Course Title: Gene Technologies

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Gene Technologies

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2102

City Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2012

BIOL2184

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

BIOL2184

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023

BIOL2349

Open Learning Australia

Non Award

171H School of Science

Distance / Correspondence

 OUASP2UG22,
OUASP3UG23

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


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

This course aims to 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 a 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 gene sequencing and microarrays and the use of gene expression profiling. Emerging technologies are used to diagnose disease, develop therapeutics, new foods and transgenic crops. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the BP226 Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) Program Learning Outcomes:

1 Understanding science

1.1. You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science and explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry.

1.2. You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of biological sciences by explaining the role and relevance of biological sciences in society.

2 Scientific knowledge

2.1. You will exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge by demonstrating a well-developed understanding of biological sciences.

2.2. You will exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge by demonstrating that biotechnology has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.

3 Inquiry and problem solving

3.1. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology  by gathering, synthesizing and critically evaluating information from a range of sources.

3.2. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by designing and planning an investigation, including developing a testable hypothesis.

3.3. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques with technical competence in conducting field, laboratory-based, or virtual experiments.

3.4. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from scientific data.

4 Communication

4.1. You will be an effective communicator of biological sciences by effectively communicating scientific results, information, or arguments using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) for a variety of purposes and audiences.

5 Personal and professional responsibility

5.1. You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work in biotechnology by being an independent and self-directed learner.

5.2. You will be accountable for  individual learning and scientific work by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context.

5.3. You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by  demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to biotechnology.


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

  1. Recall 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

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Online quiz (MCQ)
Weighting 15%  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3 & 6 

Assessment Task 2: Practical component
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 4 & 6 

Assessment Task 3: Case study 1 – Molecular cloning
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3, 4 & 6 

Assessment Task 4: Case Study  2  - Biotechnology
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3, 5 & 6 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.