AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
BOT3ABT
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Biotechnology, based on cell and molecular biology, has become a central part of the biological revolution. This subject familiarises students with some of the latest developments and specific technologies in plant and animal biotechnology. The advantages and problems associated with biotechnology are debated. Topics include the role of gene technology in the improvement of insect and disease resistance and specific technologies, including plant genome sequencing, RNA interference, functional genomics and microarray analysis, and will include guest lectures by leading experts.
School: School of Life Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Michael Emmerling
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: BOT2ILP or AGR2BAA
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: BOT3PB
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe and discuss key technologies used to identify and understand gene function in plants and animals.
- Activities:
- Lectures, in-lecture discussions and activities, guest lecturers, lab visits, and final theory examination.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Speaking(Speaking)
02. Present an overview of an agricultural biotechnology topic using appropriate visual tools.
- Activities:
- Workshop on research methodology, and preparation of an introductory oral presentation.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
03. Demonstrate independent learning, critical thinking and research skills by locating, interrogating and evaluating relevant scientific information, and preparing a clearly written report for an expert audience.
- Activities:
- Through a PBL/case-study approach in small teams, students will investigate an application of agricultural biotechnology, and summarise and defend their findings in a final group oral presentation and prepare a individual report.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
04. Work in a team to solve a biotechnological problem
- Activities:
- Through a PBL activity.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Michael Emmerling
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"For 12 weeks"
Problem Based LearningWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours problem based learning every two weeks on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 in-lecture tasks/activities (quizzes, discussion participation, short summaries of guest lectures) | 10 | 01 | |
| Final oral presentation of PBL topic | 10 | 01, 03, 04 | |
| Introductory oral presentation of PBL topic | 5 | 01, 02, 04 | |
| One 3-hour examination | 50 | 01 | |
| PBL report (1000 words) | 25 | 01, 03 |