Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
Overview
The unit aims to provide the students with the fundamentals of prokaryotic gene structure and regulation, an overview of the complexity, organisation and instability of the eukaryotic genomes, the structure, functions and mechanisms of regulation of eukaryotic genes, the genetic basis of various human diseases, the biochemical properties and functions of select proteins, an understanding of the applications of gene and protein analyses in diverse fields of modern biological and molecular sciences, and laboratory exercises that provide a greater understanding of these areas.
Requisites
Assumed Knowledge
Some background in biology, biochemistry, genetics.
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Recognise and summarise the structures and functions of diverse types of genes, RNAs and proteins
- Appreciate and reflect on the complexity of eukaryotic genes and genomes and their significance to cellular functions and evolution
- Recognise and evaluate the many events and levels of regulation of gene expression, and their significance and applications in diverse areas including health, agriculture and emerging technologies
- Describe the nature and major mechanisms of genetic variability, recombinations and/or instability in the human and other genomes, and the significance of these
- Apply and evaluate the principles of diverse molecular technologies to analyse genes or proteins for problem solving and various applications.
- Apply laboratory skills and computer-based analysis to the above areas, including recording scientific observations correctly, analysing and interpreting these critically, and reporting professionally
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| On-campus Lab | 4.00 | 6 weeks | 24 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 1.50 | 12 weeks | 18 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.00 | 12 weeks | 72 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Practicals | Individual | 25 - 40% | 1,2,3,4,6 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 30 - 40% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
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) Completion of a minimum fraction of 80% of laboratory (practical) work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the unit outline.
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Structure and functions of DNA and other nucleic acids
- Structure and functions of diverse types of proteins
- Composition of eukaryotic genomes, with particular reference to the human genome
- Principles of DNA replication, applications.
- Gene structure and regulation of expression in bacteria, the lac operon and its applications
- Eukaryotic gene structures and regulation of gene expression at multiple levels
- Repetitive DNA sequences, structures, functions, variability, instability, applications
- Different types of genetic recombinations and their molecular mechanisms and significance
- Molecular basis of selected human genetic diseases
- Laboratory and some computer (bioinformatics) skills related to some of the above concepts, to apply selected biochemical and molecular techniques for analyses of nucleic acids and proteins
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.