Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Duration
Contact Hours
Campus
Prerequisite
Corequisite
1 Semester
36 hours
Hawthorn
Nil
Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points
An elective unit of study in the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) and Master of Science (Biotechnology) and a Group C unit in the Master of Science (Biotechnology) Global Leadership Program.
* To introduce various issues of concern regarding the environment, including various types of pollutants, human factors contributing to environmental concerns, global warming, and applications of biotechnology. * To present examples of roles of biotechnology in environmental studies. After successfully completing this unit, the students should be able to: * Identify the roles of human practices and industrialisation in environmental pollution, * Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that lead to environmental pollution and the need for responsible practices to avoid these * Give examples of how biotechnology can help in monitoring and/or removing the pollutants * Show an understanding of new trends such as biofuels, renewable energy sources, or identification or development of stress-tolerant plants * Conduct literature searches, analysis, issue identification and problem solving. * Demonstrate developed skills in written and/or oral communication.
Lectures, tutorials, Web Based Unit Presence.
Indicative weightings: written tests (55-60%), assignments (40-45%).
Students will be provided with feedback during the assessment for this unit of study on their progress in attaining the following generic skills: * analysis skills, * problem solving skills, * communications skills, * ability to work independently
Content will vary according to modern trends in biotechnology and is expected to include: Heavy metals, organic chemicals and other pollutants, their effects on living organisms and ecological cycles. Application of plant biotechnology (e.g. phytoremediation) and microbial biotechnology (biosorption, biosensors) for detection and control of chemical pollutants. Identification and development of new sources for enhanced food production under suboptimal conditions, e.g. salinity, drought or disease tolerant plants. Environmental microbiology and the interaction of microbiological organisms with soil and clay. Biopolymers and biodegradable materials. Biofuels, renewable energy: sources, developments, limitations, future trends. Potential environmental effects of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) on the environment. Ethical, moral, scientific and social considerations of environmental issues and their solutions using biotechnology.
Content will vary according to modern trends in biotechnology and is expected to include:
Selected Web Resources. Lecture notes (provided via Blackboard)
Glick, BR & Pasternak, JJ, Molecular Biotechnology, 3rd edn, ASM Press, 2003. Research papers on specific topics, available through library databases and various internet search engines. Lecture notes (provided via Blackboard).
