Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 24 hours face to face + Blended
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
2024 teaching periods
| Hawthorn Higher Ed. Semester 2 |
||
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Prerequisites
and
Aims and objectives
The unit aims to provide the students with fundamentals of the structures and functions of genes and proteins, an overview of the complexity, organisation and instability of the eukaryotic genomes, the structure, functions and mechanisms of regulation of eukaryotic genes, the genetic basis of various human diseases, the biochemical properties and functions of select proteins, an understanding of the applications of gene and protein analyses in diverse fields of modern biological and molecular sciences, and laboratory exercises that provide a greater understanding of these areas.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Recognise and summarise the structures and functions of examples of diverse types of genes, RNAs and proteins.
2. Discern the complexity of eukaryotic genes and genomes and their significance to cellular functions and evolution
3. Recognise and evaluate the many events and levels of regulation of gene expression, and their significance and applications in diverse areas including health, agriculture and emerging technologies.
4. Identify and describe the nature and major mechanisms of genetic variability, recombinations and/or instability in the human and other genomes, and the significance of these
5. Apply the principles of diverse molecular technologies to analyse genes or proteins for problem-solving and various applications
6. Apply laboratory skills and computer-based analysis to the above areas, including recording scientific observations correctly, analysing and interpreting these critically, and reporting professionally
1. Recognise and summarise the structures and functions of examples of diverse types of genes, RNAs and proteins.
2. Discern the complexity of eukaryotic genes and genomes and their significance to cellular functions and evolution
3. Recognise and evaluate the many events and levels of regulation of gene expression, and their significance and applications in diverse areas including health, agriculture and emerging technologies.
4. Identify and describe the nature and major mechanisms of genetic variability, recombinations and/or instability in the human and other genomes, and the significance of these
5. Apply the principles of diverse molecular technologies to analyse genes or proteins for problem-solving and various applications
6. Apply laboratory skills and computer-based analysis to the above areas, including recording scientific observations correctly, analysing and interpreting these critically, and reporting professionally
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment and content.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
Live Online Lecture | 3 | 12 | 36 |
| On Campus Science Laboratory | 2 | 12 | 24 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 1.5 | 12 | 18 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6 | 12 | 72 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Assessment
| Types | Individual or Group task | Weighting | Assesses attainment of these ULOs |
| Laboratory Pracs | Individual | 25-40% | 1,2,3,4,6 |
| Online Quiz | Individual | 5-15% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Online Test(s) | Individual | 45-65% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Minimum requirements to pass this unit
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass the unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) Obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and
(iii) Complete a minimum of 80% of laboratory (practical) work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit and will not be eligible for a conceded pass.
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass the unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) Obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and
(iii) Complete a minimum of 80% of laboratory (practical) work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit and will not be eligible for a conceded pass.
Content
- Structure and functions of DNA and other nucleic acids
- Structure and functions of diverse types of proteins
- Composition of eukaryotic genomes, with particular reference to the human genome
- Principles of DNA replication, applications
- Gene structure and regulation of expression in bacteria, the lac operon and its applications
- Eukaryotic gene structures and regulation of gene expression at multiple levels
- Repetitive DNA sequences, structures, functions, variability, instability, applications
- Different types of genetic recombinations and their molecular mechanisms and significance
- Molecular basis of selected human genetic diseases
- Laboratory and some computer (bioinformatics) skills related to some of the above concepts, to apply selected biochemical and molecular techniques for analyses of nucleic acids and proteins
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available in the Unit Outline.