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Advanced Techniques in Molecular Science (BCMB30010)
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
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
To participate in the rapidly expanding fields of genome research and protein structure-function analysis it is necessary to have an understanding of the techniques used in these areas.
This subject provides practical training in the technologies of molecular biology, protein expression and molecular cell biology. During the course of the practical work students will learn how experiments are designed, performed and the resulting data analysed.
Areas covered include the use of recombinant DNA for the investigation of gene function, the use of bacterial expression systems for the production and characterisation of recombinant proteins; mass spectrometry to identify proteins and the maintenance and manipulation of mammalian cell cultures, including the introduction of reporter constructs.
Specific experiments will deal with DNA cloning and sequencing, enzyme mutagenesis, protein expression and enzyme assays, the identification of proteins in mammalian sera and using fluorescent microscopy to determine the subcellular localisation of proteins in mammalian cells.
Students will learn how to maintain a laboratory notebook to record their experiments. They will learn and how to write a scientific report based on their work in the laboratory and their search of relevant databases.
In addition, students will develop an appreciation for the current scientific literature and collaborate in student presentations.
The experimental work is supported by a lecture series providing an overview of technologies used in class and in research. Tutorials and workshops are provided to develop skills in relevant calculations, scientific writing and presentations and solving problems by applying knowledge from practicals and lecture material.
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of the subjects the student should be able to:
- describe the theory behind and practical considerations of experimental techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology.
- perform a variety of techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology.
- keep scientific records in laboratory notebooks.
- design simple experiments and solve problems dealing with scientific information.
- to use bioinformatics in the analysis of DNA and protein sequences and data derived by mass spectrometry.
- write formal scientific reports.
- search and critically evaluate scientific literature.
- present data from the scientific literature in oral and written formats.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Hands-on experience in a variety of techniques, generating results for analysis.
- Design and execution of simple experiments.
- Analysis of experimental data using spreadsheets and bioinformatics resources.
- The ability to keep complete and accurate records of experimental results and to use these records to prepare a scientific report.
- Evaluation and presentation of scientific literature to an audience.
- 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
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20005 | Techniques in Molecular Science |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
And one of:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Other combinations of subjects that provide a similar background may be considered by the coordinator.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
BSc students
BCMB20003 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function is recommended.
BBiomedicine Students
BCMB20003 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function is strongly recommended.
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20003 | Molecular Analysis of Cell Function | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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
Ongoing assessment of laboratory skills throughout the semester (50%) divided between
• practical management of the experimental program, (10%)
• maintenance of a laboratory notebook including short summaries and brief reports of practical results (40%)
2 x Database searching tutorials
Week 4 and Week 11 - hurdle requirement (see below)
2500 word Research Report
Around week 10 - 20%
15 min presentation by a group of 5 students with guidance and assistance from an academic mentor and 750-word summary
End of Semester - 20%
45-min written exam
Examination Period - 10%
Hurdle requirement of 90% attendance in practical classes.
2x Database searching tutorials, achieving a minimum mark of 70% in each
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Leon Helfenbaum Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 3 February 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 - Semester 2
Coordinator Leon Helfenbaum Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 84 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 7 July 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019
Time commitment details
84 contact hours with an estimated total time commitment of 170 hours.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
Keith Wilson and John Walker, Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2010, 7th Ed) Cambridge University Press
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc and in BBiomed.
Students must enrol for one of the available laboratory days via the student portal before the start of the semester.
Be aware that each day may have limited places and in general allocations to practical classes will be made on a first come-first served basis.
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to have regular access to an internet-enabled computer. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology specialisation - 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.
Additional information for this subject
quota subject - application deadline as per http://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-information/quota-subjects
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022