Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
Overview
The unit aims to develop an appreciation of the context of biotechnology in addressing specific priorities in the areas of medicine, health, food and nutrition, and the environment. It aims to improve techniques of literature searching, critical analysis of published data and identification of gaps in knowledge. It aims to build skills in project development, research planning and problem solving.
Requisites
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Appreciate advancements in select current topics in Biotechnology research and development
- Engage in considerations of the ethical, legal, social and moral issues associated with some of the above developments
- Identify and critically analyse published literature and/or utilise computer-based tools to analyse topics
- Present written reports or assignments, critically appraising the literature and the issues, challenges, new trends and opportunities in areas
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Live Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Examination | Individual | 30 - 35% | 1,2 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 10% | 1,2,3 |
| Test | Individual | 25 - 30% | 1,2,3 |
| Assignment | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Examination | Individual | 24 - 36% | 1,2 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3 |
| Test | Individual | 24 - 36% | 1,2,3 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
Specialised aspects in different areas of biotechnology that may include but are not limited to:
- Mutations in DNA and their effects
- Environmental hazards
- Systems that maintain the integrity of the genome
- Stem cells
- Expression of recombinant proteins
- Biosensors, development of vaccines
- RNA tools
- Genomics and proteomics
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.