Handbook home
Techniques in Molecular Science (BCMB20005)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator
Dr Amber Willems-Jones
Administrative Coordination
Semester 2
Subject Coordinator
Dr Amber Willems-Jones
Dr Alexander Rey
Administrative Coordination
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 1 - On Campus Semester 2 - On Campus |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This is a subject suitable for students taking life science and biomedical subjects. It offers an introduction to the techniques used in many areas of molecular science.
Students taking the course will develop practical skills in the laboratory and an understanding of the techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology to investigate biological problems.
Students will develop practical and research skills by exploiting the physico-chemical properties of molecules in a variety of experimental techniques, and interpreting the data they generate.
Students will apply these skills to the:
- separation and characterisation of proteins; and
- isolation, manipulation and characterisation of nucleic acids: and
- examination of cellular structures.
Students will develop key scientific communication skills required to report on their practical work; as well as learning to relate theoretical principles to practical observations.
Online lectures will cover the theory of these standard laboratory techniques central to biochemistry and molecular biology and new methods driving the fields of genomics and proteomics.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Describe and apply the theory of key techniques used in molecular and cell biology and protein biochemistry
- Competently carry out experimental protocols in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and cell biology using standard laboratory equipment and reagents
- Develop experimental approaches and generate data to address defined biological questions
- Perform biochemical calculations relevant to laboratory research
- Evaluate data (including trouble-shooting errors or explaining inconsistencies) to make quantitative assessments of experimental results
- Communicate experimental design and findings in a concise scientific style that adheres to disciplinary conventions in structure, clarity and evidence-based argumentation
- Work effectively in the laboratory, either in small groups or individually
Generic skills
By completion of the subject, students should have:
- Proficiency in scientific record-keeping practices, including documentation of experimental data in electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Developed problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot experimental issues and apply logical reasoning to unexpected results in laboratory settings.
- Developed written and oral communication skills, developed through structured writing tasks and peer discussion.
- Established collaborative skills, developed through effective teamwork and shared responsibility, necessary for effective performance in real world laboratory contexts.
Last updated: 18 December 2025