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BIOC352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

Organisation, reorganisation, replication and sequencing of genomes. Regulation of gene expression and transcriptome analysis. RNA as a catalytic and regulatory molecule. Deducing gene function through bioinformatics.

DNA encodes the so-called "blueprint" of life which must be transformed into cellular actions that ultimately determine the makeup of whole organisms. BIOC 352 aims to help you understand more about how the molecular machinery of the cell interacts to maintain and replicate DNA and regulate expression of genes and other elements encoded in DNA. The paper focuses on the latest developments in our understanding of the interactions between different types of DNA, RNA and proteins and their relevance to the function and health of a range of different organisms. We use "state-of-the art" genomic technologies to analyse DNA and RNA and help students develop the highly sought after bioinformatics skills required to interpret these data.​

Paper title Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Paper code BIOC352
Subject Biochemistry
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,141.35
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Prerequisite
BIOC 192 and BIOC 221
Recommended Preparation
One of BIOC 222, BIOC 223, GENE 221, GENE 222, GENE 223
Schedule C
Science
Notes
In approved cases a 200-level GENE paper may be substituted for BIOC192.
Eligibility
This paper is required to major in Biochemistry but is also suitable for a broad range of students with an interest in Molecular Biology, particularly those studying Genetics, Microbiology, Plant Biotechnology as well as other Medical Science disciplines.
Contact
biochem300.tf@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Associate Professor Anita Dunbier

Textbooks
Voet, D., Voet, J. G., and Pratt, C. W., Fundamentals of Biochemistry, John Wiley & Sons.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Articulate a detailed understanding of DNA replication, maintenance and rearrangement and of the components and mechanisms of regulation of gene expression
  • Critically evaluate research findings and communicate these findings to a specialist audience
  • Understand the relationship between hypothesis, experimental design and data, and know how to apply this to attain knowledge
  • Design and execute experiments using contemporary molecular biology techniques
  • Analyse DNA and RNA sequence data using contemporary bioinformatics tools and extract biological meaning from this information

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Timetable

Semester 1

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Blackboard

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Monday 10:00-10:50 16-22
AND
D1 Thursday 10:00-10:50 9-14, 16-22
AND
E1 Friday 10:00-10:50 9-13, 16-22

Practical

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Tuesday 09:00-09:50 16, 18-21
Tuesday 11:00-17:50 16, 18-21
A2 Friday 09:00-09:50 16-20
Friday 11:00-17:50 16-20