Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2022
Course Code: BIOL5253C
Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 535T Social Care and Health
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
Ϯ Schedule |
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Session |
Week beginning |
Topic/Activity |
Assessment |
SEMESTER 2 | |||
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Week 1
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4/07/2022 |
Theory:
- review the module and complete practice quiz - examine the stages of mitosis in the virtual slide box (www.histology.guide) - review week 1 online resources module & upload your mitosis drawings to canvas assignment module EOP before 10th July 23.59 No on campus practical this week - week 1. Print the practical manual and prepare a flow diagram in preparation for week 2 laboratory practical. |
AT1: PRACTICAL LOG BOOK ENTRIES (A) (B) (D) (H) – submission deadline for your scanned logbooks entries is: weeklyonline before Sunday 23.59 |
Week 2 |
11/07/2022 |
Theory:
- understand how DNA extraction works - discuss experimental controls: preparation for AT2 - review the modules & complete practice quiz
Practical: protocol - perform a crude DNA extraction (by the end of this practical you will see spools of extracted DNA J)
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Week 3
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18/07/2022 |
Theory:
- review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical: Practice extracting pGFP plasmid DNA from bacteria. DNA can be moved from one organism to another using a type of vector called a plasmid J
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Week 4
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25/07/2022 |
Theory:
- examine VNTR PCR gel electrophoresis result - review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical: Learn how to make an agarose gel and prepare electrophoresis buffer
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AT2. EXPERIMENTAL CONTROLS ASSIGNMENT due Sunday 31st July by 23.59 |
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Week 5
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1/08/2022 |
Theory:
- review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical: Practice separating plasmid DNA using gel electrophoresis
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Revision sheets available within canvas LMS for AT3 knowledge quiz
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Week 6 |
8/08/2022 |
Theory:
- review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical observation checklist assessment task (AT) 1 # 1: Wheat germ DNA extraction and analysis
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Week 7
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15/08/2022 |
Theory: on campus AT3. Knowledge quiz (B)
Practical observational checklist AT1 #2: pGLO transformation (cloning, biomolecules manipulation, controls)
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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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22/08/2022
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Theory :
- review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical observation checklist AT1 #2 part b: analyse pGLO transformation results, practice transformation efficiency calculations
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29/08/2022 |
Mid-semester Break |
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Week 9 |
05/09/2022 |
Theory:
- review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical observation checklist AT1 #3: pGFP plasmid mini preparations (extracting plasmid DNA from bacteria) (extraction, isolation, purification)
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Week 10
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12/09/2022 |
Theory:
- review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical observation checklist AT1 #4: plasmid DNA digestion and gel electrophoresis of plasmid mini preparations
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Revision sheet available for AT4 knowledge quiz |
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Week 11
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19/09/2022 |
Theory:
- review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical laboratory sessions are not running this week due to AFL bank holiday.
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Week 12 |
26/09/2022 |
Theory: on campus AT4. Knowledge quiz (B)
Practical observation checklist AT1 # 5: real-time PCR
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TOPICS on the AT4 quiz– human genetics, dihybrid crosses and monohybrid, codominant and incomplete, blood typing, pedigrees
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Week 13 |
03/10/2022 |
Theory :
- review the modules & complete practice quiz
Practical observation checklist AT1 # 6: Microarrays
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Week 14 |
10/10/2022 |
Theory :
- analyse GMO PCR gel electrophoresis results - review the module & complete practice quiz
Practical observation checklist AT1 # 7: GMO DNA extraction and GMO PCR
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Revisions sheets for AT6 knowledge quiz available within canvas LMS modules
AT5. PRACTICAL REPORT –due Sunday 16th Oct 23.59
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Week 15 |
17/10/2022 |
Theory :
- review the modules & complete practice quiz
Practical observation checklist AT1 # 8:GMO PCR agarose gel electrophoresis
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Week 16 |
24/10/2022 |
Theory :
- read the modules & complete practice quiz
Practical : Finalise AT1 observation checklist for weekly PRACTICAL LOG BOOK ENTRIES
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Week 17
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31/10/2022 |
Theory: on campus AT6 knowledge quiz (B)
Practical : Finalise AT1 observation checklist for weekly PRACTICAL LOG BOOK ENTRIES
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TOPICS 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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Ϯ SYLLABUS subject to change pending pandemic conditions and RMIT & government safety advice
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
All learning material and resources are provided within the Canvas LMS system.
Recommended textbook - not compulsory.
Title: Molecular Cell Biology
ISBN-10:0716723808
ISBN-13:9780716723806
Author: Harvey Lodish; David Baltimore; Arnold Berk
Publisher: W H Freeman & Co (Sd)
Many molecular biology textbooks are 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 to the RMIT library.
Also useful:
Tortora, Funke & Case. (2019, or earlier editions) Microbiology: An Introduction, latest edition, Pearson/ Benjamin Cummings ISBN-13: 9780134605180
Human Heredity: Principles & Issues 8th Ed Cummings, M.R. Brookes/Cole.
ISBN-10: 0495554456
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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EOP – MITOSIS LABELED DRAWINGS |
10/07/2022 |
S/NS |
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AT1. LOGBOOK ENTRIES (A) (B) (D) (H) |
Weekly |
S/NS |
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AT2. EXPERIMENTAL CONTROLS ASSIGNMENT (E) |
31/07/2022 |
S/NS |
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AT3. KNOWLEDGE QUIZ (B) |
Week 7 |
S/NS |
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AT4. KNOWLEDGE QUIZ (B) |
Week 12 |
S/NS |
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AT5. PRACTICAL REPORT (E) |
16/10/2022 |
S/NS |
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AT6. KNOWLEDGE QUIZ (B) |
Week 17 |
S/NS |
Overview of assessments: Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through satisfactory completion of assignments, observation checklists, reports, and through the application of learned practical skills and knowledge skills. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS assignments module.
Assessment tasks: Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.
To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
Decision making rules
Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.
Second attempt is not automatic and at the discretion of the teacher and/ or coordinator.
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.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
Other Information
Attendance: Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend ALL timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to the program coordinator and course coordinator/teacher. If you miss an assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence), if you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.
Information about your studies: You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.
Special consideration: If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism: RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
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, and 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