Monash College Handbook

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (MCD7110)

Purpose

In this unit DNA is introduced as the genetic blueprint for life and we explore how it functions within the cell at a molecular level. It provides a grounding in areas such as gene structure, function and biotechnology, all of which are essential to the ongoing study of modern biomedical science.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate the structure, properties and maintenance of DNA.
2. explain how DNA is organised into functional units (ie. genes) and how genes direct the development and growth of cells.
3. describe the scientific basis for, and the applications of biotechnology, such as gene cloning, treatment of disease, the human genome project etc.
4. demonstrate familiarity with laboratory-based techniques commonly used in molecular biology research.

Assessment

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