Course Title: Genomics and Gene Technologies
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Genomics and Gene Technologies
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Dr Hao Van
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7142
Course Coordinator Email: thithuhao.van@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 223.01.28A
Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
This course assumes a background level knowledge in cell biology, genetics, molecular biology and biological chemistry equivalent to that achieved in BIOL2146 Cell Biology and Biochemistry and BIOL2262 Genetics and Molecular Biology. If you can demonstrate a comparable level of knowledge through equivalent level study or experience you may be admitted to the course. For further information, please contact the course coordinator.
Course Description
The advances in genomic and gene technologies have helped our lives in many ways, such as enhancement of disease diagnosis and treatment, therapeutics and crop improvements. This course aims to provide you with the principles and methodologies of recently developed genomic and gene technologies. Topics include high throughput next generation DNA sequencing and bioinformatics to decode sequencing data, comparative genomics, foreign gene transfer and expression systems in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. This course will also cover novel therapeutics and vaccines for humans and animals, pharmacogenomics and the implications of applying personalised medicine in human health. This course will equip you with advanced knowledge in the field, along with communication and critical thinking skills.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes:
BP350 Bachelor of Science
- PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.
- PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
- PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
- PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
- PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
- PLO 6 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Examine the uses of genomics and gene technologies in agriculture, animal and human health (PLO 2, 3)
- Explore theoretical and technical aspects of molecular structures and functions of DNA, as well as various strategies for DNA cloning and gene expression (PLO 1, 2, 3)
- Identify regulations for laboratory and commercial use of GMO (PLO 1, 2)
- Apply next generation sequencing and interpret data obtained through high throughput sequencing studies (PLO 2, 4, 5, 6)
- Analyse and justify the results of laboratory investigation (PLO 2, 5, 6)
- Operate effectively in small groups (PLO 4, 6)
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
- Attendance at lectorials, tutorials, and practicals. Involvement in class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
- Online tests and laboratory projects designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on your progress and understanding.
- Written assignments consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter.
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 Site.
Overview of Learning Resources
There is no prescribed text. The resources for this course are:
- Relevant texts, library resources and freely accessible internet sites
- Learning material provided in class
- Course information, lecture notes and recorded lectures on the course web site
- References for each lecture are noted on the last slide of the lecture notes or embedded within the relevant lecture slide (in the notes).
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course Site.
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
Note: This assessment has no hurdle requirements
Assessment Task 1: On-line Quizzes
Weighting: 20%
This assessment task supports CLO 1 - 3
Assessment Task 2: Practical Reports
Weighting: 50%
This assessment task supports CLO 2, 4, 5 & 6
Assessment Task 3: Case Study
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLO 2, 4 & 5
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.