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Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics (BCMB30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinato
Dr Stuart Ralph
Adminstrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
Knowledge of genome structures from various organisms and the rapid development of technologies that exploit such information are having a big impact in biology, medicine and biotechnology. This subject describes the structure and expression of genomes in higher organisms and provides an understanding of the technologies used to analyse and manipulate genes. Students will learn how the modification of genes in cells and whole organisms can be used to discover gene function or to modify phenotype. The structure of eukaryotic chromosomes is presented to demonstrate how genetic material is replicated and how transcription of RNA is controlled. We illustrate how pathways that regulate RNA and protein are integrated to control cell metabolism and cell fate. The content will cover the bioinformatic techniques used to interpret and extend genomic information. The approaches of functional genomics will be discussed in relation to cancer to illustrate the application of molecular biology to the study of human biology and health.
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of the subject, the student should understand:
- current concepts concerning the molecular bases of genome structure and the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic organisms (yeast, animals and plants)
- the role of gene regulatory networks in controlling metabolic and developmental pathways
- the role of signalling pathways to convey information between and within cells to regulate gene function
- the theory of recombinant DNA technology and how it is applied in biomedicine and biotechnology
- the significance and applications of genome sequencing programs
- bioinformatic techniques and their applications
- how gene function can be investigated by recombinant DNA techniques and genetic manipulation of cell lines and whole organisms
- how functional genomics can be applied to the study of human diseases such as cancer.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- the ability to interpret scientific literature and interpret data from electronic databases.
- the capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
- the ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
BSc students
Before 2009:
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A (521-211)
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B (521-212)
2009 and subsequently:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Note that the pre-2009 subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A” and the 2009 subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology” are not identical despite having the same subject code. Only the subject “Biochemistry & Molecular Biology” offered in 2009 and subsequently acts as a stand-alone prerequisite.
Other combinations that provide similar background will be considered by the coordinator.
BBiomedicine students
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject if they previously obtained credit for the pre-2009 subject 521-302 Functional Genomics.
BBiomedSc students who received credit for 521-308 Genome Science are not permitted to enrol and gain credit for this subject.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 1,000 word essay assignment due mid-semester (10%)
- A computer-based tutorial using bioinformatics due early in the semester (5%)
- Two tests held during mid-semester (7.5% each)
- 3 hour written exam held during the examination period (70%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Stuart Ralph Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one-hour lectures plus 1 x one-hour tutorial Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Subject Coordinato
Dr Stuart Ralph
Adminstrative Coordinator
Mrs Irene Koumanelis
Time commitment details
48 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition
- Subject notes
Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.
Students undertaking this subject are expected to have access to an internet-enabled computer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Biotechnology Informal specialisation Animal Cell Biology Informal specialisation Animal Cell Biology Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Informal specialisation Reproduction and Development Informal specialisation Microbiology Informal specialisation Microbiology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Immunology Major Immunology Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology Informal specialisation Reproduction and Development Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022