Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (BOTA30005)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will focus on processes that are unique to plants as well as current techniques for their investigation and manipulation in biotechnology, including genetic engineering and plant transformation. The subject includes study of the responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stress; cell wall biosynthesis, carbon dioxide fixation and concentrating mechanisms; cell-cell recognition; nutrient uptake and processing; and the organisation of the genome in plants and its modification by biotechnology.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the functional biology specific to plants;
- apply concepts of biotechnology to agriculture, horticulture, forestry and the food industries;
- evaluate current benefits or limitations for converting plant molecular biology to applied biotechnological outcomes; and
- demonstrate practical skills to perform plant molecular biology experiments, including the analysis and evaluation of the data generated.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Critical-thinking skills: Demonstrate an appreciation of how modern fundamental science can be applied;
- Research skills: Capacity to undertake the generation and assessment of original research data;
- Communication skills: Display the ability to communicate information in writing;
- Collaborative skills: Display skills in cooperative teamwork in small group based practical work;
- Safe practice skills: Exercise the safe use of appropriate laboratory equipment and techniques for experiments.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
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 |
| BOTA20001 | Green Planet: Plants and the Environment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CEDB20003 | Fundamentals of Cell Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in practical class activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
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: 9 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A laboratory test
| Week 6 | 10% |
Two practical reports totalling no more than 1,000 words each, one before and one after the midsemester break
| From Week 8 to Week 11 | 30% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 60% |
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Michelle Watt Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours: 24 lectures (2 x 1hr per week) and 24 hours of practical work (1 x 3hr per week for 8 weeks) during the semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
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
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Biotechnology Major Botany Informal specialisation Plant Science Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology specialisation Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology Major Plant Science Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Plant Science - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 9 April 2025