Enrolments for 2018 have closed.

View information for 2019 course intake.

This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.

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Genetics and molecular biology

Undergraduate | RMI-SCB220 | 2018

Course information for 2018 intake

View information for 2019 course intake

Zero in on the building blocks that make up organisms across the planet. Question how genes are structured and mapped. Consider concepts like inheritance and DNA repair. Look to the ethical quandaries that the study of molecular biology can raise.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Assessments
Subject may require attendance
Entry requirements
Prior study needed
Duration
13 weeks

HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available

Genetics and molecular biology

About this subject

  • Students will gain knowledge capabilities through demonstrated knowledge of the key concepts of inheritance, molecular biology technologies though the application of knowledge of gene structure and function, gene regulation, microbial genetics, mutation and DNA repair, genomics, population genetics, quantitative genetics and the genetics underpinning development processes. They will specifically develop technical capabilities through the participation in a number of practical laboratory based exercises. These exercises will develop competencies in fundamental molecular biology, manipulations, including the extraction, purification, digestion, analysis and cloning of DNA fragments in prokaryotic systems. Their capabilities will be developed through their involvement in both individual problem solving exercises and in group problem based activities designed to use knowledge capabilities and technical awareness to tackle new problems in genetic and molecular systems that require in depth critical analysis and problem solving. Skills in communication will be developed during practical and laboratory based work and in the group problem based activities. Through a deeper understanding of genetics, molecular biology, aspects of the ethical perspectives in genetics and biotechnology, the student will develop an increased awareness of the environmental, social, ethical, legal and economic implications of genetics, decisions involving principles of inheritance and biotechnology.

    Overview of Learning Activities

    The learning activities included in this subject are:

    1. lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples
    2. completion of tutorial questions and laboratory projects designed to give further practise in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on student progress and understanding
    3. completion of written assignments consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter
    4. private study, working through the subject as presented learning materials, and gaining practise at solving conceptual and numerical problems.

Entry requirements

Prior study

To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:

Others

Or equivalents before starting this subject.

Additional requirements

  • Attendance requirements - Students must attend laboratory classes at RMIT University's Bundoora Campus: More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Blackboard.

Study load

0.125 EFTSL
This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.

Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.

Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.

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