Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: ONPS7813C
Course Title: Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5434 - 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
Anu Sharma
anu.sharma@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
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
MSL974034 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.
This unit applies to technical officers working in manufacturing (e.g. macro, micro, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical and blood products), food, biomedical (e.g. forensics, pathology and veterinary) and environmental industry sectors. Results are generally interpreted and reported to supervising scientists, medical, veterinary or other responsible officers of a workplace, regulatory authority or legal agency.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
MSL975061 Perform molecular biology tests and procedures |
Element: |
1. Interpret and schedule test requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
.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 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee 2.2 Match sample provided to accompanying documentation and report any discrepancies in accordance with workplace procedures 2.3 Store samples in accordance with workplace and test method requirements |
Element: |
3. Prepare equipment and reagents |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Set up equipment/instrumentation in accordance with workplace procedures 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 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 and/or check data in accordance with workplace procedures 5.2 Follow procedures to 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
Note: If circumstances change, we may need to adjust this schedule.
Link Announcements to your student email address to stay updated if there are alterations.
Class Schedule – semester 2 2025
Week |
Week beginning |
Topic |
Lab |
Assessment/Learning activity |
1 |
14 July |
Theory:
- review the module and complete practice quiz
|
No practical week 1. Practical lab sessions start week 2 |
|
2 |
21 July |
Theory:
- Activities: - understand how DNA extraction works - discuss experimental control - review the modules & complete practice quiz |
Skill building session Practical 1: perform a crude DNA extraction (by the end of this practical you will see spools of extracted DNA |
|
3 |
28 July |
Theory class: - Transcription review the modules & complete practice quiz |
· Skill building session Practical 2: Practice extracting plasmid DNA from bacteria. DNA can be moved from one organism to another using a type of vector called a plasmid |
|
4 |
4 Aug |
Theory class: Translation review the modules & complete practice quiz |
Skill building session Practical 3: Learn how to make an agarose gel and prepare electrophoresis buffer Practical: Practice separating plasmid DNA using gel electrophoresis |
|
5 |
11 Aug |
Theory class:
- Activities: - examine VNTR PCR gel electrophoresis result - review the module and complete the quiz |
Prac 4a |
AT1 Practical Assessment 4a pGLO transformation (cloning, biomolecules manipulation, controls) |
6 |
18 Aug |
Theory:
|
Prac 4b |
AT1 Practical Assessment 4b pGLO transformation (cloning, biomolecules manipulation, controls) |
7 |
25 Aug |
Theory: on campus AT2. Knowledge quiz TOPICS on the AT2 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 |
Prac 1 : individual |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 1: Wheat germ DNA extraction and analysis |
Mid semester Break: 1 – 7 September |
||||
8 |
8 Sept |
Theory :
|
Prac 2 : Individual |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 2: plasmid DNA from bacteria (mini-prep) |
9 |
15 Sept |
Theory : on Campus AT2 Quiz Resit
|
Prac 5a |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 5a Plasmid DNA digestion of plasmid from week 3 & week 9 (with positive control pGFP plasmid) |
10 |
22 Sept |
Theory :
|
Prac 5b |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 5b Gel electrophoresis of digested pGFP plasmid (with positive control pGFP plasmid) |
11 |
29 Sept |
Theory :
|
Prac 8a |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 8a GMO DNA extraction and PCR |
12 |
6 Oct |
Theory :
|
Prac 8b |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 8b GMO PCR product agarose gel electrophoresis |
13 |
13 Oct |
Theory on campus Quiz AT3: Topics -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. |
Prac 6 |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 6 Real Time PCR |
14 |
20 Oct |
Theory : RT PCR result analysis and completing the logbook Bring your laptop
|
Prac 7 |
AT1 Practical Assessment Prac 7 Microarray |
15 |
27Oct |
On campus AT3 theory quiz : Resit |
Catch up session with special consideration approvals |
|
16 |
3 Nov |
Logbook finalisation for AT1 |
Public Holiday |
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
Assessment may include:
- knowledge tests
- practical skills test
- practical logbooks
- presentations
- group work
- research
- lab reports
- assignments
Assessment Tasks
Assessment details |
|||||
|
Assessment task Each task must be completed satisfactorily before Competence is achieved for the full subject/unit. |
Due Date |
Result |
|||
Methods of Assessment include: |
|||||
A. Direct Observation/ |
B. Written/Verbal |
C. Third Party |
D. Portfolio/ |
E. Project/ |
|
F. Presentation |
G. Role Plays |
H. Practical Demonstration |
I. Other |
||
EOP – MITOSIS LABELED DRAWINGS (Not contributed towards final grade) |
week 1 | S/NS |
|||
AT1. LOGBOOK ENTRIES (A) (B) (D) (H) |
Weekly |
S/NS |
|||
AT2. KNOWLEDGE QUIZ (B) |
Week 7 |
S/NS |
|||
AT3. KNOWLEDGE QUIZ (B) |
Week 13 or 14 |
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.
For each assessment you will be given up to two (2) attempts, however, to be granted the second attempt at any assessment, your first attempt must be an appropriate attempt to try and gain a satisfactory outcome. For example, you must appropriately attempt each question or aspect of the assessment task.If your first attempt fails to meet the above standard, you may not be eligible for a second attempt at that task.A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic
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
SEC = Student engagement ceased
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 have special consideration approval , 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