units

BCH3031

Faculty of Science

18 September 2017 25 April 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2013 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

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LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
OfferedClayton First semester 2013 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Professor Rod Devenish

Synopsis

This unit provides an understanding of DNA as the genetic component of organisms and cells, encompassing the information content, the organisation of DNA sequences, and expression of this information into RNA and proteins. Topics include global aspects of genome organisation and expression outcomes (genomics and proteomics, respectively). Other themes include the molecular diagnosis and treatment of human genetic disease using smart technologies such as gene therapy, DNA vaccines and novel therapeutics, and new information contributing to treatment deriving from genome mining.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the structure, organisation and functional rearrangement of eukaryotic genomes;

  1. Explain the mechanism of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells;

  1. Illustrate how gene expression is regulated in eukaryotes and how studies of DNA, RNA and protein levels contribute to our understanding of these processes;

  1. Discuss how cell and animal models are used to build our understanding of disease processes and to develop potential therapies;

  1. Describe how the application of genomic and other technologies is used to further our understanding of genomes and the treatment of disease;

  1. Demonstrate the ability to organise, plan and successfully execute laboratory experiments relevant to advanced molecular biology, as well as analyse and report the results in a meaningful way;

  1. Demonstrate the ability to undertake literature based research to collect and evaluate information relevant to current problems in biochemistry and molecular biology and to effectively communicate ideas in writing or orally.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 55%
Essay (2000 words): 15%
Evaluation of practicals and syndicate sessions/ data assessment/ oral presentations (30%) will take place weekly during the semester in the practical/ tutorial/ self-directed learning sessions
A pass in the final examination, and in the essay, and overall in the practicals/ sessions/ data assessment/ oral presentations must be obtained to pass the unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Rod Devenish

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and one 3-hour practical/ peer-group or self-directed learning exercise per week

Prerequisites

One of the following BCH2011, BCH2022, BMS2062, MOL2011, MOL2022

Prohibitions

BTH3757