Course Title: Medical Biotechnology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Medical Biotechnology

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: A/ Professor Ravi Shukla

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2970

Course Coordinator Email: ravi.shukla@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 03.02.020

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Corequisites:
None 

Required Prior Study
You should have satisfactorily completed BIOL2146 Cell Biology & Biochemistry or BIOL2528 Biology & Chemistry for Human Biosciences before you commence this course. 

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.  

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.   


Course Description

This course provides broader knowledge of some of the cutting edge medical biotechnologies and introduces you to the theory, practice and applications of cultured cells in the field of medical biotechnology. 

A range of the latest techniques in Biotechnology and Medical Research are examined through recorded lectures, student oral presentations and experimental practical classes. This includes animal cells, along with applications of Biotechnology to the fields of imaging & therapeutics, regenerative medicine, vaccine development, gene therapy and additive biomanufacturing.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

BP350 Bachelor of Science 

  • PLO1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.  
  • PLO2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities. 
  • PLO3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making. 
  • PLO4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices. 
  • PLO5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.   
  • PLO6 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.


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

  1. Review the principles underpinning medical biotechnology. 
  2. Demonstrate practical application and conceptual knowledge of cell culture technology for some of the medical biotechnology research and applications. 
  3. Critically analyse and interpret data, arguments and conclusions presented in the scientific literature for some of the key areas of medical biotechnology.  
  4. Communicate the knowledge, ideas and research findings in one or more medical biotechnology areas clearly and coherently through a range of mediums to a professional audience.  
   


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery will a mix of face to face and online. 

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

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

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes 
Weighting: 10%
This assessment task supports CLO: 1  

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Report and Practical Competency 
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLO: 2 

Assessment Task 3: Group Study and Presentation
Weighting: 30%  
This assessment task supports CLO: 4 

Assessment Task 4: Project Report 
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 3 & 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.