Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Fundamental and advanced skills in molecular biology are essential prerequisites for biotechnology. Through close alignment of theoretical concepts and practical skills, this strongly lab-oriented postgraduate unit allows you to develop expertise in modern recombinant DNA techniques and an understanding of strategies used to identify and manipulate genes. Integration between theory and practice in this unit is designed to develop competence, independence and high-order critical thinking skills so as to fully prepare you for the suite of advanced units in the Postgraduate Coursework Biotechnology programs.

Aims

The overall 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 postgraduate unit, you should:

1. Be able to demonstrate your in-depth theoretical understanding of the 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 highly competent and confident in independently carrying out general molecular biology techniques and have developed practical skills in gene cloning.

4. Have an in-depth comprehension of experimental design, optimisation and problem solving in a range of molecular biology applications and be able to critically analyse experimental data beyond what is required at an undergraduate level.

Content

The content of this unit includes:
· Isolation 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 integrated with a series of hands-on laboratory classes. The postgraduate learning context will emphasise knowledge, understanding and application. 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 evaluate your learning in 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 exercises both formally and informally throughout the semester. This allows you to monitor your progress in this postgraduate unit.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final Theory Exam to assess your learning (knowledge and understanding) in this unit; this will examine material covered in the lectures, practicals and will assess your ability to apply your learning as well as evaluate your high order critical thinking skills.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Student negotiated assessment
Description: One or more assessment tasks, the actual nature and weighting of which in any given year is negotiated with you and your cohort to suit your particular needs. These tasks will be designed to enable you to demonstrate at an advanced level your in-depth knowledge and understanding of the strategies and associated technologies for nucleic acid manipulation, DNA detection and gene discovery as well as your ability to apply this knowledge and understanding at a postgraduate level. Further details will be provided on Blackboard.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

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: 30%
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