Year
2021
Units
4.5
Contact
2 x 50-minute lectures weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial fortnightly
15 x 50-minute seminars per semester
3 x 3-hour laboratories per semester
Prerequisites
1 Admission into GCBT-Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology
1a Admission into GDPBT-Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology
1b Admission into MNT-Master of Nanotechnology
1c Admission into MBA-Master of Business Administration
1d Admission into GDPBA-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
1e Admission into MBTL-Master of Biotechnology
1f Admission into GDPNT-Graduate Diploma in Nanotechnology
1g Admission into MSCAQ-Master of Science (Aquaculture)
1h Admission into MSCCM-Master of Science (Chemistry)
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g or 1h))
Enrolment not permitted
1 of BTEC3004, BTEC9671 has been successfully completed
Assumed knowledge
Second year undergraduate level molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology or genetics.
Assessment
Assignment(s), Report
Topic description

Environmental Biotechnology is about the monitoring and maintenance of the environment and the sustainability of environmental industries. It aims to provide an understanding of the environmental and biological challenges facing society through the integration of biology. There are three themes running through the Environmental Biotechnology topic: bioremediation, plant biotechnology, and wastewater processes. Underpinning the topic is the biotechnology of environmental assessment and analysis using modern methods for sampling, quantification and analysis. Students will participate in workshops, practicals and tutorials to synthesize a scientific analysis of relevant environmental technology data. With this analysis students will produce an emulated scientific paper.

Educational aims

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the breadth of analyses and skills that comprise Environmental Biotechnology reports and publications
  • Produce an in-depth data analysis representative of at least one key area of Environmental Biotechnology
  • Apply core scientific concepts and practical techniques to Environmental Biotechnology
  • Apply problem-solving and teamwork skills
  • Retrieve and critically evaluate original scientific literature
  • Use critical analysis, synthesis and writing skills to produce a scientific report at a professional level
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Transfer and apply core concepts drawn from biology, molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry and environmental sciences to develop innovative, critical analyses to address environmental issues including pollution, environmental monitoring, environmental plant biology and water recycling
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of existing and emerging technologies that are important in the areas of environmental biotechnology
  3. Synthesise information and communicate effectively, succinctly and sensitively with the scientific community, clients, and the broad public via scientific papers and presentations
  4. Demonstrate knowledge on specific examples of how integrated science can be used to resolve environmental problems
  5. Demonstrate critical analysis, synthesis and writing skills at the level to produce professional scientific reports