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Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics (BCMB30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
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 be able to:
- Explain current concepts concerning the molecular bases of genome structure and the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic organisms (yeast, animals and plants)
- Discuss the role of genome structure and regulatory networks in controlling metabolic and developmental pathways
- Describe the role of signalling pathways to convey information between and within cells to regulate gene function
- Explain the theory behind recombinant DNA technology and how it is applied in biomedicine and biotechnology
- Compare and analyse genome sequences using bioinformatic techniques
- Devise experimental approaches to probe molecular and cellular function using recombinant DNA techniques and genetic manipulation of cell lines and whole organisms
- Describe how functional genomics can be applied to the study of human diseases.
- Critically analyse current scientific literature concerning genomic and bioinformatics.
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
One of:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Other combinations that provide similar background will be considered by the coordinator.
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
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Written assignment including prepared figures
| Week 9 | 20% |
Written exam
| During the examination period | 55% |
Mid Semester Test 1
| Week 5 | 10% |
Computer-based tutorial using bioinformatics tools (during computer practical in weeks 1-4)
| Mid semester | 5% |
Mid Semester Test 2
| Week 10 | 10% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Stuart Ralph Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020
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 Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Immunology Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Immunology Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology specialisation Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology 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.
- 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