BIOLOGY 1310A - Fundamentals of Biomedical Science

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

Medicine and Biomedical Research are underpinned by an understanding of fundamental human biomedical science. This course describes how simple molecules and cells are built up to form the complexity of the human body including the complex network of tissues and organ systems, their interactions with the environment and potential pathogens. Topics to be covered include the chemicals of life, macromolecules, transfer of genetic information, lipid membranes and the structure of cells, homeostasis, the storage and utilisation of energy, the physical basis of medical imaging, the transfer of genetic information, patterns of inheritance and evolution, the control of cell division, cell shape and cell death, reproduction, growth and development, hormone networks and signalling.

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Course Details

Course Code	BIOLOGY 1310A
Course	Fundamentals of Biomedical Science
Coordinating Unit	School of Biological Sciences
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Contact	Up to 5 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Incompatible	BIOLOGY 1101, BIOLOGY 1102, BIOLOGY 1510, BIOLOGY 1520
Restrictions	Available to MBBS students only
Assessment	Final examination, online quizzes, practical reports, tutorial papers, group project work & written tests

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Michelle Coulson

Course Timetable

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

Course Learning Outcomes

A successful student should be able to:

1	display an understanding of the chemical nature of biological processes in the human body.
2	understand that the cell is the basic unit of structure of all living organisms.
3	understand the principles of control systems in cells and organs of the normal human body.
4	understand the principles, characteristics and behavour of microorganisms and their relationship to infectious disease.
5	understand the principles underlying the characteristic immune responses to infection.
6	appreciate the impact individual or teams of biomedical researchers have had on the practice of medicine.
7	write reports and to present experimental results in a valid scientific manner.
8	display scientific curiosity and to appreciate the importance of asking questions.

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)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1-6
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	1-8
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	6-8
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	1-8
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	6
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	1-8

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Personal Protective Equipment (Practicals):
Laboratory Coat
Safety Glasses
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course will be delivered by the following means:

3 x 1 hour lectures per week

2 x 2 hour practical per semester

10 x 1 hour tutorial per semester

Workload

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

Contact Hours (49 hours)

Lectures 30 x 1 = 30 hours

Lecture Tests 2 x 1 = 2 hours

Tutorials 10 x 1 = 10 hours

Practicals 2 x 2 = 4 hours

Exam 1 x 3 hours = 3 hours

Non-contact Hours (83 hours)

Weekly reading/other study 3 hours per week = 36 hours

Preparation for tutorials 1 hour per week = 10 hours

Preparation for Practicals 2 hours per practical = 4 hours

Preparation for Tests = 10 hours

Preparation of Practical assessment = 8 hours

Exam preparation= 15 hours

Total = approximately 132 hours

Learning Activities Summary

The topics covered in the course (and supported by the textbook and online resources) are as follows:

Lectures 1-2: Cellular Organisation.

Lectures 3-8: Biochemistry and genes to proteins

Lectures 9-11: Homeostasis

Lectures 12-14: Medical Physics

Lectures 15-20: Metabolism

Lectures 21-30: Host Pathogen interactions.

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

Overview
As a continuing course, the material from Semester 1 is also examinable in Semester 2. Note
that the final mark for the combined course is composed of 40% Semester 1 and 60% of
Semester 2.

End of Semester Theory Examination 60%
Held during official University examination period.
The format of the exam will be 40% short answer/integrative questions, 60% MCQ.

Tests – Total 20%
Test #1 Closed Book MCQ 10%
Test #2 Closed Book MCQ 10%

Practical Assessment - Total 15%

Tutorial Assessment - Total 5%
All tutorials are regarded as both formative and summative and each student will be assessed
on their attendance and participation.
Attendance and Participation 5%

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance at Practicals is compulsory. Attendance and participation at tutorials is expected

Assessment Detail

End of Semester Theory Examination	60%
The examination will be divided into two sections: A. short answer questions (60 marks) B. multiple choice questions (90 marks)
Supervised Tests - Total	20%
Test #1 - Closed book (~Week 6) 10% Test #2 - Closed book (~Week 12) 10%
Tutorial participation – Total	5%
All tutorials are regarded as both formative and summative and each student will be assessed on their attendance AND participation (5%)
Practical Assessment - Total	15%
Practical 1: Completed worksheet 7.5 % Practical 2: Completed worksheet 7.5 %

Submission

If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied.
This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

Course Grading

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

NOG (No Grade Associated)
Grade	Description
CN	Continuing

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.
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