Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Louise Brown
Contact via louise.brown@mq.edu.au
Building F7B Room 335
Tuesday to Friday (9am to 4pm) by appointment
Instructor
Bridget Mabbutt
Contact via bridget.mabbutt@mq.edu.au
Instructor
Ian Paulsen
Contact via ian.paulsen@mq.edu.au
Instructor
Robert Willows
Contact via robert.willows@mq.edu.au
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will build on fundamental concepts in molecular biology and bio-engineering to explore themes in the emerging field of synthetic biology. This course will provide students with the conceptual framework of systematic molecular design in order to build new componentry and biological systems. The unit will be taught extensively through the primary literature and will provide students with hands on experience in cutting edge tools required to design and synthesize biological parts. Exemplars of current applications including generation of biofuels, microbial synthesis of pharmaceuticals, and design of biosensors to detect infection and environmental waste will be examined. This unit will also focus on the ethical, legal and societal issues surrounding synthetic biology.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
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Essay | 20% | Week 7 |
Short reports/activities | 30% | Weeks 3, 6, 10 |
Digital Media Presentation | 20% | Week 13 |
Exam | 30% | Exam Period |
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
Essay topic to be distributed in week 2
Due: Weeks 3, 6, 10
Weighting: 30%
Short report/activity from each of three sections given by LB (weeks 1-3), IP (weeks 4-6) and RW (weeks 7-10)
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
online digital media presentation of new tool/approach - linked in with workshop from week 2/3
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 30%
2 hr, 8 short answer/problem based questions
Class Times:
This Session 1 unit comprises a 3-hour block each week. This will be on Tuesdays from 2-5pm in W5C 234 (Location likely to change), starting 4th March. This unit will be taught as tutorials that encompass both lectures and hands-on experiences/workshop activities (e.g. discussion of relevant papers from literature; software workshops etc). Tutorials will NOT be recorded and attendance is compulsory.
Unit Text:
The following text is recommended to help with your learning in this unit.
“Synthetic Biology : Tools and Applications” (2013) Huimin Zhao.
The ebook can be downloaded from the library using this link: http://mqu.eblib.com.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=1160900
The hardcopy of the text is available for $176.95 from the coop bookshop. It is NOT recommended that you purchase this text.
Other required learning material (eg journal articles) will be made available on ilearn as this unit progresses.
This is a NEW unit for 2014.
Week 1-3: L Brown
Introduction – what is synthetic biology
Unit introduction
Review of common techniques
The Societal impacts of synthetic biology
DIY Bio
Week 4-6: I Paulsen
Minimal Cells and Synthetic Life
Week 7-10: R Willows
Parts, Devices and Systems - a more detailed look
Modelling Synthetic Biology Systems
Week 11: B Mabbutt
Rational Protein Design
Week 12-13: L Brown
Applications of Designed Biological Systems
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
** IMPORTANT** Late submission of assessment tasks:
No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 72 hours after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 20% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 40% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.