01. Apply the basic vocabulary of biochemistry and molecular biology to describe the structures and functions of biological macromolecules.

Activities:

In on-line learning materials, students will be instructed in molecular interactions, information transfer and the synthesis and structure/function relationships of nucleic acids and proteins, the implications of thermodynamics and energetics on biological systems, and techniques in molecular biology. These concepts will be reinforced by small-group discussions and activities in face-to-face workshop sessions. The students' understanding of these concepts will be assessed by short-answer, fill-in-the-blank, mix-and-match, diagrammatic and/or multiple-choice questions in workshop quizzes, and formal examinations.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Apply biochemical and molecular biology techniques, principles and methodologies to address research problems.

Activities:

In laboratory classes, students will be instructed in basic laboratory skills (micropipetting, spectrophotometry, data analysis and critique) and will gain hands-on experience in a range of protein-chemistry and molecular biology techniques. The students' ability to carry out these techniques will be assessed on the basis of the quality of their experimental results, and this will contribute to their 'laboratory performance' mark. The students' understanding of the underlying principles will be assessed through prac reports.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Write scientific reports that present coherent evidence-based explanations to communicate to peers.

Activities:

Students will be instructed on aspects of scientific writing in a workshop which will address their prac-report writing and the preparation of their written report on the research assignment. Scientific wrtiting will be assessed in prac reports and in the research assignment.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)

04. Employ laboratory practice to acceptable standards in terms of safety, professional conduct and keeping accurate records of experimental data.

Activities:

Students will complete an induction exercise (not formally assessed)where they are introduced to various aspects of biochemical laboratory practice: appropriate behaviour, safe handling of equipment and reagents, principles of risk assessment, appropriate record keeping. These factors will be assessed during all subsequent prac sessions as a component of the laboratory performance mark.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)

05. Compute basic mathematical calculations and prepare graphic representations to aid the interpretation of biochemical data consistent with scientific standards.

Activities:

Calculations and graphical analyses will be commonly performed as part of laboratory practicals, and instruction will be provided during pre-prac talks, in the laboratory manual and/or by demonstrators during prac sessions. Calculations and graphic representations will be assessed as an integral component of practical report marking.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)

06. Demonstrate independent learning and research skills by locating, interrogating and evaluating relevant scientific information.

Activities:

Students will be instructed on the importance of accessing multiple sources of information (wherever possible), and on selecting appropriate and reliable sources of information, during the workshop on scientific writing. The gathering and critical analysis of information derived from multiple literature-based sources will be assessed as a component of the research assignment. The prac course will include an experimental design component which will be assessed partly on the basis of inclusion of appropriate controls in student-designed experiments and the use of relevant information sources.

Related graduate capabilities and elements:

Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)