Biotechnology in Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

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

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

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.

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.

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 (5%); a 2-hour written exam in the examination period (60%). Information on the expectations for tutorial participation will be provided in the first tutorial.

Provided as prescribed reading on the learning management system.

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 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.

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.