Course description
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are key biological science disciplines. The knowledge and techniques of the disciplines are applied in many biological fields and have fuelled rapid advances in medical research and biotechnology. This major provides the springboard for students to enter careers including medical research, biotechnology, agricultural and medical support industries, education etc. This major develops knowledge in key basic biological processes as well as more specialised areas of molecular science. In addition, an emphasis is placed on developing a foundation in practical skills required for a career as a laboratory scientist. The major also develops skills in communication, team-work and research which are essential in the modern scientific workplace.
By the end of this major the student should have developed knowledge of:
* current concepts concerning the molecular bases of genome structure and the mechanisms and consequences of the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic organisms;
* theoretical background to recombinant DNA technology and an appreciation of its biomedical and biotechnological applications;
* the significance and applications of human and related genome sequencing programs and bioinformatic techniques used to analyse these data;
* how functional genomic approaches can elucidate gene function and can be applied to study human diseases such as cancer;
* the structural properties of proteins, the techniques used to study them and how protein engineering is used for investigating structure-function relationships;
* the chemistry of basic biological molecule,how they are synthesised and broken down.
In addition, students will gain:
* practical experience in a variety of biochemical techniques, methods for keeping scientific records and scientific report writing, provide experience in simple experimental design and problem solving; and
* experience in critical evaluation of scientific literature and to develop skills in presentation of scientific data.
This major consists of:
* 50 points at the third year
In order to complete this major, students have to complete a second year pre-requisite subject 521-220 Techniques in Molecular Science (12.5 credit points) at the second year.
