Course Outlines

BIOTECH 1000 - Introduction to Biotechnology I

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014
The course deal with the major elements of the global significance of biotechnology, the
categories of biotechnology processes and products, and in the context of "traditional" vs
"modern" biotechnology processes. Also, the key developments in the history of biotechnology
and the enabling technologies - fermentation, downstream processing; recombinant methods,
antibody monoclonals, analysis and automation, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics. Specific
aspects of the biotechnology enterprises in South Australia and Australia are highlighted and then
the broader issues dealing with biotechnology and society; considerations in the genesis of the
typical biotechnology process/product/enterprise: development costs, venture capital, patenting,
product safety, legislation and marketing. Case studies on the interdisciplinary nature of
biotechnology and factors favouring local/regional development of a biotechnology industry will
also be included.
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General Course Information

Course Details
Course
Code

BIOTECH 1000

Course

Introduction to Biotechnology I

Coordinating
Unit

School of Molecular and Biomedical Science

Term

Semester 1

Level

Undergraduate

Location/s

North Terrace Campus

Units

Contact

Up to 6 hours per week

Restrictions

Available to BSc(Biotech) students only

Course
Description

The course deal with the major elements of the global significance of
biotechnology, the categories of biotechnology processes and products,
and in the context of "traditional" vs "modern" biotechnology processes.
Also, the key developments in the history of biotechnology and the
enabling technologies - fermentation, downstream processing;
recombinant methods, antibody monoclonals, analysis and automation,
genomics, proteomics, metabolomics. Specific aspects of the
biotechnology enterprises in South Australia and Australia are highlighted
and then the broader issues dealing with biotechnology and society;
considerations in the genesis of the typical biotechnology
process/product/enterprise: development costs, venture capital,

patenting, product safety, legislation and marketing. Case studies on the

interdisciplinary nature of biotechnology and factors favouring
local/regional development of a biotechnology industry will also be
included.

Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Stephen Kidd

Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
The anticipated knowledge, skills and/or attitude to be developed by the student are:
1. Be able to define the term biotechnology and appreciate its scope
2. Have an awareness of the global significance of biotechnology and its resultant industries,
and a broad knowledge of which are represented nationally and locally
3. Be familiar with the key events in the development of biotechnology
4. Be able to state the broad categories of biotechnological processes based on the products
formed and/or the process or substrates used, and have detailed knowledge of examples of
each of these
5. Have an understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of biotechnology and the associated
role that has been played by enabling technologies in the development of biotechnology
6. Have an awareness of some of the current and future issues surrounding the relationship
between biotechnology and government, investors, the environment and consumers and the
impact of these on the development of future biotechnology enterprises.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s)
specified below:

University Graduate Attribute

Course
Learning
Outcome(s)

Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen

discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.

1,2,3,4,5,6

The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a

wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.

4,5,6

An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both

independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.

2, 5, 6,

Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and

communication.

4, 6

A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.

5,6

A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain

intellectual curiosity throughout life.

A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and

the ability to take a leadership role in the community.

An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context

5,6

and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and

responsibilities.

Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes
The course contains two 50-minute lectures and a four hour practical session each week for
12 weeks. These timeslots involve lectures, tutorials, field trips and associated workshops.

Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with
the course requirements.
A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12
hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to
the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and
revision). In addition to attendance at lectures, tutorials and field trips as outlined in the course
timetable students will be required to work in groups to prepare presentations as well as other
tasks associated with practicals. Students are expected to attend all planned teaching
activities to maximise their chances of success. In addition students are expected to spend ~
2 hour per lecture and 1 hour per tutorial/practical in revision and preparation respectively.
Sudents should spend a minimum of 5 hours (in addition to the time outlined above) in
preparation of assignments, and a minimum of 10 hours (in addition to the time outlined
above) in revision for the end of semester exam.

Learning Activities Summary

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12

Lecture: What is Biotechnology?

Practical: Oral presentation workshop
Lecture: Recombinant technology
Practical: BioSA visit
Lecture: Recombinant technology
Practical: Project work
Lecture: Developing technologies, legal aspects.
Practical: Oral presentations
Lecture and Practical: Plant biotechnology (with Waite Campus visit)
Lecture : Plant biotechnology
Practical: GMO debate
Lecture: Guest lecture
Tutorial: questions and answer session
Lecture: Microbial Biotech
Practical: Hospira field trip
Lecture: Microbial Biotech
Practical: Field trip discussion
Lecture: Biotech/Pharma
Practical: Job application project
Lecture: Bioprocessing
Practical: Biochemical Engineering project
Lecture: Downstream processing
Practical: Biochemical engineering project work

Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following
five principles:
1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
2. Assessment must measure achievement of the stated learning objectives.
3. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.

4. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the
opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
5. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary
Assessment task
Outcomes being

Type of assessment

Percent total assessment

assessed

Oral presentation
Job Application
Essay
Debate/essay
Exam

Formative
Summative
Formative
Formative/Summative
Summative

14.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
60

1-6
1-6
1-6
1-6
1-6

Assessment Detail
Oral presentation will require students working within groups to orally present information on
a given topic. The students select a topic from a long list or have the opportunity to design
their own topic (under consultation with lecturer). The presentation is as a group, 15 min. and
includes a questions session on the topic.
The Job application is directly related with the student linking information they would have
been provided within the lectures/tutorials. Aspects are directly in line with the overall theme of
the course, what is a biotechnologist and then what areas of this broad definition students are
interested in. This is a 3-4 page written job application for a biotechnologist and is due after
the workshop on this topic.
The essay directly relates to the lectures on chemical engineering and biotechnology and then
further reading that has been directed. There is a selection of topics and these require the
students to informatively discuss issues relating to this interface between chemical
engineering, industry and biotechnology (1500-2000 words).
The debate/essay has taken the form of a written argument on a question on GM foods.
There is a discussion during the associated workshop on the questions and the students need
to identify the key issues and controversies and make an argument that answers the question
(750-1000 words).
End of Semester Exam: This summative assessment activity will comprehensively address
the learning outcomes. This assessment uses a mix of questions and short answer questions
to test student comprehension of specific theory relating to the course. In particular, the ability
to apply the theory to solve practical problems, and development of logical thought within the
framework of the scientific method.

Submission
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A
penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is
late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be
applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved
extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment. The
examiner may elect not to accept any assignment that a student wants to submit after the
assignments for the rest of the class have been marked and feedback provided.

Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following
scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade

Mark

Description

FNS

Fail No Submission

1-49

Fail

50-64

Pass

65-74

Credit

75-84

Distinction

HD

85-100

High Distinction

CN

Continuing

NFE

No Formal Examination

RP

Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is
expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the
student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going
engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience
of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as CEQ surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions
about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University
to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student
engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy
(http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be
conducted at least once every 2 years. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT
surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In
addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

Student Support
Academic Support with Maths
Academic Support with writing and speaking skills
Counselling Service - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
International Student Care - Ongoing support
Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
Reasonable Adjustments to Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy

Policies & Guidelines

This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines. all
university policies can be obtained from: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/

Academic Honesty and Assessment Obligations for Coursework Students Policy and
Academic Dishonesty Procedures
Assessment for Coursework Programs
Copyright
Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment
Student Grievance Resolution Process
Unsatisfactory Academic Progress by Coursework Students
Academic Credit Arrangement Policy

Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and
courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant
value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment.
Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of
appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to
report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the
university's students disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers
to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary
programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the
disclaimer.