Biotechnology in Practice

Subject BTCH30003 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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: 2 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x one hour tutorial per week. Total 36 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

It is recommended that students have completed 50 points of study in the life sciences or chemistry before attempting this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students may not gain credit for this subject and

  • 600-205 Biotechnology in Practice (prior to 2009)
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Ed Newbigin

Contact

Email: edwardjn@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject will enable students to develop skills relevant to the Australian biotechnology industry by enhancing their understanding of the processes involved in the commercialisation of scientific research. The steps involved in taking a product from the research laboratory to the marketplace will be illustrated by case studies presented by participants in Australian biotechnology development. Participants in this subject include contributors from industry, research development consultants, intellectual property lawyers, members of regulatory bodies and staff from a number of University departments.

Objectives:

Completion of this subject is expected to enhance a student’s ability to understand and provide examples of:

  • Australian biotechnology research and development;
  • The essential information, skills and stages involved in the commercialisation of biotechnology research with an understanding of how a project’s risks affects its value;
  • The potential sources of funds and the possible structures that may be implemented for the commercialisation of biotechnology research;
  • The nature of intellectual property; the importance and limitations of patents; the patenting process; and IP management;
  • The issues and processes involved in regulating genetically manipulated organisms and new pharmaceuticals.
Assessment:

One written assignment of 2500 words due in the last month of the semester (25%); a 50-minute written class test held mid-semester (10%); participation in tutorials, including attendance at a minimum of 75% of tutorials; a 2-hour written exam in the examination period (60%). Information on the expectations for tutorial participation will be provided in the first tutorial.

Prescribed Texts:

Provided as prescribed reading on the learning management system.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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 collect, research and integrate information from different sources either on their own or collaboratively with others;
  • Write an integrated report based on collected information;
  • Read and interpret published literature;
  • Access information available via the internet;
  • Plan effective work schedules to meet deadlines for assessable work.
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.

This subject is available for credit in the Bachelor of Biomedicine course.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Agri-food Biotechnology (specialisation of Biotechnology major)
Biomedical Biotechnology (specialisation of Biotechnology major)
Biotechnology (pre-2008 Bachelor of Science)
Chemical Biotechnology (specialisation of Biotechnology major)
Molecular Biotechnology (specialisation of Biotechnology major)
Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses
Related Breadth Track(s): Biotechnology

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