This course provides an introduction to the principles and practice of recombinant DNA technology. It has a focus on how biological processes can be exploited and manipulated for practical purposes, rather than how they operate in nature. The course also introduces some of the main problem solving skills used routinely in molecular biology. A wide range of methods and applications will be discussed including: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, gene libraries, blotting techniques, expression of recombinant proteins, gene mapping, transgenic animals, and gene therapy.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Describe and apply methods and techniques used to manipulate DNA.
2. Design strategies for identifying and analysing genes and their function.
3. Recognise the different requirements for gene expression in yeast, bacteria, plants and animals.
4. Demonstrate practical skills used in molecular biotechnology such as PCR and molecular cloning.
5. Obtain and evaluate information on a current topic in molecular biology and communicate this analysis in writing.
Other Information
The Biology Teaching and Learning Centre is located in Building 116. Alternatively you can email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Practical reports, tutorial test and assignments (total: 75%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Final examination (25%; LO 1, 2, 3)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Two lectures per week, up to eight laboratory sessions of up to four hours each and eight one-hour workshops.Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Brown, T.A. (2010) Gene Cloning and Analysis: an introduction (6th ed.) Wiley-Blackwell
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7779 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | N/A |
