Outline

Overview

Complex interactions between molecules and cells form the basis for life on earth. In this unit, you will explore scales of organisation from molecules to cells and organisms. The unit begins the journey of life with the synthesis of biomolecules, follows on through the expression and regulation of genes, to the complex communication between molecules, and then to cells and how cells are integrated to form a complex organism. You will learn how single cells divide and differentiate to create simple and complex multicellular organisms which experience disease and death. Concepts of cellular energy, communication, and enzymes, all of which combine to drive life processes, will be explored. In this unit, you will gain an understanding of the fundamental role of cells in normal bodily functions and recognize that disturbances to organism homeostasis have a molecular and cellular basis. You will also investigate the impacts and interactions between microbial and human life, including the development of drugs and biotechnology. You will participate in inquiry-led laboratories and workshops that require problem solving, collaboration and teamwork. By doing this unit you will be developing the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to solve problems in the pharmaceutical, life and medical sciences.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	BIOL1009
Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	BIOL1X07
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Widjaja, michael.widjaja@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Osu Lilje, osu.lilje@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Michael Widjaja, michael.widjaja@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam 2 hour exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Practical Results Submission of image of results and answering questions	8%	Multiple weeks	Small Canvas submission.
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Skills Test 2 Tests of SAQ/MCQ based on lab techniques and interpretation.	20%	Multiple weeks	30 min each
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task (unassessed)	0%	Week 03 Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 23:00	15 min
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Module Quiz Post-Module Quiz 1	4%	Week 05 Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 23:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Discussing Diseases - Written responses, Infographic, and Reflection To inform and present information to the general public, then reflect.	20%	Week 07 Due date: 07 Apr 2024 at 23:00	Varied
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Module Quiz Post-Module Quiz 2	4%	Week 10 Due date: 31 May 2024 at 23:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Module Quiz Post-Module Quiz 3	4%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: An unassessed quiz that will test the first 3 weeks of the semester and help prepare for the first Post-module quiz.
Post-module quizzes: Consisting of 10 multiple choice questions, these quizzes will test your understanding of the material covered in the lectures within each module, generally 3 - 4 weeks.
Practical Results: Results must be submitted on Canvas during 8 practical classes.
Skills Test: Complete skills tests relating to practical techniques, knowledge, and interpretation of results.
Group task: This assignment will require you to work in groups to inform and present information to the general public on a particular disease and associated drugs. Then you will be required to reflect on this task.
Final exam: The exam will cover all unit material from lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The unit coordinator will determine the format of the alternative assessment.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Able to write a coherent and flowing report in good English. Using a variety of viewpoints to argue the process for identifying the problem. Excellent discussion of management strategies to manage this problem. References are used wisely and the student shows an ability to critique the literature. Sources included at least three refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.
Distinction	75 - 84	Able to write a coherent report in good English. Presented at least two points of view to argue the process for identifying the problem. Good discussion of management strategies to manage this problem. Sources included at least three refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.
Credit	65 - 74	Presented a report in good English. Presented at least two points of view to argue the process for identifying the problem. Reasonable discussion of management strategies to manage this problem. Sources included at least two refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.
Pass	50 - 64	Presented and report in good English that defined the problem and came to a recommendation. Sources included two refereed journal articles, in a reference list.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. Presented a report that did not address the problem or was poorly constructed and grammatically incorrect. Did not provide any recommendations. Did not use any refereed journal papers.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for every 24 hours after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: Molecules	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Practical 1: Introduction and Induction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: The Genetic Code	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Practical 2: DIY DNA Extraction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: Protein Synthesis	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Practical 3: DNA Extraction Kit	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: Enzymes and Kinetics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Practical 4: Protein Enzyme Assay	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Module 2 - Cells and Energy: Cell Replication and Diversity	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Practical 5: Cells Under the Microscope	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 - Cells and Energy: Cell Communication	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Practical 6: Object Based Learning	Field trip (3 hr)
Week 07	Module 2 - Cells and Energy: Cell Metabolism	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Practical 7: Pharmacogenomics Workshop	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Module 3 - Cell Systems and Microbiology: Microbes	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Practical 8: Microbial Simulations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Module 3 - Cell Systems and Microbiology: The Microbial Community	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Practical 9: The Microbial World	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Module 3 - Cell Systems and Microbiology: The Microbial Impact	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Practical 10: Microbial Investigation	Field trip (3 hr)
Week 11	Module 3 - Future Medicine: Cell Factories	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Practical 11: Antimicrobial Resistance	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Module 3 - Future Medicine: Medical Biology	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Practical 12: Microbial Analysis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Module 3 - Future Medicine: Regenerative Medicine	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Practical 13: Medicinal Properties in Plants Workshop	Field trip (3 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe information transfer from DNA to proteins, cell regulation and gene expression, cell generation of energy (metabolism and photosynthesis).
LO2. Explain the biological organisation from molecules to cells and cellular communities which integrate to form a dynamic network in an organism.
LO3. Describe cell differentiation and diversity. Explain cell compartmentalisation and consequences for function in prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
LO4. Describe modern molecular techniques, including genomic and proteomics and the role of microbes in health and disease and biotechnology.
LO5. Solve problems: (i) propose and test hypotheses to explain biological phenomena (ii) identify and use appropriate technical and analytical skills to collect data (iii) analyse quantitative data to critically evaluate evidence for biological explanations.
LO6. Demonstrate appropriate and effective communication: (i) produce written, visual, and oral explanations to communicate to a scientific audience and to the general public (ii) contribute to both independent and group tasks.
LO7. Demonstrate development in personal and professional responsibility: (i) evaluate and debate arguments on biological phenomena in a respectful and ethical manner (ii) reflect on your development as a student and the responsibility you have to find and apply information and work ethically, responsibly and safely.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The 2024 unit has incorporated any considerable feedback from the previous year to improve student and staff experience.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BIOL1009: From Molecules to Cells and Organisms

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect