Course Title: Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2093

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ONPS2093

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019

ONPS2094

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ONPS2094

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017

Course Coordinator: Dr Faith Kwa

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7773

Course Coordinator Email: faith.kwa@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.09.014D


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

System Enforced Pre-requisites (Enforced by SAMS)


Course Description

This course will allow you to develop your theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of molecular genetics and diagnostics. In particular, the focus will be on genetic/genomic variation in disease and the impact of new technologies in this area. The syllabus is covered in a program of lectures, practical exercises, interactive tutorial workshops and computer based activities designed to promote active learning and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge in the area of molecular genetics and its applications in diagnostics and medical research.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for the programs below: 

BP147 Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Laboratory Medicine):

  • PLO 1.  Knowledge Capability 
  • PLO 2.  Technical Capability 
  • PLO 3.  Professional work practices 
  • PLO 6.  Research Capacity 

 


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

  1. Define the structure and organisation of genes, chromosomes and the human genome.
  2. Explain the various mutations and human genome variations which can result in human disease.
  3. Apply DNA technology to disease gene identification and analysis.
  4. Perform a range of molecular genetic techniques and analyse the experimental results.
  5. Apply ethical considerations in the context of molecular testing.

 


Overview of Learning Activities

The lectures in this course will provide students with comprehensive coverage of fundamental principles of the various topic areas. The practical program is designed to acquaint you with a number of technologies in the laboratory and in the use of bioinformatics software and genomic databases. The interactive tutorial workshops are designed to assist students in gaining a better understanding of how to use bioinformatics and molecular diagnostic/research tools, and provide formative feedback to students in an engaging way to promote active learning of course material. In this course, you are required to access independent learning materials on the RMIT Learning Management System.

Over the semester, students will participate and engage in lecture sessions, practical classes and interactive tutorial workshops.  Independent study will be required during the semester.

The total study hours for this course is 120 hours: 1) 40 hours comprising lectures, interactive workshops and practical sessions; 2) 24 hours of online activities; and 3) 64 hours of self-directed study.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be encouraged to read widely and to research the various topics using libraries and relevant web sites. In addition, lecture material, practical notes and relevant journal articles will be provided on RMIT's online Learning Management System (LMS).  You will be required to access genomic databases for bioinformatics activities.

 


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Mid-semester test

Weighting 15%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 5

Assessment Task 2: Bioinformatics assignment

Weighting 15%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 3

Assessment Task 3: Workshop / Laboratory activities

Weighting 30%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Assessment Task 4: Final Exam

Weighting 40%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 5