GEN5010 Advanced genetics and biotechnology
Faculty of Science
GEN5010 Advanced genetics and biotechnology is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2020 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2020
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2024 entry.
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Overview
This unit will explore the latest approaches and techniques for the genetic manipulation of organisms and their applications in contemporary biotechnology. You will gain hands on experience in advanced molecular genetic techniques used to study and manipulate gene function and for generating a range of different transgenic organisms, including microbes, plants and animals. The application of these techniques in biotechnology will be demonstrated using a range of examples such as: bio-remediation, bio-prospecting, crop modification, disease modelling, gene drives, phage therapy, nanotechnology and assisted reproduction. You will also gain appreciation of relevant ethical and regulatory considerations and of impacts of genetic biotechnology on society.
Offerings in 2020
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Project proposal30%
- Journal club10%
- Practical reports30%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Threshold hurdle30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of contemporary areas of molecular genetics and biotechnology, and the challenges faced;
- 2
Illustrate and explain how transgenic organisms are produced via genome manipulation across a range of species;
- 3
Source, synthesise and critically analyse literature to form the basis of a project;
- 4
Independently design and implement experimental approaches to solve a research problem in genetics and biotechnology;
- 5
Demonstrate proficiency in molecular genetics laboratory techniques, in problem-solving and experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation;
- 6
Convey to a non-specialist audience the relevance and value of genetics and biotechnology to human society.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Workshops18 hours
- Practical activities18 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- 5 contact hours (2 hours lectures/seminars and 3 hours practical/ workshop
- 7 hours of private study (assignments/projects and designated pre-class and post-class online learning activities to prepare for classes and consolidate knowledge)
Active learning:
This unit will involve interactive lectures, which would require pre-class/pre-lab learning as well as arriving at concepts through an enquiry based approach in lectures/practicals. You will do practicals, which involve post-lab exercises that are not simple Q&A, but rather an essay that requires integrating information.
Enquiry based learning:
You are required to present a project proposal by doing an enquiry of a topic of your choice in genetics, do the research, write the proposal and present it to your groups.
Peer assisted learning:
Peer-assisted learning is critical in this unit and it occurs in at least two ways. First, many activitites are group-activities and you will be working in groups (e.g., group-presentation of journal club). Second, you will be marked by peers and provided feedback.
Learning resources
Required resources
Bring your own device
Laboratory coat
Closed toe footwear
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for GEN5010?
GEN5010 has no prerequisites.
When is GEN5010 offered?
In 2020, GEN5010 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does GEN5010 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.