521-321 Gene Technology & Protein Expression

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biochemistry and molecular biology 521-211, 521-212 and either 521-220 or 521-221; or 521-024; or 521-213 plus physiology 536-250.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the subject the student should have extended their training in the basic skills of experimental design, advanced laboratory-based biochemical and gene technology techniques, data analyses and data interpretation, and applied these skills to a number of biotechnological investigations, particularly the use of recombinant DNA technology for the investigation of gene structure and expression, and for expression and analysis of recombinant proteins. Students will also be trained in computer-based storage and analysis of biological data. Specific experiments will deal with nucleic acids, plasmid purification, gene cloning, restriction endonuclease mapping and other aspects of recombinant DNA technology; the theory and practice of protein purification and other techniques appropriate to the handling and analysis of proteins and enzymes created in recombinant expression systems; and the use of computers in the storage, retrieval and analysis of nucleotide sequence data and aspects of bioinformatics. There will also be discussions in seminars of experimental methods for the study of nucleic acids and exercises in literature research including an oral presentation by students of their findings. The experimental work will be organised into elective streams, one of which will involve an opportunity to undertake relevant project work within one of the Department's research laboratories (a quota will apply for project work).

Assessment

Three components will be assessed: 1. laboratory skills and practical management of the experimental program; 2. written research report(s); 3. a written assignment of up to 2000 words or a 2-hour written examination (to be advised at the commencement of the subject).