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BMS 1062: Molecular Biology

Subject Overview

BMS1062 Molecular biology builds on the fundamental understanding of biological systems developed in the first semester units BMS1011 Biomedical chemistry and BMS1021 Cells, tissues and organisms. BMS1062 introduces DNA as the genetic blueprint for life and explores 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. BMS1062, as a core unit, is an essential forerunner to most of the second and third year BMS units, but especially to BMS2042 Human genetics, BMS2062 Bioinformatics and communication and BMS3021 Molecular medicine and biotechnology. For students studying BBNSc or BND it provides an introduction to the control of cellular processes, an understanding of which is essential for units such as BND2021 Nutritional biochemistry, BND2042 Nutrition and Immunology, BND2062 Microbiology of food, and a range of BNS units involving the study of brain function and/or chemistry.

The objectives of the unit are to enable students to: The objectives of the unit are to enable students to:

  • Understand the structure, properties and maintenance of DNA
  • Know how DNA is organised into functional units (ie. genes) and how genes direct the development and growth of cells
  • Have some insight into the scientific basis for, and the applications of biotechnology, such as in gene cloning, treatment of disease, the human genome project etc.
  • Gain some laboratory-based experience in techniques commonly used in molecular biology research.

The unit consists of two formal components (3 lectures per week and one 3 hr laboratory class per week), supported by a range of supplementary materials (eg. textbook, on-line resources such as WebCT, quizzes, websites etc).

The student composition of practical classes will be made by ALLOCATE-+ and finalised by the FIRST WEEK of semester. Students are to proceed to the Second year Biochemistry teaching laboratories the first Monday, Wednesday or Friday of semester. Allocation of prac class will depend on timetable clashes with other classes. Please finalise the day allocated to you for your practical classes during the first week of semester. Students will be divided up into groups per prac class, each containing 10-12 students.

Lecturing staff

Dr Mark Prescott(Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
Email:  mark.prescott@med.monash.edu.au Phone: 9905 3724

Dr Harry Sakellaris(Microbiology )
Email: harry.sakellaris@med.monash.edu.au Phone: 99054838

Dr Hans Netter (Microbiology )
Email: hans.netter@med.monash.edu.au Phone: 99054814

Dr Alan Neale (Biological Sciences)
Email: alan.neale@sci.monash.edu.au Phone: 99053851

Dr Frank Alderuccio (Pathology & Immunology)
Email: frank.alderuccio@med.monash.edu.au Phone: 99030281

Dr Harley Dean (Microbiology)
Email: harley.dean@med.monash.edu.au Phone: 99054848

Dr John Emmins (Pathology & Immunology)
Email: john.emmins@med.monash.edu.au Phone: 99030279

Assessment

The final assessment in BMS1062 will be derived as follows:

  • Mid-semester test (week 7): 10%
  • End of semester examination: 60%
  • Laboratory class exercises: 30%

Resources

Enrolled students can access timetables, quizzes, interesting websites, reference articles, lecture notes and supplementary material on BMS1062 WebCT/Vista site.

Two computer rooms exist for the use of students when not being used for formal classes. These rooms are situated behind the third year Biochemistry practical class rooms (AG03A) adjacent to Pharmacology dept (20 machines), and in Building 16 opposite the CMHSE building (40 machines).

Synopsis