BTEC9012 Environmental Biotechnology GE

2016

4.5

2 x 50-minute lectures weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial fortnightly
15 x 50-minute seminars per semester
3 x 3-hour laboratories per semester

1 Admission into GCBT-Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology
1a Admission into GDPBT-Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology
1b Admission into MNT-Master of Nanotechnology
1c Admission into MBA-Master of Business Administration
1d Admission into GDPBA-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
1e Admission into MBTL-Master of Biotechnology
1f Admission into GDPNT-Graduate Diploma in Nanotechnology
1g Admission into MSCAQ-Master of Science (Aquaculture)
1h Admission into MSCCM-Master of Science (Chemistry)
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g or 1h))

1 of BTEC3004, BTEC9671 has been successfully completed

This topic assumes basic understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics, and knowledge of the commercial, legal and social context within which biotechnology operates.

Environmental Biotechnology is about the monitoring and maintenance of the environment and the sustainability of environmental industries. It aims to provide an understanding of the environmental and biological challenges facing society through the integration of biology with legal, regulatory and social issues. There are three themes running through the Environmental Biotechnology Topic: Waste Management, Resource Winning and Bioenergy. Underpinning the topic is microbial diversity. The topic explores microbial diversity with emphasis on adaptations to extreme environments, and considers several examples of important environmental biotechnological processes including wastewater treatment, landfilling, petroleum recovery and bioremediation, bioenergy production and the recovery of metals. The nature of this topic is such that students from a wide range of backgrounds including biological, chemical, physical, social health sciences, and social sciences, will all have background knowledge in aspects of the course. The topic represents a stand alone, progressive topic which leads the student through the key aspects of environmental biotechnologies.

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the breadth of disciplines that comprise Environmental Biotechnology
2. Describe in-depth examples and illustrative case-studies representative of key areas of Environmental Biotechnology
3. To apply core scientific concepts and practical techniques to Environmental Biotechnology issues
4. Apply problem-solving and team work skills that incorporate culturally inclusive practices, especially regarding Indigenous groups and other stakeholders
5. To retrieve and critically evaluate original scientific literature
6. Use critical analysis, synthesis and writing skills to produce scientific reports at a professional level

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Transfer and apply core concepts drawn from biology, molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry and environmental sciences to develop innovative solutions to address environmental issues including pollution, environmental monitoring, renewable energy and carbon reduction and sequestration and water recycling
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of existing and emerging technologies that are important in the areas of environmental biotechnology
3. Synthesise information and communicate effectively, succinctly and sensitively with the scientific community, clients, the broad public and particular cultural and Indigenous communities about environmental biotechnology issues
4. Demonstrate knowledge on specific examples of how integrated science can be used to resolve environmental problems
5. Demonstrate critical analysis, synthesis and writing skills at the level to produce professional scientific reports