Biotechnology
Overview
The unit aims to impart knowledge and understanding of the advanced molecular techniques that contribute to the knowledge base of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and biotechnology, and have resulted in solutions to industrial, medical, agricultural and/or environmental problems. This knowledge is aimed at giving students the ability to gain a place in diverse professions based on molecular sciences, as well as in higher studies. The practical component aims to make the students competent in several experimental and computer-based techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Requisites
AND
75 credit points
Assumed Knowledge
Basic biology, chemistry and biochemistry
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the theoretical principles and applications of a number of analytical, preparative and manipulative techniques and emerging technologies in biotechnology
- Design and/or critically evaluate protocols and solutions to medical, agricultural, industrial and/or environmental problems
- Explain the purpose, applications and significance of advanced genetic, biochemical or immunological technologies
- Demonstrate advanced skills in performing literature searches to investigate an advancement such as above and present its principles and applications
- Demonstrate advanced skills in applying theoretical knowledge to conducting practical work in a selection of the above areas, including critical analysis of results and reporting them honestly and professionally
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On Campus Lecture |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On Campus Lab |
4.00 | 6 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities Independent Learning |
7.5 | 12 weeks | 90 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 5 - 15% | 3,4 |
| Final-Semester Test | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual/Group | 25 - 35% | 1,2,5 |
| Mid-Semester Test | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,2,3 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass the unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must
(i) Achieve an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) Complete a minimum fraction of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
Topics will vary according to new issues and trends and may include:
- Fermentation technologies
- Cell culture and cell senescence
- Antibody technology (Immunology, Immunochemistry)
- Protein technology and structural technology, including NMR and Mass Spectrometry
- Genomics, transcriptomics and related areas, next-generation technologies
- Molecular technologies, including plant, environmental and/or microbial biotechnology, ethical, moral, scientific and social considerations of the various issues
- Regulatory framework in above contexts.
- Laboratory work and/or computer analysis to address problems in above areas
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.