SLE321 - Molecular Biology Techniques

Unit details

Note: You are seeing the 2020 view of this unit information. These details may no longer be current.
Year:

2020 unit information

Important Update:

Classes and seminars in Trimester 2/Semester 2, 2020 will be online. Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect delivery of other learning experiences in this unit. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates one week prior to the start of your trimester or semester.

Last updated: 2 June 2020

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Steve Cheung
Prerequisite:

One of SLE206, SLE221, SLE234 or SLE254

Corequisite:

SLE010

Incompatible with:

Nil

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

Scheduled learning activities - campus:

3 x 1 hour class per week, 6 x 3 hour practicals per trimester.

Content

Molecular biology techniques are common methods used in cell and molecular biology which involve manipulation nucleic acid. SLE321 is designed for students to apply knowledge of molecular biology technique in the fields of biochemistry, genetics, and medicine. In this unit, student will learn concepts and latest methodological advances in molecular biology and examine the varied applications of recombinant DNA techniques to forensics, medicine, agriculture and systematics and ecology. In practical sessions, students will learn essential skills in molecular biological experimentation. They will be required to apply knowledge that relates to modern molecular biology techniques to investigate the isolation and transformation of gene from different plasmids. They will also learn principles of gel electrophoresis, extraction and analysis of DNA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated amplification and identification of DNA molecules, cloning and expression of DNA fragments or genes to explore the importance of gene expression and regulation.

 

These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this Unit

At the completion of this unit successful students can:

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

ULO1

Develop understanding of modern molecular biology techniques and the history of the field

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO2

Develop a working knowledge of the wide range of applications of molecular biology techniques, especially in research in biology, medicine, agriculture, and forensics

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO3

Develop a capacity for teamwork and collaboration and develop experimental and computational skills through practical sessions

GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO7: Teamwork

These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Weighting (% total mark for unit) Indicative due week
In-class test 40-minute multiple-choice in-class test 20% Week 7
Practical report Written practical report, 20-page maximum 35% Week 11
Examination 2-hour written examination 45% Examination period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE321 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

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