526-301 Biotechnology 1:Microbial Genes & Cells

Microbiology 526-201; either biochemistry 521-211 and 521-212, or genetics 652-214 and 652-215; one of microbiology 526-221, biochemistry 521-220 or genetics 652-216.

BBiomedSc students: microbiology 526-201 or 526-205; 521-213 and 536-250.

By the end of the subject students should:

• understand those fundamental principles of microbial genetics and physiology that underpin the new developments in biotechnology, such as those that enable genetic material to be cloned and transferred between cells and those that allow molecules to move through cell membranes and act as substrates for carbon and energy sources;

• be able to describe the ways in which microorganisms function and interact with their environment and each other and regulate their genetic and metabolic potential to ensure their continued existence;

• appreciate how microbial behaviour can be modified by changes to genotype or environment to facilitate their use in biotechnological processes; and

• have developed the skills necessary to read and comprehend scientific papers.

Upon completion of this subject students will have an enhanced ability to:

• seek information from textbooks, scientific literature and computer-based sources;

• identify relevant issues and think critically about information so that broad principles and relevant evidence can be applied to problem solving;

• comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer, either orally or in writing; and

• effectively manage time to ensure attendance at lectures, tutorials and examinations.

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%) and written assignments during semester not exceeding a total of 3000 words (20%).