Concepts of Biotechnology
Overview
This unit aims to discuss the key features of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structures; study the structures and functions of major biological molecules; examine the key concepts of biochemistry and genetics; introduce molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology; and to develop essential skills in basic microscopy, biochemistry and molecular analyses.
Requisites
Assumed Knowledge
Some background in biological and/or chemical sciences; e.g., biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the central role of the genetic material, DNA, the flow of genetic information in the cell, and its regulation
- Describe and apply some important principles and methods of analysis and manipulation of the genetic material, for diverse applications in biotechnology
- Discuss the structures and functions of select biologically important molecules and biochemical processes within cells/organisms
- Define innate and adaptive immune systems of vertebrates and examples of immune disorders, and investigate the applications of principles of immunology in medical and other areas of biotechnology
- Conduct laboratory exercises where the theoretical knowledge in the above areas is applied to practical situations
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Lab | 3.00 | 6 weeks | 18 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.00 | 12 weeks | 72 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 20 - 40% | 1,3,4 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 20% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Test | Individual | 25 - 35% | 2,3,4 |
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) Obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and(iii) Complete a minimum 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 requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Overview of the structures and functions of select biologically important molecules and biochemical processes
- Overview of DNA structure, the flow of genetic information, DNA replication, gene transcription, and protein translation
- Brief overview of cell structure, cell division and genetics
- Introduction to the human immune system
- Introduction to biotechnology: basic principles of various techniques of genetic analysis, genetic engineering and biotechnology
- Applications of above techniques in human health and welfare, medicine, agriculture and the environment
- Introduction to some of the ethical, legal, social and scientific issues associated with the above technologies
- Relevant practical exercises in the above areas
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.