Overview

This unit concentrates on specific aspects of bacterial molecular biology. Areas examined include the molecular biology of plasmids and genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons, integrons and pathogenicity islands, recombination and DNA repair mechanisms. The ability of bacteria to control gene expression in response to extracellular signals will also be … For more content click the Read More button below.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Associate Professor Anna Roujeinikova

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Anna Roujeinikova

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Compare and contrast different sequencing strategies and analyse bacterial genomic data using bioinformatics;

2.

Explain the processes of homologous recombination and site-specific recombination and how bacteria repair damaged DNA;

3.

Compare and contrast the different types of mobile genetic elements;

4.

Articulate how bacteria respond to changes in their environment by regulating gene expression;

5.

Assess and interpret the mechanisms of replication, maintenance and transfer of bacterial plasmids;

6.

Explain the molecular mechanisms of transport, assembly and secretion in the bacterial cell;

7.

Demonstrate the ability to execute laboratory experiments relevant to advanced molecular microbiology, as well as analyse and report experimental results by formulating a scientific laboratory report and poster presentation.

Assessment summary

  • Mid-semester test (45 mins): 10%
  • Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes): 40% (Hurdle)
  • Practical class assessment: 50% (Hurdle)

Hurdle requirements: Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit. You must refer to the unit guide for details.

Workload requirements

Workload

Availability in areas of study

Biochemistry
Microbiology