Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Duration
Contact Hours
Campus
Prerequisite
Corequisite
1 Semester
48 hours
Hawthorn
Nil
Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points
A core unit of study in the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) and Master of Science (Biotechnology) and a Group B unit in the Master of Science (Biotechnology) Global Leadership Program.
The unit aims to provide: * The fundamentals of prokaryotic gene structure and regulation. * An overview of the complexity, organisation and instability of the eukaryotic genomes. * An understanding of the fundamentals of the structure, function and mechanisms of regulation of eukaryotic genes. * An introduction to the genetic basis of various human diseases. * Essential biochemical properties of proteins and methods of analysis. * An understanding of the applications of gene and protein analyses, e.g., in disease diagnosis or treatments. * Laboratory exercises that provide a greater understanding of structure and function of DNA and proteins. After successfully completing this unit, the students should be able to: * Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of human genome and its variation between individuals * Demonstrate an understanding of how the DNA works as genetic material * Explain the relationship between genes and proteins * Appreciate the diversity of the structures and functions of genes and proteins * Explain with a few examples the genetic basis of human genetic diseases * Demonstrate laboratory skills in analysis of proteins as well as DNA.
Lectures, tutorials, web based unit presence.
Indicative weightings: practical reports (30-35%), tests and assignments (20-25%), final examination (40-50%).
Students will be provided with feedback during the assessment for this unit of study on their progress in attaining the following generic skills: * teamwork skills, * analysis skills, * problem solving skills, * communications skills, * ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, * ability to work independently
Overview of structure of DNA and RNA, DNA replication, transcription, translation. Gene structure and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes. Composition of eukaryotic genomes: gene structure, mutations and their effects, repetitive DNA sequences, DNA typing, multigene families, DNA replication, telomerase and its significance. Diverse types of rearrangements in and instability of eukaryotic genomes and its implications. Regulation of gene expression: promoters, enhancers and other regulatory sequences, transcription factors, interactions of these with promoters; genomic imprinting, DNA methylation and other mechanisms of gene regulation. Examples of human genetics diseases and their molecular basis. Diversity of protein structures and functions. Functional relationship between genes and proteins. Laboratory techniques related to analysis of genes and proteins. Applications of the molecular genetic information in medicine and biotechnology
Textbook: Nelson, DL & Cox, MM, Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Ed V, W H Freeman and Company, 2008. Lecture notes (provided via Blackboard) Laboratory manual (to be purchased from the University bookshop)
