Overview

The unit aims to provide the students with fundamentals of the structures and functions of genes and proteins, 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

Prerequisites
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry

AND EITHER

CHE10001 Chemistry 1 v1

OR

CHE10004 Introduction to Chemistry v1

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
29-July-2024
27-October-2024
Last self-enrolment date
11-August-2024
Census date
31-August-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
13-September-2024
Results released date
03-December-2024
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Recognise and summarise the structures and functions of examples of diverse types of genes, RNAs and proteins.
  • Discern 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.
  • Identify and 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 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
TOTAL150

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
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning
1.50 12 weeks 18
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning
6.00 12 weeks 72
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Laboratory PracticalsIndividual 25 - 40% 1,2,3,4,6 
Online QuizIndividual 5 - 15% 1,2,3,4,5 
Online TestsIndividual 30 - 45% 1,2,3,4,5 
Online TestsIndividual 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 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.