Concepts of Biotechnology | Units of study... | Swinburne University of Technology

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BIO10003 12.5 Credit Points Hawthorn, Sarawak Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students

Duration

One Semester or equivalent

Contact hours

54 Hours face to face plus blended

On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.

2023 teaching periods

Hawthorn Higher Ed. Semester 2
Dates: 31 Jul 23 - 29 Oct 23 Results: 5 Dec 23 Last self enrolment: 13 Aug 23 Census: 31 Aug 23 Last withdraw without fail: 15 Sep 23

Hawthorn

Higher Ed. Semester 2

Dates:
31 Jul 23 - 29 Oct 23

Results:
5 Dec 23

Last self enrolment:
13 Aug 23

Census:
31 Aug 23

Last withdraw without fail:
15 Sep 23

Aims and objectives

To provide students with an introduction to genetics, molecular biology, tools and applications of biotechnology, biochemistry, applied microbiology and immunology. To provide a strong foundation essential for subjects in the later years of the Biotechnology Science Major.

Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Describe the fundamental biochemical processes of cells such as ion/molecule uptake, energy transfers, metabolism and the immune system
2. Describe the fundamentals of cell division and genetics, including the role of DNA as genetic material
3. Describe the basic principles and techniques used for the study and manipulation of DNA
4. Appreciate the application of biotechnology in diverse areas such as health and medicine, agriculture and/or the environment
5. Conduct and/or observe a variety of laboratory exercises where some of the above theoretical knowledge is applied to practical situations
6. Demonstrate the ability to work safely and communicate effectively.

Unit information in detail

- Teaching methods, assessment and content.

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type	Hours per week	Number of Weeks	Total
On Campus Lecture	3	12	36
On Campus Science Lab	3	6	18
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning	8	12	96
TOTAL			150 hours

Assessment

Types	Individual or Group task	Weighting	Assesses attainment of these ULOs
Lab Practicals	Individual	25-30%	5,6
On-line quizzes	Individual	10-15%	1,2,3,4,6
Online Test(s)	Individual	45-60%	1,2,3,4,6

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) 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) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit

Content

• Principles of cell division and genetics at chromosomal level.
• Introduction to molecular genetics: Overview of DNA structure, gene structure and function.
• Tools of biotechnology: introduction to select methods of DNA, RNA and/or protein analysis.
• Applications of biotechnology: introduction to applications of biotechnology in diverse fields such as medicine, forensics, agriculture, environmental aspects.
• Cellular transport: overview of transport proteins, cellular uptake of water, ions, molecules.
• Energy transformations in cells: overview of key biochemical pathways such as cell respiration and photosynthesis.
• Principles of the immune system and applications of immunology in disease diagnosis and/or control
• Practical work related to selected topics from above areas.

Study resources

- Reading materials and references.

Reading materials

A list of reading materials/and or texts will be made available in the Unit Online