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Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics (BCMB30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator
A/Prof Stuart Ralph
Prof Ian van Driel
Administrative Coordination
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 to the study of specific human diseases will be discussed 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 should 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: 12 February 2024
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: 12 February 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
5-10 written assessments totalling approx. 1600 words including prepared figures
| Throughout the semester | 35% |
Mid Semester Test 1
| Around week 5 | 10% |
Mid Semester Test 2
| Around week 10 | 10% |
Written exam
| During the examination period | 45% |
Attendance at 70% of workshops Hurdle requirement: Attendance at 70% or workshops i.e. 10-11 x 2 hour workshops | N/A |
Last updated: 12 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinators Stuart Ralph and Ian van Driel Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 hours of workshops per week 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
Subject Coordinator
A/Prof Stuart Ralph
Prof Ian van Driel
Administrative Coordination
Time commitment details
2 hours of recorded videos per week (24 hours in total) and 2 hours workshops per week (24 hours in total) 170 hours of time commitment.
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.
Last updated: 12 February 2024
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 Agri-food Biotechnology specialisation Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology specialisation Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Immunology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Immunology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - 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: 12 February 2024