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  3. Techniques in Molecular Science

Techniques in Molecular Science (BCMB20005)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
Semester 2
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This is a subject suitable for students taking life science and biomedical subjects. It offers an introduction to the techniques used in many areas of molecular science.

Students taking the course will develop practical skills in the laboratory and an understanding of the techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology to investigate biological problems.

Students will develop practical and research skills by exploiting the physico-chemical properties of molecules in a variety of experimental techniques, and interpreting the data they generate.

Students will apply these skills to the:

  • separation and characterisation of proteins; and
  • isolation, manipulation and characterisation of nucleic acids: and
  • examination of cellular structures.


Students will report on their practical work and learn to relate principles to practical outcomes.

The lectures will cover the theory of standard laboratory techniques central to biochemistry and molecular biology and new methods driving the fields of genomics and proteomics.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the subject, the student should:



  • understand the theory of many techniques used in molecular and cell biology and protein biochemistry;
  • have developed the skills necessary to carry out experimental protocols in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and cell biology, and generate data for analysis;
  • have developed the ability to perform biochemical calculations and analyse data (including trouble-shooting errors or inconsistencies) and make quantitative assessments of experimental results;
  • understand how to collate and present data in a conventional standardised format for concise scientific reports;
  • have developed the ability to work effectively in the laboratory, either in small groups or individually.

Generic skills

By completion of the subject, students should have:

  • gained hands-on experience in a number of biochemical techniques;
  • analysed experimental data and made quantitative assessments of their results;
  • learnt to write concise and accurate scientific reports;
  • gained the ability to understand and follow simple experimental protocols;
  • gained experience in working with others towards common goals.

Last updated: 3 November 2022