bch3bsb biochemistry and systems biology

ADVANCED TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

BCH3BSB

2017

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject, students will extend their previous knowledge gained from second year Biochemistry in relation to proteins (structure and function), bioinformatics and genomics. There will be an emphasis on how integrating and applying proteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data can provide a predictive understanding of biological systems as well as how a molecular understanding of proteins and proteostasis and the regulation of genes can lead to biotechnological and medical applications.During the semester students will undertake a major bioinformatics project (supported by online modules) based on annotation of metagenomic data. Students will also complete a group assignment to produce a multimedia, webinar-style presentation of an emerging technology related to one of the lecture topics. In addition students will complete an in-class test on Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.

SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorJulian Pakay

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites BCH2IBM and BCH2MBC (or equivalent theory subjects)

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects BCH3BMA

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsMolecular Biology of the CellRecommendedLodish et al. 2016W.H. Freeman

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Explain concepts in biochemistry and molecular biology using appropriate vocabulary, including protein structure, function and analysis, bioinformatics and systems biology, gene structure and function and DNA technology.

Activities:
Students will attend lectures outlining facts and key concepts related to the subject. Students are then able to further complement the lectures by reading additional material either suggested or provided by the lecturers including original research articles, reviews and text book summaries. At the end of each block of lectures, students attend a lectorial (large group tutorial) where they are able to test their knowledge of the lectures by answering typical exam style questions under the guidance of the lecturer.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Be able to evaluate and analyse proteomic and bioinformatic data.

Activities:
Students will attend lectures and a workshop dealing with undertanding and interpreting actual data simulated data. Practice problems will be attempted in class and students will be evaluated during the in-class quiz.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Students will gain an understanding of current and emerging technologies related to systems biology/biochemistry (including advances in genome editing, DNA sequencing and proteomic analysis).

Activities:
The theory behind current technologies will be explained in the lecture series. In addition, students will work in groups to create a multimedia webinar describing an emerging technology in biotechnology and/or systems biology. A peer assessment component to this exercise will expose students to a larger range of emerging technologies.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Be able to analyse, interpret and present bioinformatic data using online tools.

Activities:
Students will complete a major bioinformatics assignment where they will analyse bioinformatic data from a "live" metagenomic study with the final goal of annotating novel DNA sequences. To facilitate completing the assignment, studients will complete online exercises in using common bionformatic tools and will be further supported with drop-in sessions with casual and academic staff.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJulian Pakay

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Four 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture/workshop every two weeks on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
In Class Quiz - (equivalent to 250 words)This assessment will cover two weeks worth of content (which will not be assessed again in the end of semester exam). Students will complete an in-class quiz on bioinformatics and systems biology1001, 02
Bioinformatics Assignment (equivalent to 750 words)Students will conduct analysis of metagenomic data using online tools.2004
Webinar Group Assignment (equivalent to 500 words)Students will work in groups to create a multimedia webinar describing an emerging technology in biotechnology and/or systems biology. This will be accompanied by a brief written description of the technology. 1001, 03
1 x 3 hour end of Semester Exam6001