Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Skills in molecular biology are now essential in many areas of life sciences including medicine, agriculture, cell biology, environmental science and forensics. Through close alignment of theoretical concepts and practical skills, this lab-based unit expands on molecular themes introduced in earlier cell and molecular biology units to develop expertise in modern recombinant DNA techniques and an understanding of strategies used to identify and manipulate genes. The close relationship between theory and practice in this unit is designed to develop competence, independence and critical thinking that will provide you with a solid foundation for advanced molecular biology studies presented in several third level units.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop concepts and laboratory skills in the characterisation and analysis of nucleic acids and recombinant DNA technologies and to extend these technologies into the understanding and application of the different strategies for gene discovery.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should:

1. Have a detailed theoretical understanding of techniques used for nucleic acid manipulation, DNA detection and recombinant DNA technology and of their limitations.

2. Be able to apply (in theory) different strategies and associated technologies to the identification and characterisation of new genes.

3. Be competent in independently carrying out general molecular biology techniques and have developed practical skills in gene cloning.

4. Have a general understanding of experimental design, optimisation and problem solving in a range of molecular biology applications and be able to accurately record and critically analyse experimental data.

Content

The content of this unit includes:

· lsolation and characterisation of nucleic acids.

· DNA amplification by gene cloning: vectors, ligation, bacterial transformation, selection & basic characterisation of recombinants.

· DNA amplification by PCR: optimisation & primer design, options for cloning PCR products; Real Time PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR

· DNA sequencing.

· Hybridisation based strategies for gene discovery: hybridisation techniques, probe design, synthesis and labelling, cDNA and genomic libraries and alternative vector systems.

· PCR-based strategies for gene discovery: including 5' & 3' RACE, degenerate primer PCR, inverse PCR.

· Introduction to microarrays & proteomics.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit comprises weekly lectures or practicals, which are closely aligned with a series of laboratory classes. Laboratory classes are structured as a combination of practical experiments and exercises. Practical experiments are designed to introduce you to a range of basic and advanced techniques in molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology. Exercises are given during the practical sessions to extend and expand on the application of these technologies and to enable you (and us) to better assess your understanding of these areas. Additional exercises will be available on Blackboard to reinforce these concepts. More advanced strategies for gene discovery will be introduced through lectures, supported by real world examples and online exercises.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).You will receive formative feedback from your demonstrator on participation in practical classes, laboratory workbooks and practical exercises both formally and informally throughout the semester. Feedback for quizzes will be available on Blackboard and will be discussed in lectures.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: A series of small quizzes and exercises delivered via Blackboard through the semester. These will be designed to progressively examine your understanding of theory and practical unit material and to provide formative feedback so that you can gauge your progress. Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 4.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: The final Theory exam will assess your knowledge and understanding of the overall unit, including lectures, practicals and will examine your ability to apply concepts learned during the laboratory classes (summative).
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: This assessment will comprise one or more tasks that that will assess your ability to plan and carry out experiments in molecular biology and to appropriately record, analyse and interpret the results. These may be student or group specific. Details will be provided on Blackboard. Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 3 and 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly in Prac Class

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 are a range of books currently available that can assist you in understanding and extending unit material. A list of reference material available in the library will be posted on Blackboard at the start of semester. For students wishing to purchase a text book, the following is recommended:

Primrose SB et al., Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics 7th edition, Blackwell Science.

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. You 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: 08-Oct-2012