	2 %	22/05/2022	25/05/2022	4
Plant Scientific paper - Peer-review	2 %	25/05/2022	27/05/2022	4
Plant Scientific paper	16 %	31/05/2022	10/06/2022	2, 3, 4, 6
LabArchives - Plant practical	5 %	31/05/2022	10/06/2022	3
Plant virtual practical	4 %	20/05/2022	24/05/2022	1
Plant virtual practical	6 %	22/05/2022	26/05/2022	2
Plant virtual practical	5 %	25/05/2022	28/05/2022	2
Plant virtual practical	6 %	27/05/2022	31/05/2022	2
Plant virtual practical	4 %	31/05/2022	07/05/2022	1,6

* 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 Academic Integrity . 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

Participation is required for the practical sessions and is highly recommended for all other aspects of the course.

Examination(s)

There is no exam for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Assignment 1

Answer and solve problems related to molecular biology/recombinant DNA technology experimental approaches.

Assessment Task 2

Assignment 2

Answer and solve problems related to molecular biology/PCR experimental approaches.

Assessment Task 3

Assignment 3

Answer and solve problems related to molecular biology/genetic manipulation experimental approaches.

Assessment Task 4

Proteomics Assignment

Answer and solve problems related to proteomic experimental approaches.

Assessment Task 5

COVID assignment

Understand the technologies around COVID detection and vaccine development, develop written and oral presentations.

Assessment Task 6

Insect-bioinformatics paper.

Scientific paper of Insect-bioinformatics experiments. Write results up in a scientific paper format. This will be carried out via zoom tutorials and videos uploaded onto Wattle.

Assessment Task 7

LabArchives - Insect-bioinformatics practical

Record experiments of the insect-bioinformatics practical on the LabArchives platform

Assessment Task 8

Plant Scientific paper

Outline of proposed plant scientific paper

Assessment Task 9

Plant Scientific paper - Peer-review

Peer-review of fellow students outline of Plant Scientific paper, including critical/constructive feedback

Assessment Task 10

Plant Scientific paper

Scientific paper of plant practical experiments. Write results up in a scientific paper format.

Assessment Task 11

LabArchives - Plant practical

This is a series of online bioinformatic tasks carried out in five modules; introduction (4%), Sequence and phylogenetic analysis (6%), expression analysis and PCR primer design (5%), virtual cloning tasks using snap gene (6%) and application (4%) (for a total of 25%). This will be carried out in the platform LabArchives, with tutorals and trouble-shooting session performed over zoom meetings.

This is the option for remote students, and it replaces tasks (6-8: Plant Scientific paper) and 50% of task 5 (LabArchives of Plant practical)

Assessment Task 12

Plant virtual practical

Part one of a series of online bioinformatic tasks carried out in five modules. Go through online LabArchives tutorial on the introduction to this topic (4%), This will be carried out in the platform LabArchives, with tutorals and trouble-shooting session performed over zoom meetings. This is the option for remote students, and it replaces tasks (8-11: Plant Scientific paper, Outline, Peer-review, Plant Scientific paper and LabArchives of Plant practical.

Assessment Task 13

Plant virtual practical

Part two of a series of online bioinformatic tasks carried out in five modules. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis (6%). This will be carried out in the platform LabArchives, with tutorals and trouble-shooting session performed over zoom meetings.

Assessment Task 14

Plant virtual practical

Part three of a series of online bioinformatic tasks carried out in five modules. Expression analysis and PCR primer design (5%). This will be carried out in the platform LabArchives, with tutorals and trouble-shooting session performed over zoom meetings.

Assessment Task 15

Plant virtual practical

Part four of a series of online bioinformatic tasks carried out in five modules. Virtual cloning tasks using snap gene (6%). This will be carried out in the platform LabArchives, with tutorals and trouble-shooting session performed over zoom meetings.

Assessment Task 16

Plant virtual practical

Part five of a series of online bioinformatic tasks carried out in five modules. Applications (4%). This will be carried out in the platform LabArchives, with tutorals and trouble-shooting session performed over zoom meetings.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to 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 be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, 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 Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

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

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.

Returning Assignments

All assignments will be handed in through the Wattle teaching tool, and all feedback will be provided through Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Re submission of assignments is not permitted.

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