Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2016
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
rahel.leivenzon@rmit.edu.au
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
Discussion,
laboratory experiments,
activities sheets,
DNA simulations,
assignment,
online activities
Teaching Schedule
Date | week | Topic | Prac |
8/2 | 1 | Cell structure, DNA Structure, Cell Cycle, Cell Division, Mitosis. |
Mitosis Practical |
15/2 | 2 | Cancer and Nucleic acids. | Kiwifruit DNA extraction |
22/2 | 3 | DNA replication | Wheat germ DNA extraction and analysis |
29/2 | 4 | Molecular biology techniques and applications to forensics. | PCR-based Alu-Human DNA Typing |
7/3 | 5 | Transcription & Translation | VNTR PCR |
14/3 | 6 | More on VNTRs and STRs | VNTR Electrophoresis |
21/3 | 7 | Revision | |
28/3 | Easter break | ||
4/4 | 8 | exam | |
11/4 | 9 | Conjugation and Transforamtion | RT PCR |
18/4 | 10 | Transformation | pGLO Transformation & Interpret RT PCR |
25/4 | 11 | Viruses, protoplasts, biolostics, restriction enzymes | Blue/White Cloning of a DNA Fragment |
2/5 | 12 | Host cells, plasmids and vectors | Mini prep pUC8 practical |
9/5 | 13 | Screening recombinants. Replica plating, X-gal vectors, cont-phage and cosmids, YAC, BAC, phagemids | Qiagen minprep |
16/5 | 14 | Plasmid digestion and electrophoresis practical. | |
23/5 | 15 | Revision | |
30/5 | 16 | Exam |
Semester 2 schedule to follow
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Tortora, Funke & Case Microbiology An Introduction, Pearson/ Benjamin Cummings
Overview of Assessment
Asessment may include the following:
Written Tests
Practical reports
Assignments
Presentations
Assessment Tasks
Semester 1 Assessment
Assessment 1: Wheat germ DNA extraction Practical Report
Worth 15%
Due via Turnitin 11.59pm 23/2/16
Assessment 2: Experimental Controls Assignment Part A
Worth 10%
Due via Turnitin 11.59pm 15/3/16
Experimental Controls Assignment Part B
Worth 10%
Due via Turnitin 11.59pm 12/4/16
Assessment 3: Mid-Semester exam
Worth 25%
Week 8
Assessment 4: Transformation Practical Report
Worth 15%
Due via Turnitin 11.59pm 10/5/15
Assessment 5: End of Semester Exam
Worth 25%
Week 16
Assessment 6: Log book completed and observed safe lab practise
signed off after each lab class
marked as S (Satisfactory) or NYS (Not yet satisfactory)
Submitted in either weeks 14 or 15 depending on when the last prac is completed.
Semester 2 Assessment
Assessment 1: Vegie People Practical Report
Worth 15%
Assessment 2: Mid-semester exam
Worth 25%
Assessment 3: Research Presentation – the technical and ethical facets of Biotechnology
Worth 20%
Assessment 4: Microarray Practical Report
Worth 15%
Must attend class and submit Prac report
Assessment 5: End of semester exam
Worth 25%
Assessment 6: Log book completed and observed safe lab practise
signed off after each lab class
marked as S (Satisfactory) or NYS (Not yet satisfactory)
Submitted in either weeks 14 or 15 depending on when the last prac is completed.
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
- To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exams, pracs, and assignments etc.) For example, if there are two exams you need to have an average of 50% to pass and you also need to have passed the other assessment types (average of 50% for assignments/practicals). You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the exams but fail the prac component).
- Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) 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. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.
- 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 prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
- If you miss a practical session that is to be written up as a prac report you must provide evidence (such as a medical certificate, funeral notice) to the teacher. You will then be given a replacement prac to report on. Reports cannot be written using another student’s results.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview