301636 v.5 Bachelor of Science (Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology)
BSc(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 050345E
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas:
3 Years
Course Overview
Bachelor degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.
Molecular Biotechnology will dominate science and technology in the 21st Century. Molecular biotechnologists will provide solutions to some of the most challenging and pressing problems facing humanity including prevention and control of human, animal and plant diseases, reversal of environmental degradation and feeding the world's population. "DNA chips" can detect expression of thousands of genes enabling rapid diagnosis of many diseases in a single test. Individuals will have access to their own DNA sequence and hence predict their propensity to develop cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart failure and many other human diseases. Genetic engineering is being used to design new vaccines, antimicrobial agents and pharmaceutical drugs for prevention and control of many diseases - AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, to name just a few. Plants and animals are being genetically modified to improve the world's food supply. Stem cells and tissue culture promise novel methods for organ replacement and injury repair. Our graduates look forward to a wide array of challenging careers working alongside other scientists, medical and health-care professionals, engineers, computer software developers, lawyers, business professionals and entrepreneurs.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are sought by government, academic and private research centres, and biomedical, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. Graduates with commercial ideas and entrepreneurial skills may develop their own businesses and companies.
Additional Course Expenses
All essential equipment, computer software and study materials are provided. Students may wish to purchase additional textbooks, reference materials and their own personal computer.
Course Entry and Completion Details
Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways.
Specifically it is desirable to have: Chemistry 3A/3B and Mathematics 3A/3B and Human Biological Science 3A/3B or Biological Sciences 3A/3B. STAT: WE and either V or Q Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any Credit for Recognised Learning.
Credit for Recognised Learning
Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.
Pathway to Further Study
Graduates may qualify for entry to a bachelor degree with honours and some graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.
Course Organisation
Bachelor degrees typically contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.
The first year of the degree provides a general introduction to biomedical science and support disciplines. In the second year students gain a thorough understanding of the molecular biology of genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and immunology. The final year explores the molecular basis of disease and microbial pathogenesis and introduces students to analyses of molecular and genetic data with advanced bioinformatics software. Students learn to use cutting-edge techniques and laboratory instruments for sophisticated molecular and genetic analyses. Students debate the legal, social and ethical implications raised by the advent of molecular biotechnology. Finally there is an introduction to intellectual property, patents and commercial opportunities relevant to the biotechnology industry in Australia and the surrounding region.
Course Learning Outcomes
A graduate of this course can:
1. apply skills, concepts and principles of scientific investigation to the applications and future development of molecular biotechnology
2. apply critical analysis and thinking to recognise opportunities and develop innovative solutions for problems in molecular biotechnology
3. access, critically evaluate, synthesise and integrate information from a variety of sources relevant to molecular biotechnology
4. use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills to convey knowledge of molecular biotechnology to a wide audience
5. select and apply appropriate technologies to generate, retrieve, analyse and present data according to scientific principles
6. maintain knowledge base and sustain intellectual curiosity by updating knowledge and expertise in molecular biotechnology through a range of learning activities
7. recognise the global contribution of molecular biotechnology to basic and applied scientific knowledge
8. appreciate the contribution a scientific discipline makes to an understanding and respect for human rights and cultural diversity
9. demonstrate initiative, leadership and ethical practice when working independently and collaboratively
Duration and Availability
This course is three years full time or equivalent part-time.
Location and delivery Mode
| Year | Location | Period | All* | Internal | Partially Online Internal^ | External | Fully Online# |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Bentley Campus | Semester 1 | Y | ||||
| 2014 | Bentley Campus | Semester 2 | Y | Y |
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.
Course Organisation Note
Please note that some units in this course are available as electives for students in other courses. Prospective students should consult the course coordinator to discuss alternative prerequisites for these units
| Course Structure | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Semester 1 | |||||
| 313394 | v.3 | Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 313400 | v.2 | Biomedical Science 100 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 313391 | v.3 | Human Structure and Function 100 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 314451 | v.1 | Introduction to Chemistry 180 | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| OR | |||||
| 314449 | v.1 | Biological Chemistry 110 | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 1 Semester 2 | |||||
| 313399 | v.3 | Integrated Systems Anatomy and Physiology 100 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 312649 | v.4 | Indigenous Cultures and Health 130 | 2.0 | 12.5 | |
| 314510 | v.1 | Health and Health Behaviour 130 | 3.0 | 12.5 | |
| 314512 | v.1 | Evidence Informed Health Practice 130 | 2.0 | 25.0 | |
| 314450 | v.1 | Reactivity and Function in Chemistry 120 | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| OR | |||||
| 314453 | v.1 | Introduction to Biological Chemistry 190 | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 1 | |||||
| 311405 | v.1 | Medical Microbiology 235 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311420 | v.1 | Molecular Genetics 233 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311421 | v.2 | Molecular and Cellular Immunology 231 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311406 | v.1 | Biochemistry 233 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 2 | |||||
| 311422 | v.2 | Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution 232 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311423 | v.2 | Applied & Environmental Microbiology 234 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311424 | v.1 | Cytogenetics 244 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311425 | v.1 | Biochemistry 234 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Semester 1 | |||||
| 311426 | v.2 | Genetic Engineering 331 | 7.0 | 25.0 | |
| 307698 | v.1 | Biotechnology 331 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 307692 | v.1 | Bioinformatics 331 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311427 | v.2 | Molecular Virology 331 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Semester 2 | |||||
| 307693 | v.1 | Structural Bioinformatics 332 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311428 | v.2 | Molecular Genetics Research 332 | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| 307701 | v.2 | Commercialisation of Biotechnology 332 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 311429 | v.2 | Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases 332 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
Further Information
For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au
Course Structure Disclaimer
Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Handbook Disclaimer
The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.
For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.
