Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Genetics & Molecular Biology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2570

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Alexis Marshall

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: alexis.marshall@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed knowledge 

Some knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry will be advantageous. 


Course Description

This course will develop your understanding of current approaches in genetics and molecular biology. It achieves this using a mix of theory and hands on experience applied to real-life examples.  

Throughout the course you will engage in tasks that develop advanced level critical thinking, communication and problem solving. 

Learning materials will cover theory in molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology, genomics, prokaryotic genetics and gene regulation, classical genetics, eukaryotic gene regulation and developmental genetics, mutations, chromosome abnormalities and an introduction to population and quantitative genetics. This will provide you with detailed understanding and the necessary skills to analyse complex genetic systems encountered in the professional practice of biology or biotechnology, either in industry or in a research environment. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for the following programs: 

GD101P03 - Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology  

PLO 1.1 Understanding Science - You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society 
PLO 1.2 Understanding Science - You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology 
PLO 2.2 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level. 
PLO 4.1 Communication - You will be able to effectively communicate concepts of biotechnology to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using a variety of presentation modes. 
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by being an independent and self-directed learner 

GC186 - Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology  

PLO 1.1 Understanding Science - You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society 
PLO 1.2 Understanding Science - You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology 
PLO 2.2 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level. 
PLO 3.1 Communication - You will be able to effectively communicate concepts of biotechnology to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using a variety of presentation modes. 
PLO 4.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by being an independent and self-directed learner 

MC111P03 - Master of Biotechnology 

PLO 1.1 Understanding Science - You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society 
PLO 1.2 Understanding Science - You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology 
PLO 2.2 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology - You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level. 
PLO 4.1 Communication - You will be able to effectively communicate concepts of biotechnology to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using a variety of presentation modes. 
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by being an independent and self-directed learner 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.   


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Critique complex data generated through advanced genetics and molecular biology techniques in the context of contemporary scientific research.
  2. Interpret key concepts in genetics and molecular biology in real-world and research-based contexts.
  3. Evaluate genetic data with consideration of ethical principles to propose and justify evidence-based solutions for issues in biotechnology and biomedical science.
  4. Advocate for complex genetic and molecular biology concepts and findings to diverse audiences, employing advanced scientific communication strategies and adhering to ethical standards. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as tutorials, practicals,, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.  

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment will be a combination of problem sheet assignments, quizzes, and practical reports which will assess your knowledge and your ability to solve high level problems in genetics. 

Assessment Task 1: Short answer and case study worksheet assignments 
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-3 

Assessment Task 2: Online Knowledge Check
Weighting 20% 
Online knowledge checks can be attempted once within a pre-defined 12-hour period.
This assessment task supports CLO-2.

Assessment Task 3: Written Practical Reports
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.