Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: ONPS5665C

Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5282 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)

Course Contact: Amberlee Mitton

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8053

Course Contact Email: amber.mitton@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 150

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

MSL974006A Perform biological procedures

MSL973007A Perform microscopic examination

MSL973004A Perform aseptic techniques

Course Description

This unit of competency covers the ability to isolate, purify, verify and manipulate biomolecules and their products. This work requires close attention to working with small volumes, multiple-step procedures and prevention of contamination. Personnel are required to apply a wide range of molecular biology tests and procedures.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	MSL975014A Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Element:	1. Interpret and schedule test requirements
Performance Criteria:	1.1. Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved 1.2. Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment
Element:	2. Receive and handle samples
Performance Criteria:	2.1. Log and label samples according to enterprise procedures 2.2. Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies 2.3. Store samples in accordance with enterprise and test method requirements 2.4. Maintain chain of custody, traceable to the worker, for all samples
Element:	3. Prepare equipment and reagents
Performance Criteria:	3.1. Set up equipment/instrumentation in accordance with test method requirements and perform pre-use and safety checks 3.2. Select and collect reagents in accordance with test method requirements 3.3. Prepare and label reagents in accordance with test method requirements
Element:	4. Extract, verify and manipulate biomolecules
Performance Criteria:	4.1. Produce/extract biomolecules from samples using appropriate isolation methods 4.2. Prevent contamination of samples by unwanted biomolecules 4.3. Recognise the presence of common inhibitors of biomolecular reactions and take corrective action 4.4. Quantify and qualify biomolecular yields from purified extractions 4.5. Use appropriate techniques to prepare and test a range of biomolecular samples 4.6. Use controls and reference standards to confirm the integrity of biomolecular sample preparation and procedures
Element:	5. Process data
Performance Criteria:	5.1. Record test data noting atypical observations 5.2. Ensure results are consistent with reference standards and expectations 5.3. Record and report results in accordance with test methods 5.4. Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel 5.5. Troubleshoot basic procedure, reagent or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results
Element:	6. Maintain a safe work environment
Performance Criteria:	6.1. Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 6.2. Minimise the generation of wastes 6.3. Ensure the safe disposal of wastes, including hazardous wastes and tested samples 6.4. Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents
Element:	7. Report and communicate results
Performance Criteria:	7.1. Record approved data into enterprise system 7.2. Keep accurate, traceable work records to protect the enterprise's intellectual property rights 7.3. Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data 7.4. Maintain equipment logs in accordance with enterprise procedures

Learning Outcomes

Details of Learning Activities

Practical exercises, lectures, discussions, class activities, research assignments, group work and peer teaching

Teaching Schedule

Week	Prac (Monday)	Theory (Thursday)
1	No class DNA revision- online quiz	Revision of cell structure DNA structure The Cell cycle, Cell division
2	Kiwifruit extraction	Genetics of cancer
3	Wheat germ extraction                                                VNTR PCR prac	DNA replication, PCR intro
4	Finish wheat germ extraction, Alu PCR prac	PCR applications, forensics
5	Gel for VNTR PCR	transcription
6	Labour Day	DNA translation
7	RT PCR	Sequencing theory
8	Mutations	Revision
9	Mid Sem Exams	Mid Sem Exams
	Easter break	Lac operon Conjugation
10	pGLO	Transformation transduction Plasmids Intro to Rec DNA
11	research for Media watch assignment	Presentations
12	Presentations	Viruses, protoplasts, biolostics Restriction enzymes
13	Blue/White Cloning of a DNA Fragment and Assay of ß-galactosidase	Host cells, vectors- plasmids
14	Miniprep pUC8	Vectors cont-phage & cosmids YAC, BAC, phagemids replica plating
15	Digestion of extracted plasmid, gel	Ti plasmid
16	revision
17	Exams
1	No class	Meiosis Chromosomes
2	Genetic Barley	Chromosomes & sex determination Chromosomal abnormalities
3	Genetic Barley Prac Human Genetics Karyotype	X inactivation Mendelian genetics 1 Mono hybrid cross
4	Prac 2 Complete results Prac 3 Barr bodies	Dihybrid crosses Test cross
5	Genetics of D.melanogaster	Co dominance & incomplete dominance Sex linked inheritance Human genetics
6	’Mendelian genetics 2 including statistics & probability (Chi Square)	Pedigrees,
7	Case studies	revision
8	exams
9	Intro to Mitochondrial DNA Mitochondrial DNA activity in computer lab	Linked genes Crossing over
10	Population genetics. Hardy-Weinberg Principle	Applications of the Hardy- Weinberg Transposable elements
	mid semester break
11	Genetically modified organisms	Information analysis about GMO’s
	student holiday
12	GMO PCR	DNA libraries Screening techniques
13	GMO PCR Human Genome project	Micro arrays, Bioinformatics
14	Internet activity: Computer assisted Sequence analysis	Applications of biotech
15	revision
16	exams

This teaching schedule is a guide only and may change at times during the year

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

11th Hour Introduction to Molecular Biology, Raineri, Deanna Available on EBL : Ebook Library
Torora, Funke & Case, MicrobIology An Introduction 10th Edition. Pearson Benjamin Cummings

References

Cumming R. 2010, Human Heredity: Principles & Issues 7thed. Thomson, California USA Barnum, S.R., 2005, Biotechnology An introduction 2nd ed. Thomson, California USA
Tortora, Funke & Case Microbiology: An Introduction

Other Resources

Suggested Genetics/ Molecular biology Websites:
• Cold Spring Harbor Dolan DNA Learning Centre
http://www.dnalc.org/
• Biotechnology Online
http://www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au/
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Biointeractive
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/

Overview of Assessment

Asessment may include the following:

Written Tests

Practical reports

Assignments

Presentations

Assessment Tasks

To pass this course you must pass all summative assessment tasks

Formative assessment:
• Online Quizzes
• Problem sheets/work sheets.
• Feedback and self-assessment in laboratory

Summative assessment:
• 2 Theory exams per semester: 50%
• 3 Prac reports: 30%
• 1 Research assignment and/or presentation: 20%
Maintenance of laboratory logbook- competent or not yet competent

Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited.
It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.

Students must attend 80% of practical classes to pass. Practical exercises will be chosen for presentation as formal reports. If they are not satisfactory, you may be given an opportunity to resubmit. If you are absent from a session nominated for a formal report and you have applied for special consideration, it is your responsibility to negotiate a replacement report with the teacher. You MUST submit the number of required reports in order to pass the subject.

Students are required to submit work on the due date at the School Office using the cover sheets provided. The work will be accepted through the School Office and you will receive a receipt which you should keep as proof of submission. Students must NOT submit work directly to the teacher.

A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date.
They must lodge the application form (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf) at least the day before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51
Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.

Any student who, because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control, has been prevented from attending a test, or whose performance in a test was affected by illness or other circumstances beyond their control may apply for Special Consideration. This must be done within 48 hours of the missed assessment/ assignment by lodging the appropriate form (available at the 6th floor office) with medical certificate or other supporting documentation at the Reception Office on Level 6, Building 51. Note: It is the policy of the School of Life and Physical Sciences NOT to AUTOMATICALLY PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTARY OR DEFERRED EXAMS. You will be advised of the outcome of your application for Special Consideration. The taking of Annual Leave does NOT constitute grounds for special consideration.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview