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Advanced Techniques in Molecular Science (BCMB30010)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Co-ordinator
Dr Amber Willems-Jones
Administrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Subject Co-ordinator
Dr Izabela Orval
Administrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
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 training in the use of molecular biology technologies, protein analyses and cell biology techniques. Students will learn how experiments are designed, performed and the resulting data analysed.
Experiments in the subject will explore (a) the use of recombinant DNA analyses, (b) bacterial expression systems to produce and characterise recombinant protein, (c) identification of proteins by mass spectrometry; and (d) mammalian cell culture.
Students will learn practical skills of how to record data and maintain experimental observations in laboratory notebooks, to search bioinformatic databases, and to construct and concisely write a scientific research paper based on their findings. Students will also further develop their skills in performing biochemical calculations and solving problems by applying knowledge attained from practicals.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject students should be able to:
- Describe the importance of key features in the design of experimental protocols used in biochemistry and molecular biology
- Demonstrate competence and skill in performing fundamental techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology
- Record data and experimental observations in laboratory notebooks
- Design simple experiments and solve problems dealing with scientific information
- Use bioinformatics programs to analyse of DNA sequences and protein data derived by mass spectrometry
- Use affective and concise written communication to present experiment findings in a scientific report
- Critically evaluate scientific literature using database searches.
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
Required subjects
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20005 | Techniques in Molecular Science |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AND
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester 2 (Online)
|
12.5 |
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
25 |
Other combinations of subjects that provide a similar background may be considered by the coordinator.
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
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Ongoing assessment of laboratory skills divided between (50%): Practical skills - Assessment of experiment management and safety (20%) Laboratory notebook maintenance, including analysis and short summaries of practical results (30%) Completed during Practical Classes
| Throughout the semester | 50% |
2 x database searching assignments
| Early and late in semester | 0% |
Research report components: Introduction Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion
| Throughout the semester | 15% |
Research Report (final version)
| Week 12 | 20% |
90% attendance at practical classes Hurdle requirement: Students must attend 90% of practical classes to pass this subject | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Written exam
| During the examination period | 15% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Amber Willems-Jones Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 5 hours of practical classes per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 15 January 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Subject Co-ordinator
Dr Amber Willems-Jones
Administrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Izabela Szambelanczyk Orval Coordinator Amber Willems-Jones Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 5 hours of practical classes per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 July 2021 to 24 October 2021 Last self-enrol date 23 July 2021 Census date 31 August 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 24 September 2021 Assessment period ends 19 November 2021 Semester 2 contact information
Subject Co-ordinator
Dr Izabela Orval
Administrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
An enrolment quota of 72 students in Semester 1 and 48 students in Semester 2 applies to this subject.
For detailed information on the quota subject application process, refer to the Quota Subject link on the School of Biomedical Sciences Current Student Information webpage: http://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-information/quota-subjects
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 Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology specialisation Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Elective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI - 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