Course Title: Industrial Biotechnology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Industrial Biotechnology

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

 

 


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2115

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007

ONPS2116

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

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

ONPS2116

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 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Prof Paul Ramsland

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7024

Course Coordinator Email: paul.ramsland@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 223 Level 1 Room 06C

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The course is designed to develop your ability to understand the techniques used in the different phases of industrial microbiology and biotechnology: discovery, production (including fermentation and scale-up), bioprocessing, cell banking and biotherapeutic development. It includes the principles and practices in the main applications of micro-organisms, cell-lines and their products to the industrial production of foods, pure chemicals, proteins and other useful products, including the use of genetically modified organisms. This course aims to enable graduates to enter industry with an appropriate level of understanding of the need for both the science and business aspects required to make a viable product. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the School of Science Program Learning Outcomes at AQF Level 7:

  • PLO-1   Understanding science
  • PLO-2   Scientific knowledge
  • PLO-3   Inquiry and problem solving
  • PLO-4  Communication
  • PLO-5   Personal and professional responsibility

 


Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to: 

  1. Identify the main steps and processes used to produce biological products in industry
  2. Explain approaches for development of new useful microorganisms for biotechnology applications
  3. Determine and compare the molecular techniques applicable to improve production of biochemicals, chemicals, proteins and carbohydrates by microorganisms, cell-lines and their products (e.g. enzymes) 
  4. Discuss ethical and commercial issues such as record keeping, confidentiality, patenting, and licensing
  5. Develop and integrate a technical and commercial analysis of an area of industrial microbiology or biotechnology as part of a project team
  6. Demonstrate independent research skills through synthesis and analysis of scientific literature in a relevant area of industrial biotechnology 


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:  

  • Lectures where syllabus material will be presented, and the subject will be illustrated with examples and applications in tutorials and group workshops 
  • Group work designed to give further practice in problem solving and design of industrial scale application of microbiology and biotechnology 
  • Private study, working through the material as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems.

Three hours each week are used for teacher guided activities, including lectures on topics of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology as well as tutorials. In addition, group workshops (two hours per week) will allow you to investigate and explore applications of relevance to industry. You are expected to spend a minimum of four hours per week on independent study.


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: Team-Based Research Projects
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3, 4 & 5 

Assessment Task 2: Oral Assessment 
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 – 4 & 6 

Assessment Task 3: Critical Analysis of the Literature
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 6 

Assessment Task 4: Formative MCQ Quizzes 
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 – 4  

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.