Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

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

 

Date Week Topic Practical
10/2 1 Cell structure, DNA structure, cell cycle, cell division and mitosis Mitosis
17/2 2 DNA relplication Kiwifruit DNA extraction
24/2 3 Genetics of cancer Wheat germ DNA extraction and analysis
03/03 4 Molecular biology techniques and applications to forensiscs PCR-based Alu-Human DNA Typing
10/03 5 Transcription and Translation  
17/03  6 Mutations  

PCR-based VNTR Human DNA Typing
27/03  7 Revision VNTR Gel
31/03  8 Exam  
07/04  9 Conjugation Real time PCR
14/04  10 Conjuation Analysis of RT PCR results
21/04   EASTER BREAK  
28/04 11 Transformation pGLO Transformation
05/05 12 Viruses, protoplasts, biolostics, restriction enzymes  Blue/White Cloning of a DNA Fragment
12/05 13 Host cells, plasmids and vectors Mini prep pUC8 practical 
19/05 14  Screening recombinants. Replica plating, X-gal vectors, cont-phage and cosmids, YAC, BAC, phagemids  
26/05 15 Revision  
 02/06 16 Exam  

Semester 2 schedule to follow


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

0-8053-4791-7

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


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Students must obtain an overall exam score of 50% to pass this course. They must also have an overall score of 50% for the combined reports & assignment to pass this course.

Students must attend 80% of practical classes to pass. If you are absent from a session nominated for a formal practical report it is your responsibility to negotiate a replacement report with the teacher. A medical certificate or other acceptable documentation is required to be eligible to write up a different experiment.

Extension of time for submission of assessable work:
A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date.
They must lodge the application form (available on the web) 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, and therefore will receive a zero grade.
Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special Consideration (form available on the Web)

For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged at the HUB or online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination

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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview