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Major - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the

 

Aims

The program of study aims to provide students with a broad-based foundation in science together with the ability to acquire extensive subject knowledge in the disciplines of molecular biology, biochemistry and related areas. It also aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:

  • understand and apply relevant scientific principles in a molecular biological context
  • retrieve and present scientific information about biochemistry and molecular biology, including communicating effectively with lay, general scientific and specialised scientific audiences in written and spoken form
  • critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to biochemistry and molecular biology and solve problems
  • appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of biochemistry and molecular biology and engage positively with people and ideas within these disciplines and beyond
  • appreciate the the role of biochemistry and molecular biology in society, the regulatory frameworks which apply to each discipline and the ethical issues they raise
  • work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
  • work effectively and productively within a team.

The major provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in biochemistry, molecular biology or another science or non-science related discipline or for a career in biochemistry, molecular biology or related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable. 

Learning outcomes

On completion of the major students will be able to:

  • know and critically apply theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to biochemistry and molecular biology, for example bioinformatics and cell structure, including nucleic acid and protein structure and function
  • understand and describe the processes through which the current knowledge about the disciplines of biochemistry and molecular biology were developed
  • analyse and critically evaluate ideas, data and information and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data
  • design and carry out experiments using appropriate techniques and protocols
  • communicate their findings to lay, general scientific and specialised scientific audiences in written and spoken form
  • appreciate that biochemistry and molecular biology have connections to other science and non-science disciplines
  • work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
  • interact effectively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals
  • work in a molecular biosciences laboratory, with an appreciation of work practices relating to WH&S, animal/human ethics and biosafety
  • use a variety of IT applications essential to biochemistry and molecular biology.

Program of study

Major - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Year 1 topics

22.5 units comprising:

Core - Year 1 Topics

 BIOL1101  Evolution of Biological Diversity  (4.5 units)
 BIOL1102  Molecular Basis of Life  (4.5 units)
 STAT1122  Biostatistics  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 Topics

Plus one of:

 CHEM1101  Chemical Structure and Bonding  (4.5 units)
 CHEM1201  General Chemistry  (4.5 units)

Plus:

 CHEM1202  Chemistry for the Life Sciences  (4.5 units)

Major - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Year 2 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 2 Topics

 BIOL2701  Experimental Design and Statistics for Biology  (4.5 units)
 BIOL2702  Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity  (4.5 units)
 BIOL2771  Biochemistry  (4.5 units)
 BIOL2772  Molecular Biology  (4.5 units)

Major - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Year 3 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 3 Topics

 BIOL3761  Foundations in Microbiology  (4.5 units)
 BIOL3762  Protein to Proteome  (4.5 units)
 BIOL3771  DNA to Genome  (4.5 units)
 BIOL3772  Integrating Molecular Biosciences  (4.5 units)

Every effort has been made to ensure the information published on the Course Rule pages is accurate at the time of publication. Flinders University reserves the right to amend its curriculum without prior notice, and will update the Course Rules to reflect any amendments at the earliest opportunity.

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