Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit is taken over two semesters and parts 1 (SCIE3326) and 2 (SCIE3327) must be completed to fulfil the requirements of the unit. SCIE3326 and SCIE3327 are assessed as one unit. The unit provides an advanced course in molecular biology and is designed to continue the training of students in this discipline. It stresses the use of molecular approaches and how they are applied to solve and investigate biological problems. Students learn how molecular biology has been used to advance understanding in areas of current interest in biology. The subject areas covered include a selection from the following: molecular biology of cancer; gene therapy; plant molecular biology; multigene families, molecular biology of bacterial and viral pathogens; RNA export from the nucleus, protein quality control; cloning vectors; interactomics; mechanisms of recombination; signature-tagged mutagenesis; in vivo expression technology; regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; molecular biology of sugar sensing, and the organisation of genes in different genomes. The techniques covered range from DNA cloning and sequencing to message level analysis and PCR amplification. Students become familiar with the uses of molecular biology in the bacterial, plant and animal sciences. Practicals include set laboratories, plus an advanced practical/project with tutorials.
- Credit
- 12 points
- Outcomes
Students gain an understanding of both theoretical and practical molecular biology and acquire central laboratory skills.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratory tests, laboratory book and laboratory report assessments; (2) mid-semester test on lecture material; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Thomas Martin
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- SCIE2225 Molecular Biology
or BIOC2203 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell - Advisable prior study
- (MICR2204 Introductory Microbiology
and MICR2205 General and Applied Microbiology)
or MICR2207 Agricultural Microbiology.
BIOC2201 Biochemistry of the Cell
and BIOC2202 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function are recommended but not essential.
Students with insufficient background are required to do extra reading.
- Contact hours
- lectures: 37 hours
labs: 70 hours
tutorials: 6 hours
workshops: 3 hours. For details see handout in the laboratory manual and first lecture. - Recommended
reading -
Weaver, R. F. Molecular Biology, 4th edn: McGraw Hill 2007
Lodish, H. et al. Molecular Cell Biology, 6th edn: Freeman & Co 2008 (7th edn can be used as well)
Ausubel, F. M. et al. Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, 5th edn: Wiley 2002
Sambrook, J. et al. Molecular Cloning: a Laboratory Manual, 3rd edn: CSH 2001
- Suggested
alternate texts -
Watson, J. D. et al. Molecular Biology of the Gene, 6th edn: CSHL Press 2008
Lewin, B. Genes IX, 9th edn: Jones and Bartlett Publishers 2008
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.