Molecular 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 critical to the ability of students to gain a place in diverse professions based on molecular sciences, as well as in higher studies.
Requisites
Rules
Concurrent Pre-requisite
Students are advised to do BCH20001 prior to completing BIO30004 where possible.
BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
AND
Pre-requisite
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
AND
200cp
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 biomolecular science
- Design or critically evaluate protocols and solutions to medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental problems
- Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes, applications and significance of cell culture, biocatalysis, fermentation and related technologies
- Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes, applications and significance of protein structural analysis and protein technologies, including antibodies and related proteins
- Apply online tasks such as literature searching and database searching to a particular problem in the molecular biosciences
- Record scientific observations correctly, analyse these critically, interpret honestly and report professionally, in a selection of the above areas
Teaching methods
Sarawak
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| On-campus Lab | 4.00 | 6 weeks | 24 |
| Online Learning activities | 1.00 | 3 weeks | 3 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 7.25 | 12 weeks | 87 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
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 |
| On-campus Lecture |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
7.25 | 12 weeks | 87 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 5 - 15% | 2,5,6 |
| Laboratory Practicals | Individual | 25 - 35% | 2,5,6 |
| Mid-Semester Test | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,3,4 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,3,4 |
| Final-Semester Test | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,3,4 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass the unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) 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 requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Cell culture and cell senescence
- Fermentation technologies
- Antibody Technology (Immunochemistry) and related approaches
- Protein technology and structural techniques, such as NMR and Mass Spectrometry
- Ethical, moral, scientific and social considerations and regulatory frame work
- 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.