Food Biotechnology

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Estimated total time commitment (including non-contact time): 120 hours.

Eligibility for honours or postgraduate coursework program.

Chemistry and/or biology or equivalent background

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/

• Principles of Molecular Biology (Gene cloning; Regulation of gene expression; Over-expression of required products);
• Applications of molecular biology techniques in plants, animals and micro-organisms important in food production and processing
• Applications of molecular analytical techniques to the food industry (DNA probes; DNA micro-arrays; Bio-sensors; Rapid detection of pathogenic and spoilage organisms; Immuno assays, Detection of GMO in foods; Novel techniques)
• Detection and extraction of value added products from foods
• Bio-informatics (Database searching; Interpretation of results; Protein structure/function)
• Regulatory, environmental, safety and ethical issues related to the application of biotechnology in the food industry
• Industrial Fermentations (Choice of organisms, Cultivation and preservation of cultures; Optimisation of fermentation conditions; Waste management).

The objectives of this subject are to:

Two assignments of 1000 words each:

1. Assignment 1 (20%), due mid-way through semester
2. Assignment 2 (20%), due one week prior to the end of semester

Three hour written examination covering all topics (60%).

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• academic excellence;
• greater in-depth understanding of scientific disciplines oassociated with biotechnology.
• The study will develop critical thinking and analysis; and problem solving.
• Flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced though improved ability to communicate ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats.