Undergraduate - UnitBTH1802 - Fundamentals of biotechnology

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit will cover classical and modern biotechnology, including recent developments in molecular biology and its applications in such diverse areas as agriculture, forestry, food, medicine and marine sciences. This includes an introduction to bio-prospecting and pharmaceuticals; genomics, proteomics and bio-informatics; environmental and industrial biotechnology and the current issues and concerns surrounding biotechnology. Related topics such as human genome project, risk assessment, bio-safety and genetically modified organisms and crops, cloning, patents, ethics intellectual property rights and the regulatory framework for biotechnology in various countries will be discussed.

Outcomes

At the conclusion of this unit students will have an understanding of the essential techniques and the basic principles of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology that are required for biotechnology; be familiar with the applications of biotechnology; and be well-informed of the fundamental ethical and regulatory issues surrounding this discipline.

Assessment

Final examination: 50%
Quizzes: 15%
Tutorial activities: 15%
Web pages: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Kumaran Narayanan

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and three 1-hour online tutorials per week

Prohibitions

BTH1011