BCHM381-18S2 (C) Semester Two 2018

Biochemical Techniques

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 16 July 2018
End Date: Sunday, 18 November 2018
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 29 July 2018
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 14 October 2018

Description

Biochemical experiments and analysis such as transport kinetics, DNA sequence analysis and manipulation, lipid isolation and characterisation. Safety, bioethical and library elements will be integrated into the coursework.

The general aim of the course is to give you experience in the design and execution of a research project, how to construct a scientific hypothesis, and how to test it.

This course is recommended to complement BCHM 301 and BCHM 302, and for all those interested in learning about modern experimental techniques in Biochemistry. BCHM381 is required for a BCHM Hons or MSc degree.

The main part of this course is a mini-research project, in which students will work on a project supervised by a member of the biochemistry teaching staff. You may work on the project at any times that are mutually agreeable to you and your supervisor, provided that the total amount of research is equivalent to 30 hours. More details of research projects will be available in the first week of the course.

Learning Outcomes

  • As a student in this course, I will develop:
  • Experience in some modern techniques in biochemistry, such as would be used in modern research laboratories (assessment tasks: formal labs, research project)
  • The ability to analyse and critically interpret experimental data and published research (assessment tasks: data analysis exercises, research project).
  • Skills in the verbal and written presentation of scientific ideas (assessment tasks: lab reports, research project, research presentation).
  • Experience in the design and execution of a research project, how to construct a scientific hypothesis, and how to test it (assessment task: research project).

    Transferable Skills Register

    As a student in this course, I will develop the following skills:
  • Analysis of biochemical data. There will also be the opportunity to gain experience in carrying out some of these experiments and using the equipment.
  • Scientific writing. Scientists need to be able to share their results with other scientists. This is often in the form of manuscripts that are submitted to journals, and undergo peer review, in which other scientists judge the rigour of the science presented.
  • Critical synthesis of information. In everyday life and in many job situations you will be required to read information from different sources, construct your own understanding and shape your own viewpoint. In order to provide a context for your own research, you need to be able to find out what other research has been done in the field.
  • Presentation of research. In most careers in science the ability to present findings clearly in verbal form is likely to be critical. Clear written and oral communication is essential for most professional careers.
    • University Graduate Attributes

      This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

      Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award

      Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.

Prerequisites

BCHM201 (if taken prior to 2005) or BCHM281 or CHEM281

Course Coordinator

For further information see School of Biological Sciences Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Data analysis exercise 12%
Outline/Review 10%
Peer review 2%
Lab 1 10%
Lab 2 10%
Presentation 10%
Project 40%
Skills test 6%

Course links

Learn Site

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $865.00

International fee $3,788.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All BCHM381 Occurrences

  • BCHM381-18S2 (C) Semester Two 2018