Instructions for submitting your assessment:

Submission via moodle.

Learning Outcomes being assessed:

This assessment will assess the following learning outcomes and will contribute 30% to your final grade:

1. Critically analyse common molecular biology laboratory techniques.

2. Evaluate the legal and cultural implications of GMO and gene editing and identify implications for molecular biology analysis.

5. Critically analyse recent technique advancements in molecular biology techniques and implications on current laboratory practice.

With the following associated Graduate outcomes.

Graduate Outcomes

GPO1: Work independently and collaboratively to critically and systematically undertake routine and analytical laboratory work

GPO2: Collect, process, evaluate, analyse and critique data in an operational or research context

GPO3: Demonstrate intellectual independence, critical thinking and an analytic rigor to recognise, analyse and solve problems in laboratory science

GPO6: Recommend, practice, and embed, best practice laboratory processes and procedures to ensure quality, consistency, and reliability

GPO7: Evidence a suite of transferable laboratory practice skills which include: risk and hazard analysis, health and safety, hygiene and cleanliness, quality assurance, measurement, calibration and standardisation, regulatory systems, facility management, and inventory management

GPO8: Independent consume research to recommend and apply elements of experimental scientific design and to recommend, select, and deploy new and complex technologies

GPO9: Navigate the cultural, ethical, and regulatory frameworks that underpin laboratory science in New Zealand, including the intersection of mātauranga Māori and laboratory science, and partnering with mana whenua in accordance with the Treaty of Waitangi.

INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT

Student Name(s):

Student ID Number(s):

MARKING SCHEMA

Achievement

Criteria

Poor (0-7)

Developing (8-9)

Satisfactory (10-11)

Of Merit (12-14)

Exemplary (15-20)

Traditional Cloning Techniques

Incomplete or significantly inaccurate representation of traditional cloning techniques. Poor visual clarity and confusing flow. Scientific errors prevalent.

Basic representation of traditional cloning with significant omissions. Limited visual clarity with confusing organization. Some major scientific inaccuracies.

Adequate representation of most traditional cloning steps with minor inaccuracies. Reasonable visual clarity but flow may be confusing in places. Some scientific inaccuracies.

Good representation of all traditional cloning steps with clear explanations and good visual organization. Minor inaccuracies may be present.

Comprehensive and accurate representation of all traditional molecular cloning steps with clear explanations and precise scientific terminology. Excellent visual clarity, flow, and scientific accuracy.

Modern Cloning Methods

Inadequate representation of modern methods with significant errors. Little or unclear explanation of impact on laboratory practice.

Limited representation of modern methods with several inaccuracies. Basic explanation of how these methods affect laboratory practice, lacking depth.

Adequate representation of 2-3 modern methods with some analytical gaps. Clear explanation of how these methods affect laboratory practice.

Good representation of 3 modern methods with accurate analysis of their mechanisms and impact on laboratory practices.

Excellent representation of at least 3 modern methods involved in cloning with insightful analysis of their mechanisms. Superior visual explanation of how these methods have transformed laboratory practice.

Comparative Analysis

Poor or missing comparison with few relevant advantages or limitations identified. No meaningful analysis of implications.

Basic comparison with limited advantages and limitations identified. Minimal analysis of implications for research.

Reasonable comparison with some advantages and limitations identified and basic analysis of implications.

Good comparison with accurate analysis of major advantages, limitations, and implications for molecular biology research.

Exceptional comparison of traditional vs. modern approaches with comprehensive, insightful analysis of advantages, limitations, and implications for current research.

Visual Communication

Poor visual design that hinders understanding.

Basic visual design with limited effectiveness.

Adequate visual design that supports understanding

Effective visual design that enhances understanding. Scientific information

Exceptional visual design that significantly enhances understanding with excellent use of colour, layout, and graphics.

Total

/80 marks

/50 percent

Criteria

Poor (0-7)

Developing (8-9)

Satisfactory (10-11)

Of Merit (12-14)

Exemplary (15-20)

Decision Points & Regulatory Framework

Inadequate flow diagram with fewer than 5 decision points or many unclear connections. Poor integration of regulatory framework with few or no specific references.

Basic flow diagram with 5-6 decision points. Limited integration of regulatory framework with minimal specific references.

Adequate flow diagram with 6-7 clearly defined decision points. Reasonable integration of HSNO Act with some general references.

Good flow diagram with 8-9 clearly defined decision points. Good integration of HSNO Act with specific section references for most key points.

Comprehensive flow diagram with 10+ clearly defined, relevant decision points. Exceptional integration of HSNO Act and other relevant legislation with specific section references throughout.

Cultural Considerations & Visual Clarity

Minimal or inappropriate incorporation of cultural considerations. Poor visual clarity with inadequate annotations.

Limited incorporation of cultural considerations with generic examples. Basic visual clarity with minimal annotations.

Adequate incorporation of cultural considerations with some specific examples. Reasonable visual clarity with annotations for major decision points.

Good incorporation of Māori cultural considerations with relevant examples. Clear visual design with helpful annotations that explain most decision points.

Excellent incorporation of Māori cultural considerations with specific, relevant examples and consultation processes. Exceptional visual clarity with excellent annotations that thoroughly explain each decision point.

Total

/40 marks

/25 percent

Criteria

Poor (0-7)

Developing (8-9)

Satisfactory (10-11)

Of Merit (12-14)

Exemplary (15-20)

Case Study 1: E. coli Antibiotic Gene Analysis

Poor analysis with few or incorrectly identified regulatory requirements. Little or no application of decision tree logic. Significant scientific errors.

Basic analysis with limited identification of regulatory requirements. Minimal application of decision tree logic. Some scientific inaccuracies.

Adequate analysis with identification of major regulatory requirements and basic laboratory practices. Reasonable application of decision tree logic.

Good analysis with clear identification of regulatory requirements, cultural considerations, and laboratory practices. Effective application of decision tree logic.

Exceptional analysis with comprehensive identification of all regulatory requirements, cultural considerations, and laboratory practices. Excellent application of decision tree logic with insightful discussion of implications.

Case Study 2: Pōhutukawa Gene Editing Analysis

Poor analysis with little understanding of plant genetic modification regulations. Little or no application of decision tree logic. Significant scientific errors.

Basic analysis with limited identification of plant-specific regulations. Minimal application of decision tree logic. Some scientific inaccuracies.

Adequate analysis with identification of major plant-specific regulatory requirements and basic laboratory practices. Reasonable application of decision tree logic.

Good analysis with clear identification of plant-specific regulations, cultural considerations for native species, and appropriate laboratory practices. Effective application of decision tree logic.

Exceptional analysis with comprehensive identification of plant-specific regulations, detailed cultural considerations for taonga species, and appropriate laboratory practices. Excellent application of decision tree logic with insightful discussion of implications.

Critical Thinking & Scientific Communication

Limited critical thinking with minimal analysis. Poor scientific communication with inappropriate terminology or illogical structure.

Basic critical thinking with superficial analysis. Inconsistent scientific communication with imprecise terminology.

Adequate critical thinking with reasonable analysis of major implications. Satisfactory scientific communication with generally appropriate terminology.

Good critical thinking demonstrated through thoughtful analysis of implications. Clear scientific communication with appropriate terminology and logical structure.

Exceptional critical thinking demonstrated through sophisticated analysis of implications. Excellent scientific communication with precise terminology, clear logical structure, and compelling arguments.

Total

/ 60 marks

/25 percent