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

Prerequisites
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry

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

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:

  • 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
TOTAL150

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.