Course Title: Genetics and Molecular Biology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Genetics and Molecular Biology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2262

City 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 2015,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

BIOL2262

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024

BIOL2263

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2009

BIOL2263

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2024

BIOL2343

Open Learning Australia

Non Award

171H School of Science

Distance / Correspondence

OUASP2UG22

Course Coordinator: Dr Alexis Marshall

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: alexis.marshall@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

Some knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry will be advantageous for this course.


Course Description

This course will develop your understanding of current approaches in genetics and molecular biology. It achieves this using a mix of theory and hands on experience applied to real-life examples.  

Throughout the course you will engage in tasks that develop advanced level critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. 

Learning materials will cover theory in molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology, genomics, prokaryotic genetics and gene regulation, classical genetics, eukaryotic gene regulation, mutations, chromosome abnormalities and an introduction to population and quantitative genetics. This will provide you with detailed understanding and the necessary skills to analyse complex genetic systems encountered in the professional practice of biology or biotechnology, either in industry or in a research environment. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s): 

BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Biological Science Major) 
BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology Major)          

PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.  
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities. 
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making. 
PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices. 
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.  
PLO 6 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input. 

BH087SCBDD - Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)  

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

BP231P23 - Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

PLO 1 Apply a breadth and depth of biomedical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach. 
PLO 2 Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems using a biomedical perspective. 
PLO 3 Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to biomedical sciences and exhibit safe and ethical conduct 

BP311P23 - Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences 

PLO 1 Apply a breadth and depth of pharmaceutical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach. 
PLO 2 Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems related to pharmaceutical science 
PLO 5 Demonstrate critical reflection skills, responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice as part of a multidisciplinary team.  

BH101BI - Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar, Biology) (Honours) 
BH101BT - Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar, Biotechnology) (Honours) 

PLO 2 Scientific knowledge 
PLO 3 Inquiry and Problem Solving 
PLO 4 Communication 
PLO 5 Personal and professional responsibility 

BP226P7 - Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)  

PLO 2.1 Scientific knowledge - You will exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge by demonstrating a well-developed understanding of biological sciences. 
PLO 3.3 Inquiry and problem solving - 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. 
PLO 4.1 Communication - 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. 
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context. 

BP229BISC - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) 
BP293SBDD - Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

PLO-2.1 Scientific knowledge - You will exhibit depth and breadth of biological knowledge by demonstrating well-developed understanding of your discipline. 
PLO-3.3 Inquiry and problem solving - You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in your discipline by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques with technical competence in conducting field, laboratory-based, or virtual experiments. 
PLO-4.1 Communication - 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. 
PLO-5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for  individual learning and scientific work by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context. 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.   


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

  1. Evaluate critically data generated through the application of genetics and molecular biology techniques in the context of contemporary scientific research.
  2. Apply key concepts in genetics and molecular biology to analyse complex biological systems in a real-world or research-based context. 
  3. Analyse genetic data incorporating ethical considerations relevant to professional practice in biotechnology and biomedical science.
  4. Elucidate complex genetic and molecular biology concepts and findings to diverse audiences using appropriate scientific formats and ethical practices. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn in this course by: 

  • attendance at on-campus and/or online lectures , tutorials and in-person practicals where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
  • completion of tutorial questions and laboratory projects designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on your progress and understanding;
  • completion of written assignments consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and
  • private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems. 

 
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies 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

The assessment will be a combination of problem sheet assignments, quizzes and practical reports, and will assess your knowledge and your ability to solve high level problems in genetics. 

Assessment Task 1: Short answer and case study worksheet assignments 
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-3 

Assessment Task 2: Online Knowledge Check 
Weighting 20%
Each of the online knowledge checks can be attempted once within a pre-defined 12-hour period.
This assessment task supports CLO 2. 

Assessment Task 3: Written Practical Reports 
Weighting 40% 
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.