BVB317 Principles of Genomics and Biotechnology
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | BVB317 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | BVB101 or (BVB201 and admission to ST20) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,190 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,644 |
| International unit fee | $5,328 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2020, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BVB317 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | BVB101 |
| Coordinator: | Rob Harding | r.harding@qut.edu.au |
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:
- Describe the principles and processes that underpin genomics and biotechnology
- Evaluate and apply scientific approaches and appropriate technologies used by biotechnologists
- Recognise and critically assess how different scientific approaches and technologies are applied to address key issues related to biotechnology
- Accurately analyse experimental procedures and results in a scientific manner
Content
The content of the unit includes:
- The genetic basis of inheritance
- Isolation, characterisation and manipulation of DNA from different organisms
- DNA cloning and genetic engineering strategies
- Microbial, plant and animal cell culture of different organisms
- Transformation technologies and generation of transgenic plants and animals
- Strategies for control of gene expression including expression systems and RNAi
Learning Approaches
This unit consists of lecture and practical sessions face-to-face and transitioning to online from week 6. The theory presented in lectures will be further developed and reinforced using experimental approaches and through analysis of scientific literature.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Ongoing oral and written feedback will be provided throughout the semester.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit will consist of three elements:
- Performance on specific exercises in both online lecture and practical content will be evaluated throughout the semester
- A written report (individually or in pairs) encompassing the biotechnology lecture content will be evaluated at the end of semester
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Workbook
A series of progressive exercises designed to assess your understanding of practical and associated theoretical concepts.
Relates to learning outcomes
1, 2, 3 and 4
Assessment: Problem Solving Assignment
In a written presentation, you will detail technical approaches that can be used to investigate specific issues dealing with the genetic modification of plants or animals.
Relates to learning outcomes
1, 2 and 3
Assessment: Quiz
Quiz delivered through Blackboard consisting of multiple choice questions.
Relates to learning outcomes
1 and 3
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
Risk Assessment Statement
For any face-to-face practicals early in semester you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You will be provided with the latest edition of a comprehensive safety booklet pertinent to life sciences laboratories and specifically to this unit, and you will be required to adhere to the safety procedures detailed in it. You are also referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp 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. QUT has a formal risk assessment process which can be used to determine the types or risks and how you should handle them.