Course Title: Gene Technologies 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Gene Technologies 1

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS1052

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ONPS1052

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018

ONPS2641

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023

Course Coordinator: Professor Aidyn Mouradov

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925-7144

Course Coordinator Email: aidyn.mouradov@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 223-1- Bundoora West campus

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

This course assumes knowledge of genetics, cell biology and biochemistry equivalent to the successful completion of a second-year tertiary course .


Course Description

This course aims provide you with an understanding of the principles and methodologies of recently developed gene technologies and the applications of these technologies to the diagnosis and treatment of disease and the development of new products through genetic manipulation. Topic areas include, but may not be limited to, detailed study of molecular biology techniques, particularly gene cloning and expression systems such as plasmids, construction and screening of genomic libraries, foreign gene transfer and expression systems in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, high throughput and next generation DNA sequencing and microarrays and the use of gene expression profiling. How these emerging technologies are used to diagnose disease, develop therapeutics, new foods and transgenic crops will be detailed for you.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes in MC111 Master of Biotechnology:

1. Understanding Science 

1.1 You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society. 

1.2 You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology 

2. Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology. 

2.1 You will demonstrate cognitive skills in the mastery of advanced theoretical knowledge in biotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems in existing and new areas. 

5. Personal and professional responsibility. 

5.3 You will demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to biotechnology

 


On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:  

  1. Understand the principles of molecular biology and their application;
  2. Identify the recombinant DNA techniques and how they are applied to develop new products and treatments for human and animal diseases;
  3. Perform laboratory skills safely and carefully, demonstrating knowledge of hazards, their prevention and safety; 
  4. Comprehend theoretical and technical molecular structures and functions of DNA, as well as the various methods of DNA cloning, strategies and gene expression;
  5. Coordinate and perform molecular biological procedures;
  6. Critically analyse and discuss the results of laboratory investigation.  


Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn in this course by: 

  • Lectures in which syllabus material will be presented and explained. 
  • Compulsory participation in practical classes which complement the lectures enabling you to acquire and practise skills to handle microorganisms in the laboratory. Discussion sessions during practical classes aim to ensure a proper understanding of the topics. 
  • Preparation of written practical reports and the application of different e-media tools to produce oral presentations. 
  • Private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials provided by the Canvas learning management system. 
  • You will work both individually and collaboratively with your peers and subject experts. 
  • Other activities include self-directed learning by computer-assisted learning, review of the literature and current publications as well as accessing a number of resources available over the internet.

You will be actively encouraged to attend and participate in all planned student learning experiences, i.e. lectures and practical classes, reading of relevant reference materials pointed out during student learning experiences and undertaking the necessary study to personally benefit your learning of the subject material. 

  • While attendance is not compulsory in this subject, satisfactory completion of all programmed learning activities is required; in particular, the practical exercises are necessary to develop appropriate knowledge and skills to successfully pass this course. 


Overview of Learning Resources

The course website provides a syllabus, lecture notes, handouts for the laboratory practicals sample assignments and test questions, and references to additional resources. Information on additional readings will be provided. 


Overview of Assessment

Note: This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment tasks:

 

Online quiz (MCQ) 

Weighting 15%  

This assessment support CLOs 1, 3 & 6 

 

Practical component 

Weighting20% 

This assessment supports CLOs 2, 4 & 6 

 

Case Study: Molecular cloning  

Weighting: 30%

This is an individual take-home task consisting of case-study questions. You can access available information and critically evaluate scientific and technical sources related to molecular cloning techniques.  

This assessment supports CLOs 1, 3, 4 & 6 

 

Case study: Biotechnology 

Weighting: 35% 

This is an individual take-home task consisting of case-study questions. You can access available information and critically evaluate scientific and technical sources related to gene expression regulation, genome editing and their applications in biotechnology.  

This assessment supports CLOs 1, 3, 5 & 6