Techniques in Molecular Science

Subject 521-220 (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 1, - 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

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: one x 3 hour practical, one x 1 hour lecture and one x 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 60 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 120 hours
Prerequisites:

BSc students

610101 Chemistry 1
610102 Chemistry 2

BBiomed students

610150 Chemistry for Biomedicine

Other combinations of subjects that provide a similar background may be considered by the coordinator
Corequisites:

If a BSc student wishes to complete a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, they must complete this subject and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Level 2

If a BBiomed student wishes to complete a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, they must also complete Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine. It is strongly recommended that the student completes Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function
Recommended Background Knowledge:

BSc students
Level 1 biology is strongly recommended
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is strongly recommended
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject if previously obtained credit for pre-2009 subjects Techniques in Protein and Gene Technology (521-220), Integrated Biomedical Science I (521-213), Integrated Biomedical Science (521-225), Integrated Biomedical Science II (536-250) or Integrated Biomedical Science II (536-225).

Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Leon Helfenbaum
Subject Overview:

This is a subject suitable for students taking life science subjects and combined degrees. It offers and introduction to the techniques used in many areas of molecular science. Students taking the course will develop practical skills in the laboratory and an understanding of the techniques employed in biochemistry and molecular biology to investigate biological problems. This subject is a specific prerequisite for completed a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Students will develop practical and research skills by learning how the physico-chemical properties of molecules are exploited in a variety of experimental techniques, by executing these techniques and interpreting the data they yield.

Students will apply these skills to the:

  • separation and characterisation of proteins; and
  • isolation, manipulation and characterisation of nucleic acids.

Students will report on their practical work and learn to relate theoretical principles to their practical outcomes.

The lectures will explain the theory of standard laboratory techniques and the latest methods that are central to progress in biochemistry and molecular biology and which are driving the emerging fields of genomics and proteomics.
Objectives:

This course aims to:

  • Describe and explain the theory behind many techniques used in molecular biology and protein biochemistry
  • Provide practical experience in a number of key techniques in molecular biology and protein biochemistry
  • Enable students to generate their own experimental results
  • Provide students with the means to analyse the data they generate
  • Teach students to work accurately and systematically
Assessment:

Written reports of experiments and related activities due after the completion of each activity (50%); a 50-minute written test held mid semester (5%), a practical class based assessment at the end of the semester (10%) and a 2-hour written examination during the examination period (35%)
Prescribed Texts: 'Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology' 6th Ed. Wilson and Walker
Breadth Options:

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

By completion of the course students should have:

  • Gained hands on experience in a number of simple practical techniques
  • Analysed experimental data and made quantitative assessment of their results
  • Learnt to write concise and accurate reports
  • Gained the ability to understand and follow simple experimental protocols
  • Gained experience in working with a partner or a small team toward common goals
Notes:

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

Not available to students enrolled in the BBiomedSc.

Before the commencement of the semester, students must advise the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of their order of preference for the alternative practical sessions and the other subjects they will be taking.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Genetics

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