Contemporary biological research utilises foundational analytical approaches including genetic manipulation, biochemistry and microscopy to understand life. This course focuses on the application of various microscopic approaches to analyse the variance, function and structure of plant, animal and human samples across scales from the biological system to the molecular level. Students will experience how microscopy enables researchers to undertake powerful qualitative and quantitative analysis and they will be guided in interpretation of biological sample analysis.

This course is offered intensively over two weeks during the Summer Session. The course will be held during late January and early February of each year. Enrolment places are limited to 30 as entry will be merit-based and practicals require small groups. Information on how to enrol in this course is in the Other Information section.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Appraise the relevance of microscopic approaches to life sciences inquiries.
2. Determine an appropriate sample preparation and instrumentation selection based on the nature of the research inquiry being pursued.
3. Critically analyse, interpret and report visual data with awareness of the limitations and affordances inherent in selected methods and analytical tools.
4. Participate in and contribute to collaborative research inquiries.
5. Manage necessary experimental protocols and documentation to ensure accurate interpretation, publication and reproducibility of visual data.
6. Transfer and infer microscopic approaches for different inquiry contexts.

Research-Led Teaching

all modules revolve around real research enquiries and are described in detail in the book template of the course page

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

$20 Lab Archives electronic labbook

Examination Material or equipment

as specified for each day in the book template of the course

Required Resources

as specified for each day in the book template of the course

Recommended Resources

as specified for each day in the book template of the course

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop.
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Where an assignment is formed of a number of activities, the date range indicates the due date for the first component and the return date of the final component. Further information is provided in the assessment section of the class summary, and details are provided on the course wattle site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Day 1 - Introduction to Light Microscopy Day 2 - Histological processes Day 3 - Plants: fluorescent measurements to quantify biological response Day 4 - Cytology, IFA & Malaria Day 5 - IFA 2 & image manipulation Day 6 - Nano-scale microscopy: SEM Day 7 - Nano-scale Microscopy:TEM Day 8 - CLEM Part 1 & Ethics of Image Manipulation Day 9 - CLEM Part 2 & in situ hybridisation Day 10 - The future in microscopy	see book template for details

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Electronic lab book via Lab Archives	10 %	14/02/2022	*	3,5
Research Reflections	7 %	*	*	1,2
Group Reports (2)	18 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5
Group Presentation participation	5 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5
In class-Online Quiz	10 %	07/02/2022	10/02/2022	1,2,3,5,6
Final Exam (in class online)	25 %	15/02/2022	22/02/2022	1,2,3,5,6
Research Essay	25 %	18/02/2022	01/03/2022	1,2,3,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

course participation in group activities and presentations; 5% of final mark; students are expected to attend all lectures and class practicals and participate actively in group work and group presentations throughout the 2 weeks intensive course

Examination(s)

Quiz and final exam

Assessment Task 1

Electronic lab book via Lab Archives

Documentation of laboratory and practical work over 10 days. This is a form of continuous assessment based on students meeting each individual lab deliverables (describe samples and sample preparation for microscope analysis, and analyses of visual data from lab/practicals results). This is an online lab book, so teaching staff will comment progressively and assess, after completion of each module on each day. Use prompt questions as a guide and answer them after each module.

Due: need to be logged every day; final submission of all content: Monday 14/02/2022: 11:59pm

Assessment Task 2

Research Reflections

Two research reflection posts over the course based on a question bank to integrate theory, practicals and personal learning.

No.1 Due: 03/02/2022 by 11:59pm, @250 words

No.2 Due: 10/02/2022 by 11:59pm, @400 words

Assessment Task 3

Group Reports (2)

Two group reports:

‘Histology/Cytology and Fluorescence Labelling: Appraisal of live vs fixed sample preparation and viewing'

Due: 8th February by 11:59pm, @800 words

Value: 9 %

Structural Analysis & Correlation.

Due: 11th February, by 11:59pm, @800 words. 

Value: 9%

Assessment Task 4

Group Presentation participation

Based on group members contribution to group presentations through the course. The criteria for assessment will be based on individual performance throughout the course including, but not restricted to, active engagement in group presentations either presenting the material and/or assisting with demonstrations and/or responding to questions from the audience

Value: 5%

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 5

In class-Online Quiz

(duration 45 minutes); tests knowledge of concepts that have been covered to this point

Due: 7th February 2022; 4:30pm

Returned: 10th February

Value: 10%

Assessment Task 6

Final Exam (in class online)

Set time: Tuesday 15th February, 9 am (duration 1.5 hours)

tests transfer of knowledge capability

Value: 25%

Returned: Tuesday 22nd February 2022

Assessment Task 7

Research Essay

Choice of research scenarios to apply sample preparation and microscopic analysis to. No more than 1600 words. To be submitted through Turnitin.

Due: Friday, 18th February. 11:59pm

Returned: with final mark: 01/03/2022

Value: 25%

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

all online assignments will be marked online and marks will be returned electronically on the specified dates listed in the relevant book template pages on wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

resubmissions of individual lab book pages might be allowed in the LabArchives electronic lab book upon tutor's or lecturer's feedback.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students