Handbook home
Advanced Techniques in Molecular Science (BCMB30010)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator
Dr Izabela Orval
izabelas@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Subject Coordinator
Dr Izabela Orval
izabelas@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
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 training in the use of molecular biology technologies of, protein analyses and cell biology. 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 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
- Generic laboratory skills.
- Familiarisation with spreadsheets and databases.
- The ability to keep complete and accurate records and to use these in preparation for written reports.
- 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: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20005 | Techniques in Molecular Science |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (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
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Ongoing assessment of laboratory skills divided between (50%): Practical skills - Carrying out experiments safely and accurately (20%) Laboratory notebook maintenance, including analysis and short summaries of practical results (30%) | 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)
| First week of the end of semester exam period | 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: 31 January 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Izabela Szambelanczyk Orval Coordinator Amber Willems-Jones Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 5 hours of practical classes per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 24 February 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Subject Coordinator
Dr Izabela Orval
izabelas@unimelb.edu.auAdministrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au - Semester 2
Principal coordinator Izabela Szambelanczyk Orval Coordinator Amber Willems-Jones Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 5 hours of practical classes per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023 Last self-enrol date 2 July 2023 Census date 31 August 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2023 Assessment period ends 17 November 2023 Semester 2 contact information
Subject Coordinator
Dr Izabela Orval
izabelas@unimelb.edu.auAdministrative Coordination
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Semester 1 quota =72; Semester 2 quota = 72.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
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 Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Biomedical 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.
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: 31 January 2024