Biotechnology

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment (including non-contact time): 110 hours.

OR

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.

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/

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.

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.

Continuing assessment through the semester including written assignments less than 2000 words (25%), midterm exam (15%) and a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (60%).

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

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.

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.