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BCHM 218 - Molecular Biology

 Fall 2023 (Online & On-Campus), Winter 2024 (Blended)
 Year 2
 9-10 hours/week
 3 units
Available
On-Campus Course
Online Course

Molecules and macromolecules that participate in the replication and expression of genes. Current methods for exploring the structure, function, and manipulation of genetic material.


Level 2 or above and [(BIOL 102/3.0 and CHEM 112/6.0) or (CHEM 114/3.0 and PHGY 170/3.0)].

MBIO 218/3.0

Online (OnQ) and in-class format for all materials, communication, and assignment submissions.

After completing BCHM 218, students will be able to:

  1. Explain how biomolecules (DNA, RNA, protein) function and interact to support life; (PLO 1, Assessment 1-5)
  2. Apply research-based theories to solve problems related to biochemistry and molecular biology; (PLO 1, Assessment 1-5)
  3. Use computer-based multimedia to model and mimic the behaviour of biomolecules when conditions can be controlled in an in vitro-type experimental situation, and within the context of simulated cells; (PLO 2, LaunchPad simulations)

Note: PLO refers to the program learning outcome that each course learning outcome matches to.

Assessments 1 and 2 - Poll Everywhere Sessions (5%) and End of Module Quizzes (4)(15%)

Students will have the opportunity to take short quizzes using Poll Everywhere and OnQ based on topics presented in the modules. These quizzes will contain a series of multiple choice questions designed to test the student’s knowledge and understanding of the material presented in the module. The Poll Everywhere evaluations will occur during the in-class discussion sessions.

Assessment 2 - Problem-Based Activities (4)(20%)

Students are required to complete four problem-based activities (PBA) throughout the course. In each PBA, students will be presented with a problem and must answer a set of questions related to module content and real-life applications of biochemistry. The questions will be a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and a short essay questions. Each of the four PBAs is worth a total of 5% of the final grade.

Assessment 3 – Midterm Exam (30%)

Students are required to write a proctored midterm exam. The exam will consist of well-developed multiple choice and short answer questions. Students will have three hours to complete the exam. The midterm exam will assess students’ understanding of Modules 1 and 2.

Assessment 4 - Final Proctored Exam (30%)

Students are required to write a final proctored exam. The exam will consist of well-developed multiple choice and short answer questions. Students will have three hours to complete the exam. The final exam will assess students’ understanding of Modules 3 and 4.

Students can expect to spend approximately 9-10 hours a week (108-120 hours per term) in study/practice and online activities for BCHM 218.

Cox, M. M., Doudna, J. A., & O'Donnell, M., biochemist. (2015). Molecular biology: Principles and practice (2nd edition). New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Co. through LaunchPad (BioPortal)

All components of this course will receive numerical percentage marks.  The final grade you receive for the course will be derived by converting your numerical course average to a letter grade according to Queen’s Official Grade Conversion Scale:

Queen’s Official Grade Conversion Scale

Grade  Numerical Course Average (Range)

A+            90-100

A              85-89

A-             80-84

B+            77-79

B              73-76

B-             70-72

C+            67-69

C              63-66

C-             60-62

D+            57-59

D              53-56

D-             50-52

F              49 and below