Biotechnology

Subject 202-211 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48 hours
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment (including non-contact time): 110 hours.
Prerequisites: 650-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.

Coordinator

Dr David Edward Tribe

Contact

msle-ugrad@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This course focuses on exploring and understanding the science underpinning the biotechnology revolution. Principles of molecular, cellular and process engineering are explained, and their applications in industry, agriculture, and medicine surveyed. Forums on currently active topics feature invited industry speakers.
Objectives:

By the end of the subject students should have:

  • acquired knowledge of the basic principles of biotechnology for manipulation of microbe, plant and animal characteristics, and molecular biology, genome science and bioengineering that underpins new developments in biotechnology
  • developed an understanding of local and global issues in biotechnology in relation to human welfare, environmental health and sustainable agriculture.
Assessment:

Continuing assessment through the semester including written assignments less than 2000 words (40%) and a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (60%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • the ability to interpret scientific literature and interpret data from electronic databases
  • the capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines
  • the ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer.
Notes:

The course will include four seminar sessions on currently active areas of biotechnology, which provide a forum for student discussion of implications for the community of new technologies.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (new degree only).
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Biotechnology
Biotechnology

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