Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The potential of plant biotechnology can only be recognised as a result of the significant advances being made in technologies enabling the genetic manipulation of plants. Familiarity with the strategies, techniques and breadth of applications is essential as a basis for anyone planning a career in plant biotechnology. The unit is designed with a significant emphasis on achieving technical expertise in plant genetic manipulation and control of gene expression.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to present you with an integrated picture of the current technology and applications used for the genetic manipulation of plants, including advanced cell and tissue culture and transformation technologies.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Understand the theoretical basis and the potential applications of the techniques that are available to achieve a range of manipulations towards plant improvement.

2. Apply a selection of these techniques for transforming plants and be able to adapt these techniques to different systems.

3. Demonstrate a high standard of practical expertise in plant tissue culture and transformation.

Content

The content of this unit includes:

Traditional and tissue culture methods for manipulation of plants - interspecific hybridisation, embryo rescue, protoplast fusion, anther culture, etc.

Transformation technologies including Agrobacterium, microprojectile bombardment, electroporation and novel methods - factors that affect transformation, regeneration systems, case studies.

Strategies for regulating protein expression in plant including upregulation (towards applications in biofarming) and gene silencing (towards applications in plant improvement).

Characterisation of transgenic plants - nucleic acid and protein analysis, reporter gene analysis. Techniques and interpretation of results.

Legal and ethical implications of plant genetic manipulation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consists of 2 hours of lectures and a 2 hr laboratory session (including formal practicals integrated with tutorials) each week. The emphasis throughout is on practice with a close correlation established between the theory developed in lectures and the work performed in the laboratory sessions. The tutorials are used to expand on and clarify issues that arise in lectures and the practical sessions.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).You will receive informal feedback each week in practical classes and formally through assessment of workbooks and feedback on the progress exam.

Assessment name: Examination
Description: Short answer and short essay exams: (1) Progress examination, formative and summative (15%); (2) Final examination, summative (45%).
Relates to objectives: 1.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid and End Semester

Assessment name: Workbook
Description: Assessment of your ability to learn new skills, satisfactorily perform experiments and accurately record results through maintenance of a laboratory workbook; formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: A series of scenario-based questions designed to test your ability to apply newly learned skills and knowledge, to process new data and to critically analyse experimental results.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text but you will be provided with a current reading list to support your studies.

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. ou are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the unit coordinator, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012