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 tools available for the discovery and manipulation of new genes are increasing exponentially and, in turn, this is having a significant impact in many areas of the life sciences. The true potential for this ultimately relies on the ability to link genes and their function. There are many strategies, both targeted and global, which facilitate an understanding of gene and genome structure function relationships. These strategies rely on integrated technologies based on molecular genetics, molecular biology and genetic engineering. The identification of function leads then to unlimited potential for detection and manipulation of these genes in human, animal and plant systems.

Aims

The aim of this postgraduate unit is to provide you with an understanding of the molecular processes underlying expression of genetic phenotypes and the state-of-the-art technologies and strategies that are currently available for the identification and functional characterisation of genes and to explore how this knowledge is being used to advance areas in biotechnology, medicine and agriculture.

Objectives

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

1. have sufficient understanding of integrated approaches to cloning and characterising targeted DNA sequences to be able to apply this knowledge to devise strategies for investigating gene and genome structure-function relationships and for determining the genetic constitution of an individual at target loci;

2. demonstrate knowledge of the molecular processes and mechanisms underlying expression of certain traits in plants and animals and interrogate data relating to patterns of gene expression across tissues and organisms

3. demonstrate practical expertise in advanced technologies for gene cloning and manipulation and analysis of genetic data

Content

Specific topics covered in this unit include:

- Complex patterns of inheritance.

- Mapping gene traits.

- Advanced cloning strategies.

- Global patterns of gene expression analysis (Real time PCR, microarrays, proteomics etc).

- Tools for investigating gene function including RNAi, mutagenesis, transgenics & gene knock out.

- Advanced DNA diagnostics & detection.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching in this unit is based on two hours of lectures per week. Lectures are coupled with a series of practicals that illustrate the technologies presented in the lecture material and encourage development of strategic and critical thinking. Additional approaches that will extend the traditional teaching format and provide opportunities for you to achieve deeper learning outcomes will be provided. This will include facilitated and self-directed learning by means of Problem-based Learning exercises. The various components of this unit are designed to produce learning outcomes that enhance your appreciation and comprehension of the global molecular genetic revolution. The unit is designed to produce learning outcomes that go beyond the traditional approach of knowledge transfer and acquisition. There is a greater emphasis on concepts and interpretation of information than in the traditional didactic lecture format and the unit is designed to provide opportunities for deeper learning outcomes beyond simple knowledge or concept acquisition.

This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits that postgraduate and undergraduate students attend the same lectures. As a postgraduate student you will be given additional self-directed learning tasks to enhance and extend your learning outcomes for this unit and will be required to complete separate assessment in some instances. Further details will be provided on blackboard.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade.Feedback will be available via your unit coordinator.

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: (1) Progress exam: multiple-choice and short answer, summative and formative (15%); (2) Final exam: Multiple-choice and short answer, summative (45%).
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid and End Semester

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: You will be assessed by your teacher on your contribution to a series of Problem-based learning exercises, based on a set of defined criteria. The discussion format allows for feedback opportunities, and in addition the teachers will provide you with feedback during the series, regarding your progress; summative and formative
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 8-13

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: You will be assessed on skills and knowledge developed during practical classes and your ability to apply this knowledge to the interpretation and critical analysis of experimental results.Further details will be provied on Blackboard. Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: 3.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 2-7

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

Texts:

There is no set text for this unit.

Library References:

Students will be supplied with a list of reference material at the start of semester.

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 http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp 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