1 Semester

48 Hours

Hawthorn

HES4641 Practical Biochemistry

Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry/Chemistry) , Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), 
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications),
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Business  and Bachelor of Science (Psychology/Biochemistry).

Aims & Objectives:

• To develop enquiry skills in an unstructured environment.
• To develop techniques to solve practical problems.
• To develop problem solving skills.
• To develop independence in experimental design and interpretation.
• To develop research skills.
• To present the results of research to peers using multimedia presentations.

At the end of this unit students will have developed laboratory based enquiry skills in a relatively unstructured environment, using the techniques acquired in first semester (HES4641) to solve a problem or achieve a set aim. Students are expected to develop independence in experimental design and interpretation. The aims include the development of report organisation and seminar presentation using Powerpoint or web-based software

Teaching Methods:

Supervised practical research project.

Assessment:

Written report (joint report) (40%), seminar presentation (20%), laboratory work book (individual), supervisor/demonstrator assesment - Technical competence demonstrated by the student (10%), understanding the project and contribution of ideas (10%), contribution to the work of the project/ dillegance/ enthusiasim and team skills (10%).

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students are expected to enhance several of their graduate attributes during this unit and should consult with your lecturer if not clear as to how this unit achieves this. The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce students who:

Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.

• Have a basic understanding of laboratory practices involved in the study area.
• Have an in-depth technical competence in the specific (core) discipline.
• Can apply specific knowledge of the (core) discipline to real situations.
• Have the ability to engage in critical inquiry.

Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations.

• Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Can effectively communicate within and without the subject discipline.
• Have a basic understanding of the need to carry out work in an ethical and socially responsible fashion.

Content:

Laboratory-based biochemical research project. Techniques used range across those acquired in the 1st semester subject HES4641 Practical Biochemistry including gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, centrifugation and ultracentrifugation, column chromatography, PCR and molecular biology techniques. Projects may use DNA manipulation or analysis, protein purification and analysis, enzyme analysis, or a combination of these and other techniques common to chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology.

Reading Materials:

Various research publications and reprints provided or given as references.