Applications of Bioinformatics
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 hours face to face + blended
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Aims and objectives
Extending from the fundamentals of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, this unit intends to provide the students with an exposure to the interface between biotechnology and computer science. This field is now an essential aspect of biotechnology, and relates to rapid and extensive computer-based analysis of the genetic information of organisms, for purposes such as analysing the structures and roles of genes and proteins, comparative and evolutionary studies, disease detection and drug design. The topics covered provide a strong foundation for diverse research and development opportunities.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Identify and assess the structural properties of nucleic acids, proteins and other biomolecules using industry-standard computer tools
2. Taking a systems-level approach and the sciences of ‘omics’ technologies, use technology to discern diverse biological complexities and their related challenges
3. Assess the role of bioinformatics to reflect on diverse areas such as health and medicine, agriculture and the environment
4. Record scientific observations correctly and interpret these critically and accurately
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment and content.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
Live Online Class (Computer Lab) | 3 | 12 | 36 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 1.5 | 12 | 18 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 8 | 12 | 96 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Assessment
Types | Individual/Group Role | Weighting | Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) |
Tutorial Exercises | Individual | 35-55% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Online Quizzes | Quizzes | 5-20% | 1,2,3 |
| Report | Individual | 15-35% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 20-40% | 1,2,3 |
Hurdle
Minimum requirements to pass this Unit To pass this unit, you must:
• Achieve an overall mark for the unit of 50% or more, and
• Complete a minimum fraction of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s) and above, and
• Obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the laboratory hurdle.
Students who do not complete 80% of the laboratory work and/or do not obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the laboratory hurdle will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit.
• Achieve an overall mark for the unit of 50% or more, and
• Complete a minimum fraction of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s) and above, and
• Obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the laboratory hurdle.
Students who do not complete 80% of the laboratory work and/or do not obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the laboratory hurdle will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
The indicative content of this evolving field is as follows:
• Molecular genetic analysis of DNA and protein sequence data for purposes such as directional manipulations, restriction mapping, determining gene structures, regulatory sequences
• Translation of DNA into predicted proteins, analyses of the predicted proteins for biochemical signatures and roles
• Primer design for amplifications and analyses of genes
• Alignments and comparisons of DNA and protein sequences for assessing sequence similarities, mutations, evolutionary relationships.
• Introduction to omics technologies.
• The tasks guide the students through a query process using numerous computer-based tools. Exercises vary from year to year.
• Molecular genetic analysis of DNA and protein sequence data for purposes such as directional manipulations, restriction mapping, determining gene structures, regulatory sequences
• Translation of DNA into predicted proteins, analyses of the predicted proteins for biochemical signatures and roles
• Primer design for amplifications and analyses of genes
• Alignments and comparisons of DNA and protein sequences for assessing sequence similarities, mutations, evolutionary relationships.
• Introduction to omics technologies.
• The tasks guide the students through a query process using numerous computer-based tools. Exercises vary from year to year.
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available in the Unit Outline.