Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2015
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
Rahel Leivenzon
Perform molecular biology tests and procedures Teacher
9925 4723
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 |
Element: |
2. Receive and handle samples |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. Log and label samples according to enterprise procedures |
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 |
Element: |
4. Extract, verify and manipulate biomolecules |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Produce/extract biomolecules from samples using appropriate isolation methods |
Element: |
5. Process data |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1. Record test data noting atypical observations |
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 |
Element: |
7. Report and communicate results |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1. Record approved data into enterprise system |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
- Practicals and report writing
- work sheets
- class discussions
- forensic analysis
- case studies
Teaching Schedule
For Semester 1,
Teaching Schedule Classes will be delivered over 16 weeks for 5 hours per week.
The topics/activities covered during this time will be as follows:
9/2 | 1 | Cell structure, DNA Structure, Cell Cycle, Cell Division, Mitosis. |
16/2 | 2 | Nucleic acids. |
23/2 | 3 | DNA replication. |
2/3 | 4 | 4 Molecular biology techniques and applications to forensics. |
9/3 | 5 | Transcription and Translation (No prac. due to Labour Day) |
16/3 | 6 | Revision |
23/3 | 7 | Exam |
30/3 | * | Easter |
6/4 | 8 | More on VNTRs and STRs |
13/4 | 9 | VNTR Electrophoresis |
20/4 | 10 | Conjugation and Transformation |
27/4 | 11 | Transformation pGLO Transformation |
4/5 | 12 | Viruses, protoplasts, biolostics, restriction enzymes. |
11/5 | 13 | Host Cells |
18/5 | 14 | Screening recombinants. Replica plating, X-gal vectors, cont-phage and cosmids, YAC, BAC, phagemids. |
25/5 | 15 | Revision |
01/6 | 16 | Exam |
Semester 2 schedule to follow
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Powerpoint Presentations, animations and worksheets will be provided Online
Overview of Assessment
Asessment may include the following:
Written Tests
Practical reports
Assignments
Presentations
Assessment Tasks
Semester 1
Assessment 1
• Wheat germ DNA extraction Practical Report
• Worth 15%
• Due 12 noon 11/3/15
Assessment 2
• Experimental Controls Assignment Part A
• Worth 15%
• Due 12 noon 16/3/15
• Experimental Controls Assignment Part B
• Worth 15%
• Due 12 noon 18/5/15
Assessment 3
• Mid-semester exam
• Worth 15%
• Due the week beginning 23/3/15
Assessment 4
• VNTR Practical Report
• Worth 15%
• Due 12 noon 27/4/15
Assessment 5
• End of semester exam
• Worth 15%
• Due the week beginning 1/6/15
Assessment 6
• Log book completed and safe lab practise adhered to
• marked each lab class and mark finalised at end of semester
• marked as S (Satisfactory) or NYS (Not yet satisfactory)
Semester 2 assessments to follow
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilises graded assessment
CHD- Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI- Competent with Distinction (60 – 79%)
CC- Competent with Credit (50 – 59%)
CAG- Competency Achieved – Graded (0 – 49%)
NYC- Not Yet Competent
DNS- Did Not Submit for assessment
Assessment information
- All assessment types must be passed (exams, prac, and assignments etc.). For example, if there are two tests you need to have an average of 50% to pass. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the tests but fail the prac component).
- Attendance at practical classes is compulsory. A minimum of 80% attendance is required to pass this course. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to 6th floor office addressed to the Program Coordinator
- Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
- APPLICATION FOR 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 online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51, or emailed to the Coordinator (amber.mitton@rmit.edu.au).
- Students requiring extensions longer than 7 days must apply for Special Consideration (see the ‘Help me’ link in blackboard, via myRMIT studies or http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration) 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 online with supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
- If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview