BTH1802 - Fundamentals of biotechnology - 2019

This unit will cover classical and modern biotechnology, including recent developments in molecular biology and its applications in such diverse areas as agriculture, forestry, food, medicine and marine sciences. This includes an introduction to bio-prospecting and pharmaceuticals; genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics; environmental and industrial biotechnology and the current issues and concerns surrounding biotechnology. Related topics such as human genome project, risk assessment, biosafety and genetically modified organisms and crops, cloning, patents, ethics intellectual property rights and the regulatory framework for biotechnology in various countries will be discussed.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental techniques and the basic principles of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology that are required for biotechnology;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the applications and impact of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, medicine, and industry;
3. Assess and manage occupational health and safety issues related to biotechnology activities in the laboratory and in environmental and industrial settings;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of biotechnology business, intellectual property rights, and the regulatory framework governing the biotechnology industry;
5. Apply knowledge of the fundamental ethical and regulatory issues surrounding the biotechnology field;
6. Communicate biotechnology findings effectively in the form of oral and written scientific reports.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Quizzes: 15%

Tutorial activities: 15%

Web pages: 20%

Three 1-hour lectures and two 1-hour online tutorials per week

See also Unit timetable information