PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY THEORY

BOT3PBT

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject covers the latest developments in biotechnology and molecular biology with a strong focus on plants, including specific applications, issues and limitations. Topics 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, RNA seq, or large-scale 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 the subject and provide a unique opportunity for students to get a wider view of potential career options.

School: Life Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Anthony Gendall

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG

Exchange Students: No

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: MIC2MMV OR BCH2MBC OR BCH2IBM OR MIC2MI OR GEN2MHG OR AGR2BAA OR BOT2ILP OR GEN2EGE

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Analyse and discuss general principles in biotechnology and molecular biology

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

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

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Anthony Gendall

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 2.00 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	Category	Contribution	Hurdle	%	ILO*
Final Exam (3000 words)3 hour (writing time) short answer exam assessing content and concepts covered in lectures.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	50	SILO1, SILO2
Essay draft (250 words)Draft essay on current topic relevant to (plant) biotechnology.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	10	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3
Weekly quizzes/in-class activities or worksheets (equiv. to 500 words total)Ongoing assessment in the form of online quizzes and/or in-lecture activities covering the relevant lecture content.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	20	SILO1, SILO2
Essay (750 words)Draft essay on current topic relevant to (plant) biotechnology.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	20	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3