| Effective Term: | 2026/20 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability |
| Unit Title: | Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques |
| Unit ID: | SCMOL2001 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | (SCBIO1020) |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | Nil |
| ASCED: | 019909 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
This unit will introduce students to fundamental laboratory techniques used in research and industry throughout the world. Students will focus on the development of practical skills for laboratory-based work & research. Many common practical procedures will be covered with students required to be able to link their practical skill development with the underlying theoretical framework. Students will develop both a practical awareness and intellectual understanding of which techniques to apply to address a wide range of scientific questions. Analysis and communication of research data is a fundamental requirement of any scientist, in this unit students will be required to demonstrate their grasp of these abilities through interpretation and reporting of data they have generated. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | | | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | | | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Describe/compare and contrast the benefits and limitations of various research techniques. |
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| K2. | Determine and justify the use of particular laboratory techniques in biotechnology research. |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Develop scientific problem-solving and investigation skills. |
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| S2. | Develop the ability to perform a variety of common laboratory techniques. |
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| S3. | Measurement and collection of laboratory data. |
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| S4. | Analysis of laboratory data. |
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| S5. | Communication of scientific results and conclusions. |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Decide on methodological approaches to obtain and collect data in an appropriate manner. |
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| A2. | Analyse and interpret data and draw appropriate conclusions. |
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| A3. | Apply problem solving skills and methodological theory to troubleshooting techniques and procedures. |
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| Other outcomes: |
| Unit Content: |
Topics may include:
1. Development of knowledge of common biotechnological methods and techniques and when/why they are used.
2. Communication of a specific research problem with well-defined objectives and application of appropriate research techniques.
3. Carry out experimental work consistent with modern biotechnology research.
4. Collate, evaluate and interpret experimental results.
5. Development of a folio which includes coverage of all the techniques completed within the unit. |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.
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| FED TASK and descriptor | Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit | | Level | FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal | Students at this level will demonstrate an advanced ability in a range of contexts to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display high level skills in-person and/or online in: • Using and demonstrating a high level of verbal and non-verbal communication • Demonstrating a mastery of listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Demonstrating and showing empathy for others • High order skills in negotiating and conflict resolution skills\\ • Demonstrating mastery of working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 2
Leadership | Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery in professional skills and behaviours in leading others. • Creating and sustaining a collegial environment • Demonstrating a high level of self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect and justify decisions • Inspiring and initiating opportunities to lead others • Making informed professional decisions • Demonstrating initiative in new professional situations. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity | Students at this level will demonstrate high level skills in working in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically to generate and consider complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level • Analysing complex and abstract ideas, concepts and information • Communicate alternative perspectives to justify complex ideas • Demonstrate a mastery of challenging conventional thinking to clarify complex concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving to new situations for further learning. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy | Students at this level will demonstrate the ability to work competently across a wide range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Mastering, exploring, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information professionally • Collating, managing complex data, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding professionally to messages in a range of professional digital media • Contributing competently and professionally to digital teams and working groups • Participating at a high level in digital learning opportunities. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 5
sustainable and Ethical Mindset | Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery of considering and assessing the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting professional ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Demonstrate informed judgment making that considers the impact of devising complex solutions in ambiguous global economic environmental and societal contexts • Professionally committing to the promulgation of social responsibility • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Communicating lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to the diverse professional others • Generating, leading and implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines |
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| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | Professional Standards |
| 1. |
S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, A2 |
In class assessment of laboratory skills, testing key competencies and key concepts. |
Practical Assessment |
35 - 55% |
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| 2. |
K1, K2, A1, A2, A3 |
Maintaining detailed laboratory notebook covering details of the techniques applied in class and the results achieved. This is to be maintained throughout the semester. |
Laboratory book |
5 - 15% |
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| 3. |
K1, K2, S1, S4, S5 |
Online multiple choice quizzes covering all material in a particular module. |
Multiple Choice Quizzes |
10 - 30% |
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| 4. |
K1, K2, S1, S4, S5, A2, A3 |
Test |
Test |
20 - 40% |
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