BIOCHEM 3001 - Cancer, Stem Cells & Development III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course will study the regulation of cellular signalling, proliferation and differentiation in the context of embryonic development and diseases such as cancer. The course provides detailed information on the major conceptual and technical advances in this field, focussing on two principle themes: The Molecular Basis of Cancer: topics include - the molecular mechanisms underlying normal cell-cell communication, signal transduction pathways, control of cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell fate decisions and differentiation, intracellular compartments and the cytoskeleton and its role in determining cell shape, adhesion and migration. Stem Cells and Development: topics include the generation and use of embryonic and adult stem cells, cellular reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells and generation and analysis of transgenic and knock-out mice. Additional topics include the molecular basis of animal development in lower eukaryotes and vertebrates, cell differentiation, neurogenesis, morphogenesis, the molecular basis of segmentation and body plan, the role of growth factors in developmental decisions, sex determination and medical applications.

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Course Details

Course Code	BIOCHEM 3001
Course	Cancer, Stem Cells & Development III
Coordinating Unit	School of Molecular and Biomedical Sci(Inactive)
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	6
Contact	Up to 23 hours per fortnight
Prerequisites	BIOCHEM 2500 & BIOCHEM 2501 or equivalent
Assumed Knowledge	BIOCHEM 3000
Assessment	Exam on lecture material, practical component

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Tony Fratini

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Understanding aspects of the molecular basis of cancer.
2	Understanding aspects of stem cells and development.
3	Understanding key experimental processes required to evaluate the molecular basis of cancer, stem cells and development, and knowledge of how to apply them to solve specific biochemical problems.
4	Specific skills in planning, performing, interpreting, quantitatively analysing and communicating biochemical research using a variety of modern experimental techniques.
5	Ability to find, read, interpret and critically analyse relevant scientific literature.
6	Ability to work in teams and communicate scientific outcomes.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1, 2, 3
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	3, 4, 5
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	4, 5, 6
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	6
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1, 2, 3, 4
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	3, 4, 5, 6
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	5, 6
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	4, 6

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Laboratory coat, safety glasses and closed shoes.

Recommended Resources

Text book: Molecular Biology of the Cell (5th Edn) by Alberts et al., 2008, Published by Garland Science

Online Learning

Resource material such as lecture, tutorial, practical and past exams will be available on Myuni.Online assessment will be conducted via Myuni.

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course will be delivered by the following means:

3 Lectures of 1 hour each per week by the Academic research staff.

1 Tutorial of 1 hour per week developing material covered in lectures. The lecturer takes the tutorial classes for their section.

1 Practical of 15 hours per fortnight. (Odd weeks = 5 hours & Even weeks = 10 hour
duration) during the first six weeks of the semester.

1 essay topic: 7 regular practical sessions are set aside for students to research and
prepare a specific essay topic.

3 online multiple choice tests of 1 hour duration per semester (weeks 4, 8 and 12, with
immediate feedback provided).

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 24 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

Learning Activities Summary

Schedule
Week 1	Signalling Domains: Structure and Function	Lecture
Week 2	Signal Transduction in Normal Growth and Cancer	Lecture
Week 3	Cancer: Cell Proliferation/Survival	Lecture
Week 4	Cancer: Cell Cycle/Apoptosis	Lecture
Week 5	Cancer	Lecture
Week 6	Cancer: Adhesion/Migration	Lecture
Week 7	Cancer: Adhesion/Migration	Lecture
Week 8	Cancer and Metabolism	Lecture
Week 9	Axis Determination and Positional Information in Embryos	Lecture
Week 10	Stem Cells	Lecture
Week 11	Cell Differentiation/Neurogenesis	Lecture
Week 12	Sex Determination	Lecture

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Due	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Written exam on lecture material	Summative	examination week	65%	1, 2, 3
Practical write up on research project	Summative	end of week 7	15%	4, 5
Essay research topic	Summative	end of week 12	15%	4, 5
Online assessment	Summative/formative	weeks 4, 8 and 12	5%	1, 2, 3

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance and active participation at all practicals is mandatory.

Assessment Detail

End of semester written Exam (65% of total course grade) – 3 hour examination covering the lecture material. It is made up of a mixture of short and long answer type questions.

Practical write up (15% of total course grade). The six week long practical exercise will include experimental work, keeping an up to date laboratory notebook, 1 oral presentation and the

submission of a final practical report. The oral presentation is 10-15 minutes, cover the research performed in the practical, and performed in small groups in week 6. Students receive feedback throughout the semester on laboratory performance and keeping of laboratory notebooks, immediately after the oral presentation, and on the final report.

Outstanding students may have the option of a laboratory-based research project in place of the practical exercise.

Essay write up and presentation (15% of total course grade). Students (working in groups of 6 - 8 with an essay advisor) will be given the opportunity to write an individual essay of approximately 2000 words on a current area of biochemical research and then present their topic, as part of a small group, to the Discipline of Biochemistry academic staff members and the essay advisors. Students receive detailed written feedback on the assessment of their essay.

Online exercises: Three multiple choice tests in weeks 4, 8 and 12 (5% of total course grade). Encourages revision of the material soon after the relevant lectures, and immediate feedback provided to students.

Submission

No information currently available.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

Provision of Feedback to Students
The assessor usually provides appropriate feedback of assessment tasks to the student by means of

written comments. The student has the opportunity to directly liaise with the assessor to obtain additional feedback and clarification if required.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator