PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY THEORY

BOT3PBT

2019

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

BOT3PBT covers the latest developments in biotechnology and molecular biology with a strong focus on plants, including specific applications, issues and limitations. Topics in the lectures include the general principles and techniques commonly used to study, explore and genetically modify plants and their pathogens at the molecular level, approaches to investigate gene function by technologies such as microarrays, RNAseq, or largescale genome-wide mutation experiments, and analysis of specific processes in plants such as control of flowering. Specific case-studies are used to illustrate how these technologies are being applied to current problems, including pest and pathogen resistance, and increasing pressure on food production.Guest lectures by members of governmental and private sector research and technology organisations are a stand-out feature of BOT3PBT and provide a unique opportunity for students to get a wider view of potential career options.

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: Students must have passed one of the following subjects: BOT2ILP or AGR2BAA or BCH2IBM or BCH2MBC or GEN2EGE or GEN2MHG or MIC2MI or MIC2MMV

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Describe and explain general principles in biotechnology and molecular biology

Activities:: (Interactive) lectures, guest lectures, small activities/group discussions during lecture times, online activities/quizzes, exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Describe and explain the key technologies used to identify and understand gene function in plants (and animals) and apply this knowledge to current real-world problems

Activities:: (Interactive) lectures, guest lectures, small activities/group discussions during lecture times, online activities/quizzes, exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Synthesise information from research publications and prepare a clearly written essay on a current relevant topic in (plant) biotechnology for an expert audience.

Activities:: Essay task
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills); Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

Melbourne, 2019, 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.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	%	ILO*
Final Exam (equiv. 3000 words)	3 hour (writing time) short answer exam assessing content and concepts covered in lectures.	50	01, 02
Essay (750 words)	Essay on current topic relevant to (plant) biotechnology.	25	01, 02, 03
Weekly quizzes/in-class activities or worksheets (equiv. to 750 words total)	Ongoing assessment in the form of online quizzes and/or in-lecture activities covering the relevant lecture content.	25	01, 02