bio2bif biotechnology in focus

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

BIO2BIF

Not currently offered

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject is a non-laboratory based introduction to the world of bioscience. Students will be introduced to key areas of science through case studies where they will have an opportunity to work with colleagues to address significant global issues (such as health, food shortage, government regulations and fiscal policy, reporting of science in the media or public awareness and education of biotechnology to name a few). Through project work, students will create a product/event/report to address questions posed by the case studies. This subject is offered to students with minimal scientific background to allow greater diversity in the approaches to dealing with these issues. The subject will require extensive teamwork and communication, two essential elements to working in the science community. In addition, the subject will introduce students to the vast array of potential career options available to science graduates.

SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorLinda Ward

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites BIO1OF or equivalent

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Analyse different areas of biotechnology and identify potential career avenues that relate to this sector.

Activities:
Through an informal series of lectures, students will be presented with biotechnology related case-studies. These case studies will be examined in context of both scientific research, commer- cialisation and implications for society. Subject material will also be supported by expert guest lecturers. Student workshops will focus on case study analysis and the creation of concept maps to identify occupation streams that feed into these areas. Students can then define personal career interests and propose case-study related projects to which they can contribute. This ILO will be assessed as a part of the final project report (project selection), through an adaptive online quiz (biotechnology content) and through online student journal submissions (identification of career avenues).
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)

02. Demonstrate critical thinking skills by contributing to the development of group project objectives and strategies.

Activities:
Under the guidance of designated mentors, students will work in teams to develop a written project plan that reports on the selection, significance, aims and proposed strategy to address their chosen biotechnology-related problem. This will be assessed at the draft stage to enable student feedback. It will be resubmitted as a section in the final group project report.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Writing(Writing)

03. Demonstrate comprehension of theoretical aspects of teamwork and communication and apply these to a peer group setting.

Activities:
Theoretical concepts will be introduced in lectures. This will be supported by workshop activities where students will critique selected teamwork scenarios and analyse roles within research teams. Students will need to apply this theory to their own group projects through performing skills analysis, team role allocations and defining team guidelines. Comprehension of teamwork and communication will be assessed through online quizzes that utilise concept-based scenarios. Application of these concepts will be assessed through online journal entries.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Teamwork(Teamwork)

04. Indentify ethical factors and consider professional conduct required to establish and maintain productive working relationships with peers.

Activities:
These considerations will form a part of the lecture series and will be presented together with the 'effective teamwork' content. Students will perform workshop activities to examine group diversity and establish accepted conduct within a professional working environment. This activity will form the framework for the development of a set of team guidelines. Comprehension will be assessed within the final project report in the form of a team contract and an online quiz. Online student journals will be used for peer assessment.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Writing(Writing)

05. Orally communicate information to peers or the broader community through explaining project objectives and project outcomes.

Activities:
Students will use their biotech-related project as a vehicle for developing oral communication and presentation skills. Effective communication styles, organisational structure and delivery medium will be discussed in group workshops. This will involve using audience response units to critique examples and monitor concensus opinions. Students will organise a group presentations that will serve as a media release or promotion of their product. Students will be required to explain their proposed project to a specified target audience. All members of the group must contribute and the talk supplied as an uploaded video.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Speaking(Speaking)

06. Acquire, interpret and evaluate information relevant to a specific biotechnology project area and apply this information to create a product, event or proposal.

Activities:
Biotechnology related case-studies will form a large component of the lecture based material and PBL exercises. Students will be able to utilise this information as a framework to research and develop their projects. Dedicated workshop blocks will allow mentors to attend student team meetings and provide guidance on individual group projects.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

07. Demonstrate effective teamwork, communication and organisational skills through documenting and reporting the product development process.

Activities:
Collectively, group workshop activities, PBL exercises and student feedback will allow students to develop competency in these areas.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Speaking(Speaking)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Subject not currently offered - Subject options not available.