Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2021
Course Code: BIOL5253C
Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5388 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Course Contact: Rauha Quazi
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4277
Course Contact Email: rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Rowena.Lavery@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
MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
Course Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge 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: |
MSL975034 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 workplace 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 workplace procedures 2.2 Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies 2.3 Store samples in accordance with workplace 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 3.4 Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents |
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 4.7 Troubleshoot basic procedure, reagent or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results |
Element: |
5. Report and communicate results |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required 5.2 Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Your primary learning mode will be online and face-to-face: & will include a combination of lectures/tutorials, online activities and practical demonstrations.
Teaching Schedule
Schedule |
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Session |
Week beginning |
Topic/Activity |
Assessment/Activity |
SEMESTER 1 | |||
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Week 1
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8/02/2021 |
Theory: Cell structure, DNA Structure, Cell Cycle, Cell Division, Mitosis -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
No on campus practical this week- Online practical activity Group A & B : Examine mitosis week 1 practical manual -virtual slide box (www.histology.guide) examine the stages of mitosis
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SUBMIT weekly online logbook entries for on campus labs attended : AT1. WEEKLY PRACTICAL LOG BOOK ENTRIES (A) (B) (D)(H) |
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Week 2
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15/02/2021 |
Theory: DNA replication -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical 1: Group A Wheat germ DNA extraction and analysis
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Online activity – Group B -DNA extraction and controls read the module and then complete the quiz
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Week 3
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22/02/2021 |
Theory: Transcription and Translation -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical1: Group B Wheat germ DNA extraction and analysis
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Online activity – Group A -DNA extraction and controls read the module and then complete the quiz
AT2. EXPERIMENTAL CONTROLS ASSIGNMENT due Sunday 28th Feb by 23.59 |
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Week 4
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1/03/2021 |
Theory: - Molecular biology techniques and applications to forensics (VNTRs, STRs, VNTR Electrophoresis and real-time PCR) -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical: Group A Practical 3: pGLO transformation (cloning, biomolecules manipulation, controls) Practical 4: pGFP plasmid mini prep (extraction, isolation, purification) |
Online activity – Group B -VNTR PCR and VNTR Electrophoresis read the module and then complete the quiz
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Week 5
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8/3/2021
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Theory: Cancer and Nucleic acids -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical: Group B Practical 3: pGLO transformation (cloning, biomolecules manipulation, controls) Practical 4: pGFP plasmid mini prep (extraction, isolation, purification) |
Online activity – Group A -VNTR PCR and VNTR Electrophoresis read the module and then complete the quiz
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Week 6
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15/03/2021
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Theory: Conjugation and Transformation -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Group A& B come in at your allocated time to analyse last weeks pGLO transformation results and do the transformation efficiency calculations, record results etc. Practical: Group A -12.30 noon- 2pm & Group B – 2.30- 4.30 pm |
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Week 7 |
22/03/2021
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AT3. MID-SEMESTER THEORY quiz (B)
TOPICS on the AT3 quiz – cell cycle, DNA extraction, mitosis, controls, DNA replication, transcription and translation, PCR, DNA profiling. STRS, conjugation & viral transduction- lytic and lysogenic, structure of a gene, start and stop codons, difference between codon and anticodon, RNA and DNA structural difference. GC versus AT bonds and bases, cause of cancerous tumour. |
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Week 8
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29/03/2021
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AT3. MID-SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM (B) Resits Mid-semester break (1-7 April: Mid-semester Break) split week |
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Week 8 |
5/04/2021 |
Mid-semester break (1-7 April: Mid-semester Break) split week |
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Week 9 |
12/04/2021
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Theory 1: Mitosis and Meiosis review, Mendelian genetics, Monohybrid crosses, Dihybrid crosses -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical : Group A Practical 5 : real-time PCR Practical 6: Microarrays
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Week 10
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19/04/2021
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Theory 2: Genetics- sex-linked examples, Online Tutorials 2: -Karyotypes Sex linked, -codominant and incomplete dominant crosses -watch the video recordings, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical : Group B Practical 5 : real-time PCR Practical 6: Microarrays
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Week 11
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26/04/2021
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Theory: Pedigree analysis -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical Group A: Practical 7: GMO DNA extraction and PCR |
AT4. THEORY quiz (B) TOPICS on the AT4 quiz– human genetics, dihybrid crosses and monohybrid, codominant and incomplete, blood typing, pedigrees, (open 1 week starting Sunday 25th April until Sunday 2nd May) |
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Week 12
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03/05/2021 |
Theory 1: Host cells, plasmids and vectors-viruses, Theory 2: Protoplasts, biolistics, restriction enzymes -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical Group B: Practical 7: GMO DNA extraction and PCR
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Week 13
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10/05/2021 |
Theory : GMO introduction -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical Group A: Practical 8: GMO electrophoresis / examination of GMO PCR results.
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AT5. PRAC REPORT – MICROARRAYS due Sunday 16th May 23.59 |
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Week 14
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17/05/2021 |
Theory 1: Human Genome Project Theory 2: Gene libraries -watch the video recording, read the module and then complete the quiz
Practical Group B: Practical 8: GMO electrophoresis / examination of GMO PCR results. |
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Week 15
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24/05/2021 |
Theory 1: Gene Therapy Theory 2: mitochondrial DNA - read the modules and then complete the quiz
Revisions sheets available |
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Week 16
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31/05/2021 |
AT6. END OF SEMESTER 2 THEORY quiz (B) and resits TOPIC on the AT6 quiz- human genome, mitochondrial DNA, cDNA libraries, GMO, microarray, agrobacterium tumefaction’s, vectors -virus, gene gun, liposomes etc. ethical issue associated with therapeutic and reproductive cloning. |
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Week 17 |
7/06/2021 |
Semester break |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Many molecular biology textbooks available online at RMIT Library e.g. Essentials of Medical Genomics by Sturt Brown and Plant Molecular Biology Manual by Stanton B Gelvin. Go to course resources module on canvas for links.
Useful textbook: Title: Molecular Cell Biology ISBN-10:0716723808 ISBN-13:9780716723806. Author: Harvey Lodish; David Baltimore; Arnold Berk. Publisher:W H Freeman & Co (Sd)
Also useful Tortora, Funke & Case. (2015) Microbiology: An Introduction, latest edition, Pearson/ Benjamin Cummings
Overview of Assessment
Assessments may include
reports
observation of laboratory skills
logbook
knowledge tests
Assessment Tasks
Assessment details |
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Assessment task Each task must be completed satisfactorily before Competence is achieved for the full subject/unit. |
Due Date |
Result |
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Methods of Assessment include: |
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A. Direct Observation/ |
B. Written/Verbal |
C. Third Party |
D. Portfolio/ |
E. Project/ |
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F. Presentation |
G. Role Plays |
H. Practical Demonstration |
I. Other |
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AT1. LOG BOOK ENTRIES (A) (B) (D) (H) |
Weekly |
S/NS |
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AT2. EXPERIMENTAL CONTROLS ASSIGNMENT (E) |
28/02/2021 |
S/NS |
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AT3. MID-SEMESTER THEORY quiz (B) |
Week 7 |
S/NS |
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AT4. THEORY quiz (B) |
Week 11 |
S/NS |
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AT5. PRAC REPORT – MICROARRAYS (E) |
16/05/2021 |
S/NS |
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AT6. END OF SEMESTER 2 THEORY quiz (B) |
Week 16 |
S/NS |
Assessment Matrix
Provided within canvas LMS.
Other Information
Decision making rules
Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.
Assessment Information
CA = Competency Achieved
NYC = Not yet Competent
DNS = Did Not submit (1 or more assessments)
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 Program Coordinator, Rauha Quazi rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au 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
A minimum of 80% attendance at practical classes is required to pass this course. If you are sick you should submit to the Program Coordinator and Course Coordinator. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write up you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) and arrange an alternative report with your teacher
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.
Reasonable adjustment
Reasonable adjustment is an individualised modification made to the training delivery or assessment methods to enable a student with specific needs to access and participate. Reasonable adjustment may include changed assessment conditions, flexibility in assessments, other academic support, provision of adaptive equipment and in class support.
Reasonable adjustment is applied within the start date and end date for the subject/unit being undertaken.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview