Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Area of Study

The School of Applied Sciences and Engineering offers major sequences in applied biochemistry and applied microbiology and a minor sequence in human physiology. Both major sequences have a strong emphasis on modern experimental techniques and their relevant medical, industrial and environmental applications.

The minor sequence in human physiology looks at the relationship between structure and function in the human body. This sequence complements the applied biochemistry and psychology major sequences.

Objectives

Applied biochemistry sequence

On completion of the sequence in applied biochemistry, students will:

• recognise the relationship between the structure and function of molecular and macromolecular components of biological systems
• appreciate the range of 'real world' applications for molecules harvested from biological systems
• demonstrate an understanding of the integration and regulation of metabolic processes and appreciate the range of strategies that enable cells to function in a coordinated manner.
• understand the principles of storage and transmission of genetic information and appreciate the technological applications of these processes
• be familiar with the principles of a wide range of biomolecular techniques
• be able to plan, execute, interpret and report complex laboratory procedures in a professional manner
• have the capacity to apply their biochemical knowledge to the pursuit of current scientific problems in industry, medicine and research
• be prepared to undertake further study, at honours or post-graduate level.

Applied microbiology sequence

On completion of the sequence in applied microbiology, students will:

• understand the nature and properties of microorganisms and their role in human affairs
• have competence in culturing and handling microorganisms in the laboratory in a variety of applications
• understand the principles behind, and to be able to use techniques employed in, a number of applied microbiological areas, depending on the units of study chosen
• gain practice in utilising microorganisms in a project situation, if the applied biotechnology project is chosen
• apply techniques of molecular biology to microorganisms, if the molecular biology and biotechnology unit is chosen
• be able to function effectively as a microbiologist in one or more food, industrial, environmental or medical employment situations requiring an applied microbiologist
• be prepared for further studies in microbiological and allied sciences including undertaking higher research degrees
• have learned sufficient microbiology to be eligible, upon obtaining sufficient practical experience, to apply for membership of the Australian Society for Microbiology, the professional society for microbiologists in Australia.

Level one

• BIO1711 Human biology
• BIO1722 Cell biology
• CHM1011 Chemistry

Level two

• BIO2721 Human development and genetics
• BIO2742 Exercise physiology and fitness assessment
• BTH2711 Introductory microbiology
• BTH2722 Microbial function and immunology
• BTH2732 Recombinant DNA technology
• BTH2741 Biochemistry
• BTH2752 Cellular metabolism
• CHM2762 Design of molecules and macromolecules

Level three

• BTH3711 Food and industrial microbiology
• BTH3722 Medical microbiology
• BTH3732 Environmental microbiology
• BTH3741 Medical cell biology
• BTH3752 Molecular biology and biotechnology
• BTH3990 Biotechnology in action research project
• CHM3730 Bioactive chemistry

Applied biochemistry

Minor sequence in applied biochemistry (24 points)

• CHM1011 and BIO1722
• BTH2741 and one of BTH2752 or BTH2732

Major sequence in applied biochemistry (48 points)

• CHM1011 and BIO1722
• BTH2741 and BTH2732 and BTH2752
• BTH3741, BTH3752 and one of CHM3730 or BTH3990

Applied microbiology

Minor sequence in applied microbiology (24 points)

• CHM1011 and BIO1722
• BTH2711 and BTH2722

Major sequence in applied microbiology (48 points)

• CHM1011 and BIO1722
• BTH2711, BTH2722, and BTH2732
• three of BTH3711, BTH3722, BTH3732, BTH3752 or BTH3990

Human physiology

Minor sequence in human physiology (24 points)

• BIO1711 and BIO1722
• BIO2721 and BIO2742