Course Title: Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Paul Ramsland

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7024

Course Coordinator Email: paul.ramsland@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora Campus

Course Coordinator Availability: By email appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

There are no prerequisites for this course; however, you will find knowledge of biology and chemistry at VCE level will be an advantage, as well as completion of courses in microbiology, biochemistry and cell biology. 


Course Description

This course explores similarities and differences in the application and goals of environmental and industrial biotechnology. The course represents a stand-alone, progressive topic leading you through key aspects of environmental and industrial biotechnology with the application of this knowledge to real world challenges in sustaining the environment and in the commercial application of biotechnology. 

The course explores the diversity and uses of microbes and cells in environmental and industrial biotechnology applications. It examines how environmental microorganisms, products and processes are harnessed within the environmental biotechnology sector for the benefit of human society and the environment. Additionally, the course covers the application of microbes, cells and their derivatives to generate high value commercial products and processes that impact upon areas like food safety and human/animal health. 

This course aims to enable graduates to enter industry with an appropriate level of understanding of ethics and science required to make a viable product and to protect or improve the environment. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes: 

BP350 Bachelor of Science 

  • PLO1 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:  

1. Identify the main steps and processes used to produce biological products in industry and for environmental remediation (PLO 1, 2).

2. Describe existing and emerging technologies that are important in the areas of environmental and industrial biotechnology (PLO 3, 6). 

3. Develop and integrate a technical and commercial analysis of an area of industrial microbiology and biotechnology as part of a project team (PLO 3, 4, 6).

4. Analyse case-studies representative of key areas of environmental and industrial biotechnology (PLO 2, 4). 

5. Implement a range of practical approaches relevant to environmental biotechnology and record, report and discuss data (PLO 3, 4, 5).


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:   

  • Online lecture material where syllabus material will be presented, and the subject will be illustrated with examples and applications.
  • Group work designed to give further understanding of principles and develop collaboration/communication skills required for working in industry.
  • Participation, face-to-face or online in practical laboratory sessions, tutorials and workshops designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures in environmental and industrial biotechnology.
  • Private study, working through the material as presented in classes and learning materials. 
 


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be able to access all course information and learning material through Canvas. You will be provided with lists of relevant texts, library resources (including appropriate journals) and freely accessible internet sites. Other material will be provided in class.  


Overview of Assessment

Overview of Assessment
This course has no hurdle requirements 

Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes (2 MCQ quizzes)
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4 

Assessment Task 2: Team-Based Research Project
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3 

Assessment Task 3: Practical component
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 5 

Assessment Task 4: Oral Assessment
Weighting 25% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 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.