BVB317 Principles of Genomics and Biotechnology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This unit will introduce students to the basic principles, core concepts and processes that underpin the topics of genomics and biotechnology. The cutting-edge innovations arising from these rapidly emerging and evolving areas have, and will continue to, transform and shape the world we live in with global impacts in human health, agriculture and the environment. The unit will build on the basic cell and molecular biology skills acquired in BVB101 and further develop theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in the cellular and molecular processes and techniques that are used to manipulate and exploit organisms (microbes, animals and plants). Recent technological advances such as gene editing will also be covered in addition to important issues such as regulation and commercialisation of biotechnology process and products. The biotechnology industry is growing rapidly and graduate employment in this sector is expected to be in high demand.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the principles and processes that underpin genomics and biotechnology
2. Evaluate and apply scientific approaches and appropriate technologies used by biotechnologists
3. Recognise and critically assess how different scientific approaches and technologies are applied to address key issues related to biotechnology
4. Accurately analyse experimental procedures and results in a scientific manner appropriate to a biotechnology laboratory

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit consists of lecture and practical sessions each week. The theory presented in lectures will be further developed and reinforced using hands-on experimental approaches and interactive group work in the laboratory sessions

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Ongoing oral and written feedback will be provided throughout the semester on your performance in laboratory exercises, and on the mid-late semester activity. This feedback will help prepare you for the final exam.

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Assessment

Overview

Assessment in this unit will consist of three elements:

• Laboratory performance on specific practical exercises undertaken throughout the semester and submitted for evaluation twice during the semester.
• A critique of a scientific paper submitted in week 9.
• A final exam

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory/ Practical

Progressive assessment based on successful completion of laboratory exercises, and the maintenance of a laboratory notebook.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Assessment: Scientific Critique

You will select a scientific paper outlining the development of a plant crop that has been genetically modified to confer a particular trait. You will apply information presented in lectures to a particular problem and develop skills in information retrieval and interpretation of scientific literature to provide a critical review. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Assessment: Examination (Written)

End of semester examination consisting of multiple-choice questions and/or short essays.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Safety and protective equipment

To participate in practical classes you will require personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats, laboratory safety glasses and enclosed footwear, and a standard QUT laboratory notebook.

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the university's health and safety web site for further information. If you have an underlying health condition, you are encouraged to consult the unit coordinator, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area that will be indicated to you.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer

1: Knowledge and Skill Base

1. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
2. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
3. 
   Relates to: Examination (Written)
4. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique

2: Engineering Application Ability

1. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical
2. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique

3: Professional and Personal Attributes

1. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique
2. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique
3. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique
4. 
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique
5. 
   Relates to: Scientific Critique

Course Learning Outcomes

ST01 Bachelor of Science

1. Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
2. Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
3. Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique
4. Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical
5. Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
   Relates to: Scientific Critique

ST20 Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours)

1. Articulate advanced and coherent knowledge and understanding of at least one scientific discipline
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
2. Critically evaluate and apply advanced scientific principles to design experiments, and collect, record, analyse and interpret data using appropriate scientific methodologies, and critical thinking, judgment and deduction to solve complex problems
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
3. Evaluate and synthesise complex scientific information, research outcomes and arguments and communicate these to scientists and non-scientists using appropriate communication styles in a variety of formats.
   Relates to: Scientific Critique
4. Demonstrate personal accountability and ethical practice in scholarship and research and critically assess the societal impact of science and technology
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical

SV02 Bachelor of Science

1. Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
2. Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique, Examination (Written)
3. Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical, Scientific Critique
4. Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
   Relates to: Laboratory/ Practical
5. Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
   Relates to: Scientific Critique