Molecular Biotechnology
Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course and stream title |
|---|---|
|
LG031 |
Graduate Certificate in Molecular Biotechnology |
|
LF047 |
Graduate Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology |
|
LC059 |
Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology |
2 Attendance pattern
0.
The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice, except the Graduate Certificate in Molecular Biotechnology which is available part time only.
3 Master's type
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any course in this sequence. Only the highest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
With approval from the Dean, available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria.
(2)
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants to the Graduate certificate or Graduate Diploma without the following qualifications, but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed to be equivalent.
(3)
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Molecular Biotechnology requires a bachelor's degree with credit average results in areas of relevance to Molecular Biotechnology, such as Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology from the University of Sydney, or equivalent institution.
(a)
a bachelor's degree with credit average results in areas of relevance to Molecular Biotechnology, such as Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology from the University of Sydney, or equivalent institution; or
(b)
completion of the embedded graduate certificate in this stream from the University of Sydney without failing any units of study.
(a)
a bachelor's degree with credit average results in areas of relevance to Molecular Biotechnology, such as Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology from the University of Sydney, or equivalent institution.
(b)
a bachelor's degree with Honours in a relevant discipline, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or
(c)
completion of the embedded graduate diploma in this stream from the University of Sydney with a credit average in either MOBT5101 or MOBT5102.
6 Requirements for award:
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for these awards are set out in the table for Molecular Biotechnology postgraduate courses. With the approval of the Dean and the program coordinator, candidates for the graduate diploma or master's degree, with special aims or interests, may be allowed to substitute up to 12 credit points with relevant postgraduate units from outside the table.
(2)
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Molecular Biotechnology a candidate must complete 24 credit points of core units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology a candidate must complete 36 credit points, including:
(4)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology coursework pathway a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(5)
Subject to the availability of supervision and suitable projects, candidates with a credit average in 24 credit points of study from the degree may be admitted to the research pathway.
Course overview and outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Molecular Biotechnology), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Molecular Biotechnology) and Master of Applied Science (Molecular Biotechnology) are articulated programs intended for recent science graduates, industry employees and those experienced in related fields to obtain relevant knowledge in molecular biotechnology. They include teaching in current and innovative areas and provide specialisations with attractive prospects for retraining and employment and for further education.
These programs cover new and leading edge high technologies that provide education in relevant aspects of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, food science and technology, agricultural science, bioinformatics and information bioscience. They aim to provide a basic knowledge and skills base emphasising scientific applications.
The courses also provide a professional graduate education for scientists and technologists already working in these areas. Students will be exposed to a solid grounding in molecular biotechnology including an appreciation of social and ethical implications. This professional development award course is particularly designed for those seeking training in this expanding high technology area.
Units of study table
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
All Degrees: Core Units |
|||
| MOBT5101 Applied Molecular Biotechnology A |
12 | Semester 1 |
|
| MOBT5102 Applied Molecular Biotechnology B |
12 | Semester 2 |
|
Graduate Diploma and Masters: one of BETH5201 or BIOL5002 |
|||
| BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 1 |
| OR | |||
| BIOL5002 Bioinformatics: Sequences and Genomes |
6 | N BIOL3027, BIOL3927 |
Semester 2 |
Core for Masters Coursework Pathway |
|||
| MOBT5303 Applied Molecular Biotech C (Project) |
6 | P MOBT 5101 or MOBT5102. N MOBT5103 This unit of study is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Applied Science (Molecular Biotechnology). |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Core for Masters Research Pathway |
|||
| Enrolment in MOBT5304 requires permission of the Director of the Molecular Biotechnology Program | |||
| MOBT5304 Applied Molecular Biotech D (Project) |
12 | P MOBT5101 or MOBT5102 at Distinction or High Distinction level, with further permission required for enrolment by Director of the Molecular Biotechnology Program. N MOBT5303 Note: Department permission required for enrolment This unit of study is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Applied Science (Molecular Biotechnology). |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Graduate Diploma and Masters students must also complete 12 credit points of optional units of study |
|||
| These must have the permission of the program coordinator. Most postgraduate units offered by the Faculty of Science are allowable, subject to timetabling, availability and prerequisites. MOBT5303 is, however, only available to Masters Students. | |||
Optional units of study |
|||
| AFNR5107 Principles of Biochemical Analysis |
6 | N AGCH4007 |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5000 Core Concepts in Bioethics |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine |
6 | A A three-year degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field - or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5202 Human and Animal Research Ethics |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5203 Ethics and Public Health |
6 | A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 2 |
| BETH5204 Clinical Ethics |
6 | A Honours or equivalent degree, or other appropriate terminal undergraduate degree (such as a three-year nursing degree) in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field-or by special permission. A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year. |
Semester 1 |
| BETH5205 Ethics and Mental Health |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| COMP5318 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining |
6 | A COMP5138 and familiarity with basic statistics |
Semester 1 |
| COMP5347 e-Commerce Technology |
6 | A COMP5028 Object Oriented Analysis and Design |
Semester 1 |
| ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MCAN5005 Introductory Microscopy & Microanalysis |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5006 Electron Microscopy |
6 | Int August Int March |
|
| MCAN5101 Confocal and Fluorescence Microscopy |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MCAN5103 Materials Preparation and Microscopy |
6 | Int May |
|
| MCAN5104 Image Analysis |
6 | Int April Int Sept |
|
| MCAN5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5210 Research Methodology |
6 | C MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C Optional for Masters (non research path) |
Semester 2 |
| STAT5001 Applied Statistics for Bioinformatics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| VETS8005 Advanced Animal Biotechnology |
6 | N ANSC3005, ANSC3105 This unit is core in the Animal Genetics and Reproduction streams of the Postgraduate Program in Animal Science. It is an elective in the Animal Breeding Management stream and the Master of Veterinary Studies. |
Semester 2 |
Unit of study descriptions 2012
BETH5201 Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 6 x 2hr seminars
1 x 8 hr intensive Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 3 Tutorial assessments - 400 wds each (3x 10%); 1 x 1200-1500 wd essay (30%); 1 x 2200 - 2500 wd essay (40%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit introduces students to the broader social/political, ethical/philosophical and legal/regulatory issues that underlie genetics, stem cell research and the emerging biotechnologies. The unit will provide a brief overview of the relevant science before considering scientific, cultural and religious understandings of life and human identity. The second part of the unit will review the political, regulatory and commercial context of biotechnology and the control of information. Students will then review the history of genetics and eugenics and the ethical issues that arise in clinical and population genetics, stem cell research and cloning. The final part of the unit will explore the boundaries of research and knowledge and the issues raised by emerging biotechnologies, such as nanotechnology and proteomics. Learning activities will include an intensive seminar program, small group sessions and reading. Students will be able to concentrate on stem cell research, clinical or molecular genetics or other biotechnologies according to their clinical and scientific interests and experience.
BIOL5002 Bioinformatics: Sequences and Genomes
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Neville Firth Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 lecture or tutorial per week, 1 three hour practical per fortnight. Prohibitions: BIOL3027, BIOL3927 Assessment: Formal exam, projects (100%)
Bioinformatics - the application of computers to life sciences, and genomics - the study of biology at the genome-wide scale, are revolutionising basic and applied biological sciences in the 21st century. The unit focuses on the application of bioinformatics to the storage, retrieval and analysis of biological information, principally in the form of nucleotide and amino acid sequences. An extensive practical component emphasises the development of hands-on skills in the use of bioinformatics technologies. Students will gain an appreciation of the significance and potential of bioinformatics and genomics in contemporary life sciences; an awareness of the breadth of bioinformatics resources and applications, including non-sequence-based biological information; skills and experience in the use of a core set of programs and databases for nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction; a basic understanding of the theoretical foundation and underlying assumptions of the programs, and their relative strengths/limitations; and, competence in the evaluation of output from the programs in appropriate biological context.
MOBT5101 Applied Molecular Biotechnology A
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Neville Firth Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 two hour lecture and 1 one hour tutorial per week Assessment: Continuous assessment throughout semester, end of semester examination (100%)
This unit of study provides a solid foundation for education and training in applied molecular biotechnology. Classes emphasise molecular biology and genetics, and focus on key topics in contemporary molecular biotechnology, such as the production and use of genetically modified organisms, genomics and proteomics, vaccine technology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cells and gene therapy. The associated issues of regulation, intellectual property and commercialisation are also considered.
Textbooks
Required text: Glick, B. and Pasternak J. 2003, Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA", third edition, ASM Press, Washington.
MOBT5102 Applied Molecular Biotechnology B
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chiara Neto Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 two-hour lecture and 1 one-hour tutorial per week Assessment: Continuous assessment throughout semester (30%), end of semester examination (70%).
Applied molecular biotechnology B broadens knowledge of and training in applied chemical aspects of biotechnology. Key areas of research will be introduced, and illustrated by examples and case studies. Lecture topics include medicinal chemistry, synthetic and computational quantitative structure-activity relationships for drug molecules, biosensing, and bioremediation are. The practical labs aim to give students an understanding of the chemical methods used in biotechnological analysis.
Textbooks
Recommended textbooks: Glick, B. and Pasternak J. Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA, 3rd edition, ASM Press. 2003. Eggins BR. Chemical Sensors and Biosensors (USyd electronic resource): Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated 2002.
MOBT5303 Applied Molecular Biotech C (Project)
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Kevin Downard Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: MOBT 5101 or MOBT5102. Prohibitions: MOBT5103 Assessment: Report (60%) and individual/group poster and presentation (40%)
Note: This unit of study is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Applied Science (Molecular Biotechnology).
This unit of study provides students with the opportunity to undertake hands-on experience in research in a national or university research laboratory or in the biotechnology industry. This involves conducting an approved research project in such a facility on a part-time basis for 75 hours. Alternatively, students complete a case study of a biotechnology company. Entry to a research project is limited by the availability of facilities and projects. Results obtained in core MOBT units of study undertaken in the preceding semester (in theory and practical components) are used to decide whether students are capable of undertaking research placements or case study projects.. Assessment is based on a student's performance in their placement or project, a report and presentation.
MOBT5304 Applied Molecular Biotech D (Project)
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Kevin Downard Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 150 hours of research Prerequisites: MOBT5101 or MOBT5102 at Distinction or High Distinction level, with further permission required for enrolment by Director of the Molecular Biotechnology Program. Prohibitions: MOBT5303 Assessment: Report of some 7,000 words (60%), supervisor's assessment of performance (20%), presentation (10%), viva (10%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: This unit of study is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Applied Science (Molecular Biotechnology).
This unit will provide additional research training for qualified M.Appl.Sci (Molecular Biotechnology) students wishing to undertake a subsequent research degree at Masters or PhD level. The student's research supervisor will be involved in developing an appropriate focus for the project to satisfy assessment criteria. This unit of study provides students with the opportunity to undertake hands-on experience in research in a national or university research laboratory or in the biotechnology industry. This involves conducting an approved research project in such a facility on a part-time basis for 150 hours Assessment is based on a student's performance in their placement or project, a report, presentation and viva.
AFNR5107 Principles of Biochemical Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rosalind Deaker (Coordinator), Prof Les Copeland, Dr Meredith Wilkes Session: Semester 1 Classes: 22 hrs of lectures and 32 hrs of laboratory during the semester Prohibitions: AGCH4007 Assessment: Assessment may include attendance and participation in lectures, quizzes, reports and problem based learning. Each module will comprise 25% of the final assessment mark and satisfactory progress in all modules is required from the successful completion of this unit. (4x25%)
This unit of study is designed to expose students to the principles and practice of a diverse range of analytical methods used in agricultural and environmental science. The unit of study will be presented in four modules including: materials and sampling techniques; separation techniques (chromatographic and electrophoretic); instrumentation and measurement techniques (spectral, enzymic and imaging); and microbiological and molecular biology techniques. Each module will be a combination of lectures and practical classes that will analyse common agricultural or biochemical commodities to illustrate the practical aspects of the theory. Students will also gain skills in data analysis relevant to the respective techniques.
At the completion of these modules, students will be familiar with the operation of a number of laboratory instruments, the theory that underpins their operation, be confident in the analysis of data, and be able to choose the most appropriate sampling strategy and analytical technique to perform high quality research.
At the completion of these modules, students will be familiar with the operation of a number of laboratory instruments, the theory that underpins their operation, be confident in the analysis of data, and be able to choose the most appropriate sampling strategy and analytical technique to perform high quality research.
BETH5000 Core Concepts in Bioethics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 13 x 2 hr seminars Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 1x750 wd review (15%) and 1x1500wd essay (35%) and 1x200-2500 wd essay (50%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit of study provides a broad overview of the primary issues in, and theoretical approaches to, bioethics. Following an introduction to the history of bioethics and review of the major theoretical approaches to applied ethics, central debates in bioethics surrounding doctor-patient relationships, informed consent, privacy/confidentiality, research ethics, abortion, euthanasia, genetics, cloning, stem cell research, justice and distribution of health care resources, etc., are examined. In addition to classical cases and traditional theoretical perspectives, emerging topics and alternative perspectives are explored. The unit concludes with the topic of global public health and socio-political critique(s) of the discipline of bioethics itself. Learning activities will include seminars, small group sessions, and project work.
BETH5101 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 13 x 2hr seminars Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 1 x 2000wd essay (35%); 1x 4000wd essay (55%); participation (10%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit prepares students for advanced analysis of issues in bioethics by laying foundations in both critical thinking and ethical theory. Following an introduction to the construction and assessment of arguments, central issues of debate in meta-ethics, normative ethics, and political philosophy are examined. Major traditional (historical, consequential, deontological, contractarian/egalitarian, and communitarian) theoretical frameworks as well as postmodern/continental perspectives are introduced and critically evaluated. The unit concludes with an introduction to applied and professional ethics. It is recommended, but not required, that BETH5101 is taken during students' first semester in the program.
BETH5102 Philosophy of Medicine
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 13 x 2hr seminars Assumed knowledge: A three-year degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field - or by special permission. Assessment: 1x exercise 1200wds (30%); 1 x essay 3000-4000wds (60%); Participation (10%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit of study introduces students to the broader philosophical issues and epistemological structures that underlie medicine and the biomedical sciences. The unit will begin by introducing students to the philosophy of science and medicine, epistemology and the concepts of health, illness and disease. The second part of the unit will review debates regarding disease causation and the social construction of disease. Students will then consider issues relating to the generation and use of knowledge and evidence, and the differences between conventional and alternative/non-Western approaches to illness and healing. The final part of the unit will focus on diagnosis, nosology and classification of disease, with particular reference to mental illness.
BETH5103 Biomedicine and Society
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 13 x 2hr seminars Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 1 x exercise 1200 wds (30%); 1 x 3000-4000 wd essay (60%); Participation (10%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
How does biomedicine both influence and reflect the broader society of which it is a part? This unit of study addresses this general question by examining a series of ethical and social issues relating to sex and drugs. The issues relate to gender, reproduction and sexual behaviour, and some of the drugs that have played a key role in the medicalisation of human experience in these domains. The course readings explore the issues from a range of different perspectives (i.e. history, sociology, politics, health policy, philosophy, religion, feminism, public health, and personal experience) with the aim of broadening the scope of bioethical inquiry. Each topic introduces specific concepts which students are encouraged to apply. Students are also encouraged to draw on their own disciplinary and/or professional background. Seminars, on-line discussions and coursework will provide opportunities to learn from other students, and apply learning from other units of study.
BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 x 8hr intensives Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission Assessment: 1 x Problem 1500 wds (40%); 1 x 2000wd essay (60%)
The unit of study will begin by introducing students to interrelationships between health care, ethics and the law. In particular students will explore the moral basis of law and the means by which law influences moral norms, clinical practice and health policy. Students will be shown how to critically read and analyse primary sources of law relevant to bioethics. Students will then examine a number of areas of law that have particular significance for bioethics and society including the law of tort (consent and standards of care), contract (confidentiality), criminal law (euthanasia and abortion), public health law, administrative law and law reform.
BETH5202 Human and Animal Research Ethics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x 8 hr intensive Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: Continuous assessment (20%); Briefing paper (30%); Position Paper (50%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit introduces students to research ethics in its social context. Students will first analyse the philosophical underpinnings of the research endeavour, including the justifications for engaging in research, research priorities and research integrity. The unit will then review the history of research and research abuses, the evolution of research ethics and the regulation of research in Australia. The second part of the unit will focus on issues arising in the conduct of research including; the protection of research subjects (both human and animal), consent, confidentiality and risk/benefit analysis.
BETH5203 Ethics and Public Health
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x 8hr Intensives Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 10 x Online tasks 250-400wds (20%); 1 x 1000 wd essay (30%); 1 x 2500 wd essay (50%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit will provide students with an overview of the broader philosophical, ethical, sociopolitical and cultural issues that underlie public health and public health research. Students will first review the history of public health and examine the values that underpin health promotion and disease prevention. The second part of the unit will critique the place of facts and values in public health and the construction and use of information, with particular reference to evidence-based-medicine. The third part of the unit will examine the cultural, moral and social context of public health including the social determinants of health, the construction of health services, the determination of research priorities and issues relating to human rights and global health. Learning activities will include 2-hour weekly seminars and readings. Assessment tasks will consist of essays and a presentation/project.
BETH5204 Clinical Ethics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 x 8hr Intensives Assumed knowledge: Honours or equivalent degree, or other appropriate terminal undergraduate degree (such as a three-year nursing degree) in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field-or by special permission. Assessment: 1 x 1500 wd case study ((30%); 1 x 3000 wd essay (50%); 10 x online tasks 25-400 wd (20%)
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit will provide students with an overview of the broader philosophical, ethical, sociopolitical, and cultural issues that underlie the delivery of healthcare. Students will first explore major conceptual models for ethical reasoning in the clinical context; the design and delivery of clinical ethics consultation; and issues relating to the role of the professions. The second part of the unit will examine the foundations of clinical practice, including consent, competence, veracity, confidentiality, and decision-making. The third part of the unit will consider specific issues and populations within clinical practice, such as the care of vulnerable populations, mental health, and chronic illness. The next part of the unit will focus on skills associated with clinical ethics including analytic and mediation skills. The unit will conclude with reflections on current debates in the Australian healthcare context, particularly issues associated with healthcare rationing. Learning activities will include lectures (in an intensive format), facilitated discussion, case study presentations, and readings. Assessment tasks will consist of essays, a portfolio/journal, and a presentation/project.
BETH5205 Ethics and Mental Health
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x 8hr Intensives Assessment: 1 x 1000 - 1500 wd essay (25%); 1 x 2200 - 2500 wd essay (50%); On line learning participation (15%); Attendance (10%)
Mental health and mental illness are unique in the field of health care and bioethics. The very nature of psychiatric disorder and its relationship with prevailing social and cultural factors, in addition to the unique status of the mental health patient, necessitate a specific discourse in biomedical ethics in the area of mental health. This course will provide participants with a broad perspective of issues in bioethics applied to mental health and mental illness. Students will examine the history of the psychiatric profession and consider the adequacy of current safeguards against the abuses of power seen in the history of the profession of psychiatry. Other areas considered in the course include the current ethical dilemmas in mental health care, the implications of technological advances in the neurosciences, the philosophical basis of the concept of mental disorder, the relationship between power and the psychiatric profession and the complex relationship between morality, mental health and the law. The course aspires to inform future decision makers in health, public policy, clinical settings and academia in the unique aspects of biomedical ethics in the field of mental health.
COMP5318 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: (Lec 2hrs & Prac 1hr) per week Assumed knowledge: COMP5138 and familiarity with basic statistics Assessment: Quiz (10%), Assignment (15%), Presentation/Seminar (15%), Final Exam (60%)
Knowledge discovery is the process of extracting useful knowledge from data. Data mining is a discipline within knowledge discovery that seeks to facilitate the exploration and analysis of large quantities of data, by automatic or semiautomatic means. This subject provides a practical and technical introduction to knowledge discovery and data mining.
Objectives: Topics to be covered include problems of data analysis in databases, discovering patterns in the data, and knowledge interpretation, extraction and visualisation. Also covered are analysis, comparison and usage of various types of machine learning techniques and statistical techniques: clustering, classification, prediction, estimation, affinity grouping, description and scientific visualisation.
Objectives: Topics to be covered include problems of data analysis in databases, discovering patterns in the data, and knowledge interpretation, extraction and visualisation. Also covered are analysis, comparison and usage of various types of machine learning techniques and statistical techniques: clustering, classification, prediction, estimation, affinity grouping, description and scientific visualisation.
COMP5347 e-Commerce Technology
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week. Assumed knowledge: COMP5028 Object Oriented Analysis and Design Assessment: Assignment (20%), Project (20%), Final Exam (60%)
This unit will focus on technological advances supporting the development of e-commerce applications and systems. This includes client and server side development of e-commerce applications. AJAX is the core client side technology covered in this course. Both server scripting and server page technology are covered as key server side technology. It will also examine the emerging trend of web services and its role in E-commerce systems. This unit aims at providing both conceptual understanding and hand-on experiences for the technologies covered.
ENVI5708 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Gavin Birch Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures and one practical per week; one field trip per semester. Assessment: Assignment, presentation and report (100%)
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the major physical and chemical processes that control the concentration and dispersion of chemical pollutants in natural and impacted coastal environments. The course will demonstrate how to use contaminant data effectively and how to judge the quality of chemical data. This knowledge will be used to design and to assess environmental projects, and to judge the magnitude of impact by human activity on marine environments and the risk posed by sedimentary contaminants to benthic animals. The course aims to provide present and future managers employed in environmental professions with the skills to use data with confidence and to make management decisions knowing the risks inherent in variable data quality.
MCAN5005 Introductory Microscopy & Microanalysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Nine hour lectures, nine hour practicals, three hour tutorials (3 sessions). Assessment: Practical assessment: two reports/portfolios of images from light microscopy and demonstrations (80%). Practical exercises (10%), attendance and participation (10%).
The unit provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of optics and the related principles of spectroscopy that are commonly used in microscopy and microanalysis. Students are introduced to a variety of imaging and analysis techniques and their role in both biotechnology and the technology of materials, as relevant to laboratory-professionals and researchers. An emphasis on light-optical microscopy and related imaging modes is developed.
MCAN5006 Electron Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof. Simon Ringer, Dr Gwénaëlle Proust and Dr Zongwen Liu Session: Int August,Int March Classes: The course will be run intensively for two weeks, which include eight lectures, twelve practical and demonstration sessions, one computer laboratory, one tutorial session and two case study/discussion sessions. Assessment: Two quizzes (2x20%) and two take home assignments (2x30%).
This unit of study introduces participants to two major electron microscopy techniques: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Each technique is presented as a one week long module. Participants will become familiar with the theory behind each technique and its capabilities through a tailored combination of lectures, case study presentations, and laboratory and demonstration sessions. The first module gives a general overview and introduction on the basic principles and applications of the diverse imaging and microanalysis mechanisms and techniques available in a modern TEM. It is structured as a series of lectures with the aim of providing both basic concepts and illustrations of advanced topics in modern TEM, followed by hands-on sessions at the microscope and examples of case studies.
The second module aims at familiarizing participants with the principles and the versatility of the SEM, as well as associated techniques and equipment such as focused ion beam and electron backscatter diffraction through a series of lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstrations.
The second module aims at familiarizing participants with the principles and the versatility of the SEM, as well as associated techniques and equipment such as focused ion beam and electron backscatter diffraction through a series of lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstrations.
MCAN5101 Confocal and Fluorescence Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Filip Braet Session: Semester 1 Classes: 10 one hour lectures, 80 one hour tutorials (6 sessions) and thirty hour practicals (5 sessions). Assessment: portfolio (60%), exercises (30%), attendance and participation (10%).
This unit introduces the general principles of confocal microscopy and training in the use of the confocal microscope. It covers the theory behind fluorescence and confocal microscopy, the instrumentation and its applications. Develops knowledge and skills in specimen preparation for biological and biomedical applications of optical and confocal laser microscopes immunochemistry, cell probes, fluorescent proteins, and their associated optical analysis techniques.
MCAN5103 Materials Preparation and Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Julie Cairney and Prof Simon Ringer Session: Int May Classes: 3 thirty minute lectures, 3 five and a half hour laboratory practicals, 1 three and a half hour demonstrations. Assessment: Flat polished SEM specimen brass (20%), TEM specimen of Al or steel using electropolishing (20%), TEM cross-sectional specimen of a Si based devices using tripod polishing (30%), Quiz (20%), Materials preparation log (10%).
Gives practical training in the preparation of specimens for electron microscopy from a wide range of materials, including: metals, semiconductors, powders, ceramics and polymers. A comprehensive range of preparation techniques will be covered, including: electropolishing, tripod polishing, ion milling, dimple grinding, ultramicrotomy, cleavage and focused ion beam (FIB). Aspects of transmission electron microscopy specific to inorganic materials, such as crystallography, diffraction patterns and diffraction contrast will be introduced.
MCAN5104 Image Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Allan Jones Session: Int April,Int Sept Classes: 10 one hour lectures, 10 two hour practicals over a one week period. Assessment: Eight practical reports (50%), 1 three part mathematical assignment (20%), 1 in-depth assignment of 2500 word length on a relevant topic (30%).
This unit of study covers the nature and processing of images and the extraction of quantitative data from them. Participants will develop a sound working knowledge of both traditional stereology techniques and modern digital image processing and analysis. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of both the strengths and the limitations that are inherent in image data, and the technology applied to it. Topics in this module include: a general review of image acquisition, filters and transforms, segmentation methods, calibration of hardware for analysis, extraction of simple features from images, advanced feature extraction from images, limitations of measurement and a general overview of stereology, including geometric probability, density estimation and sampling.
MCAN5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Julie Cairney and Prof Simon Ringer Session: Semester 2 Classes: 8 one hour lectures, twenty hours of practicals, two hours of tutorials. Assessment: Written report including portfolio of images, at least 3000 words (100%).
This unit provides students with knowledge and training so that they may explore the relationships between the structure and properties of materials. The unit covers the principles and practice of materials characterisation with an emphasis on techniques for the quantitative determination of the nanoscale structure and chemistry of materials. Topics include diffraction, contrast theory in transmission electron microscopy, analytical electron microscopy, other X-ray, ion beam and scanned probe methodologies.
MCAN5210 Research Methodology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Julie Cairney and Dr Rongkun Zheng Session: Semester 2 Classes: Thirteen hours of lectures, one hour student presentation, four hours of tutorials/practicals. Corequisites: MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C Assessment: Risk assessment (10%), written research proposal (30%), written experimental plan (30%), worked exercises in data analysis (30%).
Note: Optional for Masters (non research path)
This unit covers the principles and practice of research methodology. Topics included: literature and database searches; citing and referencing; research proposals; safety, risk assessment and ethics; experimental design and documentation; statistics, errors and data analysis; and written and oral communication.
STAT5001 Applied Statistics for Bioinformatics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: one three hour seminar per week Assessment: computer exam and lab reports (100%)
This is an introduction to statistics and data analysis used in Bioinformatics and many other areas of Biology. It aims to give an understanding of the concepts and the use of a major scientific statistical package, R. In addition to an introduction to ideas of analysis of data and statistical tests the unit will introduce ideas of simulation in resampling and the methods of clustering and classification of particular importance in Bioinformatics.
VETS8005 Advanced Animal Biotechnology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Program Academic Supervisor: Prof Chris Moran
Instructor: Prof Chris Moran, Dr Imke Tammen, Dr Chris Grupen, Prof Herman Raadsma, A/Prof Peter Williamson Session: Semester 2 Classes: Mode: Online Prohibitions: ANSC3005, ANSC3105 Assessment: Online: online participation (15%), quiz (15%), Written assignments (70%)
Note: This unit is core in the Animal Genetics and Reproduction streams of the Postgraduate Program in Animal Science. It is an elective in the Animal Breeding Management stream and the Master of Veterinary Studies.
At the end of this unit of study, students will demonstrate an understanding of: the application of biotechnology to animal productivity, disease control, the development of new products from animals and the impact of altered micro-organisms and plants on animals; molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology, with an emphasis on relevance in animals; regulation of gene expression in vivo and in expression systems; monitoring of gene expression including microarrays and proteomics, gene mapping, genomics and gene discovery in contexts relevant to domestic animals; genetic modifications of animals including transgenesis and gene knockout, and methods for achieving these modifications including cloning by nuclear transfer; basic skills in bioinformatics; legal methods of protecting intellectual property; ethics & animal biotechnology.