BTH3611 - Plant and cellular biotechnology

Leader: Professor John Hamill (Dr Amanda Walmsley-Deputy)

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in plant and cellular biotechnology. Coverage of key current and emerging topics in the subject area will include recombinant DNA methodology and genomics; plant cell and algal in vitro culture methods; cellular physiology and development; industrial exploitation using bioprocessing procedures; nutritional enhancement and elevated tolerance to environmental stress in crops; engineering of metabolism; production of innovative vaccines; rhizosphere biotechnology and bioremediation of unhealthy environments; ethical, legal and commercial aspects of genetically altered plants and bioproducts.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will understand the vast scope of plant and cellular biotechnology and appreciate its potential for improvement of the human condition and maintenance of a healthy environment - both in the Australian context and globally. Students will further develop their capacity to evaluate critically the current literature in this fast moving subject area. Also, students will have increased ability to plan experiments and collect and collate their own experimental data and present it for assessment. In undertaking experimental analyses, students will also acquire advanced practical skills of relevance to plant and cellular biotechnology industries within Australia and internationally.

Assessment

Examination: 50%
Practical performance and report writing during semester: 25%
Research technique summary (500 words): 7.5%
Oral presentation: 7.5%
Essay: 10%

Contact hours

Two hours of lectures and one tutorial per week and 36 hours of practical work per semester

Prerequisites

BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1042; plus 12 points of level-two units chosen from BIO2082, BIO2181, BIO2282, BCH2011, BCH2022, any BTH2XXX unit, GEN2041, GEN2052, MOL2011, MOL2022, MIC2011, MIC2022