PRACTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

01. Demonstrate comprehension of scientific protocols and follow laboratory procedures to successfully perform an experiment

Activities:

Prior to the laboratory classes, students will be encouraged to work through the practical manual and prepare a one-page flow chart of the experimental procedure. The flow charts will be viewed and feedback will be provided following the pre-practical discussion. Students will subsequently use the protocol manual to carry out the experimental work guided by demonstrators as required. The data generated from a number of independent activities will be recorded and used to assess the student's technical proficiency.

02. Acquire, interpret and evaluate experimental data

Activities:

Experimental data acquired from three independent experiments will need to be prepared in a visually clear electronic presentation format. Guided by a series of questions the students will interpret and critically evaluate their own data with short written responses. Interpretation and evaluation of data will also be performed as part of a series of worksheets

03. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific concepts and methodology through written communication

Activities:

Students are required to complete a series of worksheets that cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of their laboratory work. Students will have the opportunity to discuss questions with demonstrators during class and will be provided feedback. Through completing these worksheets, students will be preparing for the final exam at the end of the subject.

04. Apply appropriate vocabulary to describe research findings

Activities:

A collection of digital resources will be made available for students to actively listen to scientists talking about their work. This will provide exposure to science-specific terms, concepts and vocabulary. Students will have numerous opportunities to practice and apply scientific terminology during the pre-prac discussion and worksheets. Collectively, these activities will enable students to develop competency in these areas.

05. Compile and formally present experimental data and procedures

Activities:

Each student will be required to submit two pieces of scientific writing that would be of sufficient standard to publish in a Masters level thesis. For the first task, students will be allocated a scientific protocol that will need to be re-written and modified into an appropriate method format. For the second task, students will be allocated an experimental result for which they will need to write a figure legend. Each exercise will be preceded by a specific tutorial given in the practical class. Students should use the guidelines provided and apply the concepts discussed to help with this exercise.

06. Work ethically, cooperatively and safely in a molecular laboratory

Activities:

Some of these considerations will be highlighted in the whole lab pre-prac talks and in small group discussions prior to the practical class. Students will be asked to adopt these practices within the laboratory and will be graded on their professional conduct.