Undergraduate: Course rule and topic information
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology
(BSc(BioinfMolBiol))
NO NEW STUDENT INTAKE
BIOINFORMATICS CAN BE STUDIED AS AN EXTENDED MAJOR IN THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE.
Program of study
INTRODUCTION
The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Enrolment in the honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the school/department being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study.
COURSE AIMS
The course aims to produce graduates who have the breadth of knowledge and skills required for a career in bioinformatics, an area of science combining the latest developments in informatics, genomics and combinatorial chemistry.
It aims to produce graduates with:
- a broad understanding of the molecular processes of life;
- an understanding of the expression and control of genes;
- an understanding of the tools used to map and sequence genomes;
- confidence in the application of statistical tests of significance;
- a high level of skill in design and use of informatics techniques with an emphasis on the organisation, display and interrogation of complex data;
- an appreciation of the art of experimental design and data interpretation and their limitations;
- an understanding of the political, economic and cultural contexts in which scientists work;
- the ability to be adept at working effectively in multidisciplinary teams and valuing diverse points of view;
- effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills applicable to a wide range of audiences
COURSE RULE
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements. Successful completion of SACE Year 12 Mathematics 1, or equivalent, is required for entry to the Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
[November, 2007]
To qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, a student must complete 108 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
First Year
|
36 units comprising |
|
|
BINF1101 |
Introduction to Bioinformatics [now discontinued] |
4.5 |
|
BINF1102 |
Professional Skills for Bioinformatics [now discontinued] |
4.5 |
|
BIOL1102 |
Molecular Basis of Life |
4.5 |
|
CHEM1101 |
Chemistry 1A* |
4.5 |
|
CHEM1102 |
Chemistry 1B* |
4.5 |
|
or |
|
|
CHEM1201 |
Introduction to Chemistry A |
4.5 |
|
CHEM1202 |
Introduction to Chemistry B |
4.5 |
|
COMP1102 |
Computer Programming 1 |
4.5 |
|
MATH1121 |
Mathematics 1A** |
4.5 |
|
MATH1122 |
Mathematics 1B |
4.5 |
* Students without SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent will enrol in the Introductory Chemistry pair.
** Students who have completed SACE Stage 2 Mathematics Methods are advised to do the corresponding topic MATH1131 Mathematics 1M. Students who have achieved a mark of at least 18 in SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics, or at least 6 in International Baccalaureate Mathematics HL are advised to do the corresponding topic MATH1141 Advanced Mathematics 1A.
Second Year
|
36 units comprising: |
|
|
BINF2201 |
Bioinformatics [now discontinued] |
6 |
|
BIOL2101 |
Laboratory Skills for Biologists* |
3 |
|
BIOL2105 |
Practical Skills for Cellular and Molecular Biology* |
3 |
|
BIOL2200 |
Basic Genetics |
3 |
|
BIOL2220 |
Molecular Biology |
3 |
|
BTEC2620 |
Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Biotechnology |
3 |
|
COMP2005 |
Database Systems 1 |
3 |
|
COMP2007 |
Systems Programming |
3 |
|
COMP2008 |
Computer Programming 2A |
3 |
|
|
Electives |
6 |
* Students who choose to remain in the Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and who commenced the course prior to 2003 must substitute these two BIOL topics for CPES2008 Organic Chemistry 2 (6 units).
Second Year Elective Options
Students with particular interest in specialising in one or more of the sub-disciplines that comprise bioinformatics are recommended to take combinations of the following topics to further develop their competence in these areas.
Alternatively, students may undertake any science or non-science topic for which they have prerequisites.
6 units selected from the following:
Biology
* This is a prerequisite for Third Year Pharmacology subjects.
Chemistry
* Only available to students who have completed CHEM1102 Chemistry 1B
Computing
* Highly recommended
Mathematics and Statistics
Third Year
|
36 units comprising: |
|
|
BINF3301 |
Bioinformatics - Practicum |
3 |
|
BINF3302 |
Bioinformatics 3 [now discontinued] |
6 |
|
BIOL3291 |
DNA, Cloning and Manipulation |
3 |
|
BIOL3295 |
Advanced Molecular Cell Biology* |
6 |
|
COMP3006 |
Database Systems 2 |
3 |
|
COMP3020 |
Internet Computing |
3 |
|
Electives |
12 |
* Students who choose to remain in the Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and who commenced the course prior to 2003 must substitute this BIOL topic for CPES3006 Organic Chemistry 3 (6 units).
Third Year Elective Options
Students with particular interest in specialising in one or more of the sub-disciplines that comprise bioinformatics may take combinations of the following topics to further develop their competence in these areas. Alternatively, students may undertake any science or non-science topic for which they have prerequisites.
12 units selected from the following:
Biology
* Highly recommended
Pharmacology
|
MMED3914 |
Human and Molecular Pharmacology* |
6 |
* Only available to students who have completed BIOL2260 Animal Physiology
Chemistry
* Only available to students who have completed CPES2008 Organic Chemistry 2. Students must enrol in, and complete, Part A and Part B of this topic in one calendar year as both topics are taught and assessed as a continuum.
Computing
|
