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Genetically Modified Organisms (BTCH90010)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 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
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject investigates genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their potential benefits for humankind in the 21st century, against the background of controversy and public concern triggered by the release of transgenic plants and animals into the food chain. The course examines the contrast between (i) the established use GMOs for many years in drug synthesis, getting limited negative attention, and (ii) the environmental release of agricultural genetically modified plants and animals, which has been accompanied by much public concern regards to safety and societal implications.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject students should be able to:
- appreciate the broad economic consequences of technological innovation in biology, and the global context of public policy on agricultural biotechnology;
- recognise the similarities and differences between DNA transfer and rearrangement as it occurs in nature as compared to deliberate genetic manipulation the laboratory; and
- be able to articulate the opportunity costs and human welfare benefits of public policies concerning biotechnology.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject students should gain:
- experience in examining critically, synthesising and evaluating knowledge across a range of disciplines;
- expanded analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences relating to public policy and technological risk assessment; and
- knowledge to be active global citizens and accept social and civic responsibilities, and be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment based on comprehensive and open-minded consideration of evidence.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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
One 2000 word essay, due mid-semester (50%); a two-hour end-of-semester examination (50%).
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator David Tribe Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours comprising 3 one-hour lectures per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 15 March 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hrs
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
None (selected reading from the literature and general media will be provided during the course).
- Subject notes
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Biotechnology - 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.
- 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