91132 Molecular Biology
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides an introduction to the basics of molecular biology and an understanding of the key concepts underlying the experimental techniques of DNA manipulations in molecular biology experiments. The key techniques and the science behind the methodology are introduced, which enables students to embrace a wide learning curve of elements within the subject. Students are encouraged and challenged to understand ideas and concepts, evaluate and analyse data and information, and apply these skills to critique current molecular biology projects in the assessment task.
Topics covered include: the structure, function, isolation, and extraction of DNA, RNA, and proteins; molecular cloning techniques involving restriction enzymes, DNA ligation, transformation, and expression systems; and an introduction to DNA sequencing and PCR. This subject encourages students to become adept at the techniques required for molecular analysis in a modern scientific laboratory. It also provides a foundation for more advanced molecular biology studies, as well as the skills and knowledge for future potential positions in industry, such as pharmaceutical and commercial, research and development, and gene technology and engineering companies.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain and summarise the scientific principles of the molecular biology of DNA, RNA, and proteins. |
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| 2. | Use specialised DNA, RNA, and protein isolation, manipulation, and cloning methods both individually and collaboratively; that are typical of molecular biology laboratory investigations; and communicate the results as laboratory reports. |
| 3. | Describe and explain the results of DNA and/or RNA experiments based on the scientific principles of nucleic acid structure. |
| 4. | Explain the relationships between DNA/RNA structures and molecular biology techniques. |
| 5. | Explain the relationships between DNA, RNA, protein structures and functions and associated molecular biology techniques. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design and/or mathematical reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking to apply science and/or mathematic methodologies to real world problems. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, with consideration to safety requirements and ethical guidelines. (3.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The subject Molecular Biology specifically addresses the following attributes of the graduate profile:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
The subject will provide you with an understanding of the nature, practice and application of molecular biology as a discipline and as background knowledge for other subjects within the Faculty’s degree courses. These elements are learned from the lectures, practical classes, workshops, and assessment tasks. The fundamentals of theory and method in Molecular Biology will create a platform of your awareness of the role of molecular biology in modern science. The subject provides an understanding of the nature, practice, and application of molecular biology as a discipline and as background knowledge for other subjects within the Faculty’s degree courses.
2. Research, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking
Molecular Biology will empower you in problem-solving, critical and logical thinking, and analysis, with particular emphasis on an understanding of scientific knowledge. This method of enquiry is encouraged, as is curiosity and a degree of scientific scepticism, born of past errors in the scientific process and the tendering of factual science, which later proved to be based on erroneous thinking. You will be introduced to this approach by the subject coordinator, who will introduce and guide you to the skills required to perform activities individually and collectively in group work, which you will apply to your own learning experience and outcomes. This enquiry-based approach will be continued through the learning experiences in class, the rationale behind the laboratory experiments, and the assignment tasks associated with these learning experiences. This will test your powers of research enquiry, strategic thinking, and experimental design that will bring you to the surface of scientific enquiry, such as is conducted in research laboratories in universities and institutes. Molecular Biology encompasses problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, with particular emphasis on an understanding of scientific method knowledge acquisition. A similar process has been developed in this subject over the past several years this method of inquiry and learning is a positive and empowering experience that helps to follow and comprehend the subject topics and to successfully and confidently engage all the assessment tasks.
3. Professional, Ethical, and Social Responsibility
Molecular Biology will encourage you to develop scientific curiosity and the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for a commitment to lifelong learning in science; the gathering, evaluation and use of information from Online teaching sources; and the management of the workload required for scientific-based practice (teamwork, time management, organisation skills, computing literacy, laboratory skills, data handling, etc).
5. Communication
The group assessment in the subject will allow you to develop the skills to communicate complex scientific processes to a broad range of audiences. The ability to communicate science to both professionals and laypeople is a key attribute required by all science students and is a key focus in this subject and is developed through all assessment tasks. Development of communication skills will be fostered and expanded in the workshop classes. You will be assessed on several criteria including ability and clarity to communicate.
Teaching and learning strategies
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This subject adopts both teacher and student-led approaches to help you understand and apply the concepts of Molecular Biology. You will be encouraged to learn via a blended approach of self-guided online learning material coupled with Zoom Q&A lectures, laboratory practicals, and workshop activities. Throughout the session you will have:
- Self-guided learning:
All subject content can be found on Canvas and will provide you with the background knowledge necessary for understanding the foundations of Molecular Biology and how these are related to the basic applications of Molecular Biology in the laboratory. You are expected to review and learn the subject material in your own time.
- 5x Q&A Lectures (2 hours):
These online lectures provide the opportunity for you to meet the lecturers and discuss the subject material. You will need to assist with this process by compiling a list of questions and topics that the lecturer can expand on during the Q&A.
- 8x Practical classes (3 hours):
These experiments will cover the main elements of Molecular Biology methods that you will encounter in a research laboratory or workplace. You will be able to build your experience in a range of Molecular Biology techniques that expand on the online subject material. You will also collaborate with other students to conduct experiments, analyse results, and complete the practical reports. Practical demonstrators are available to provide feedback and to assist with laboratory skill development.
- 5x Workshops (2 hours):
These workshops provide you with an opportunity to build collaborations with your peers and also develop presentation skills for the oral group assessment. You will be shown how to present scientific material to a specific audience and be able to complete activities related to group work or presentations. In the second half of the session, your group will present a teaser presentation and receive peer feedback that will be incorporated into the final assessed presentations. These assessed presentations will occur in the last workshop of the session in front of your peers and teachers.
Content (topics)
- DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function.
- Experimental techniques to extract DNA, RNA, and protein from cells.
- Agarose and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction.
- Gene expression and molecular cloning.
- Post-Translational processing.
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics.
- Gene mutations and site-directed mutagenesis.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical Knowledge and Competency
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes that align with the CILOs: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical, and Social Responsibilty |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | Competencies will be assessed during class, and reports will be due at the completion of the practical modules. |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their answers addressing the practice and application of Molecular Biology technniques and results. They will also be assessed on their competency of Molecular Biology techniques. An assessment information sheet will be provided on Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: Oral Group Assessment
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes that align with the CILOs: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical, and Social Responsibilty 5. Communication
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Teaser Presentation and Draft Outline 7% Constructive Feedback 4% SPARK assessment 4% Oral Presentation 15% - 12 min presentation plus questions. |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their presentations on current molecular biology based products. Students will also be assessed on the group skills, critical thinking, and communication skills. Marks are awarded according to the understanding of the Molecular Biology approach used in the production process of the product. Group participation will be assessed using SparkPLUS. An assessment information sheet will be provided on Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Knowledge Assessment
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes that align with the CILOs: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 45% |
| Length: | 30 min for 15 questions. Please see Subject Program on Canvas for more information. |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to correctly answer multiple choice/short answer questions that cover both theory and practical aspects of the subject. More information will be provided on Canvas. |
Minimum requirements
You are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled classes.
You must obtain an overall mark of 50% or greater to pass the subject
Recommended texts
'Concepts of Genetics', Twelth Edition, William S Klug, Michael Cummings, Charlotte A. Spencer, Michael A Palladino, and Darrell Killian.
'Molecular Cell Biology', Ninth Edition, Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris Kaiser, Monty Krieger, and Anthony Bretscher.