BIO 3309 Molecular Biology

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

A revolution in biology has occurred as a result of recent advances in the field of molecular biology and genetic engineering. An appreciation of the potential applications of molecular biology is of growing importance in many areas of biological and medical research. This course serves to develop an understanding of many fundamental principles and current techniques in molecular biology. The potential impact of this technology on the nature of the world in which we live is also discussed.

SYNOPSIS:

Biology is today in the midst of a revolution as a result of recent research into the molecular basis of life. An understanding of the theory and techniques of molecular biology are now becoming essential to many diverse areas of study in biology: from the study of biodiversity and evolutionary relationships to genetic engineering of microbes, plants and animals. This course is for students who have a background in cell biology. Drawing on this knowledge base, the course addresses the nature of gene organisation, replication and expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Practicals involve an introduction to techniques required for the isolation, study and manipulation of genes as well as an introduction to basic tools in bioinformatics. Potential applications of recombinant DNA technology and bioinformatics in biotechnology and medicine are also discussed.

OBJECTIVES:

On the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the current concepts of DNA structure, maintenance and repair;
2. explain the processes involved in gene organisation, replication and expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the tools used in recombinant DNA technology including: enzymes, host-vector systems and techniques for gene isolation, cloning and characterisation;
4. use of a range of molecular biological laboratory techniques;
5. comment on the applications of molecular biology and bioinformatics to recent advances in biology and medicine;
6. comment on the various debate positions presented by both critics of and advocates of the use of recombinant DNA technology;
7. demonstrate skills and knowledge required to perform laboratory experiments safely with appropriate equipment.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

All Books on 3 Hour Loan Basis

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

The examiner will advise students of due date for Problem Sets.

2.

The examiner will advise students of due dates for practical reports.

3.

The examiner will advise students of due date of mid-semester test

4.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must submit all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in the examination and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination. With the Examiner's approval, candidates may, take an appropriate non- electronic translation dictionary (but not technical dictionaries) into the examination. This will be subject to perusal and, if it is found to contain annotations or markings that could give the candidate an unfair advantage, it may be removed from the candidate's possession until the appropriate disciplinary action is completed.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES