BCH3031 - Functional genomics and molecular medicine - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit




Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Timothy Cole


Dr Peter Boag

Unit guides



  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)


One of the following BCH2011, BCH2022, BMS2062, MOL2011, MOL2022, MCB2011, MCB2022




This unit provides an understanding of DNA as the genetic component of organisms and cells, encompassing the information content, the organisation of DNA sequences, and the expression of this information into RNA and proteins. Topics include global aspects of genome organisation and expression outcomes (genomics and proteomics, respectively). Other themes include the molecular diagnosis and treatment of human genetic disease using emerging technologies such as genome mining and novel gene therapy strategies.


On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the structure, organisation and functional rearrangement of eukaryotic genomes;
  2. Explain the mechanism of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells;
  3. Illustrate how gene expression is regulated in eukaryotes and how studies of DNA, RNA and protein levels contribute to our understanding of these processes;
  4. Discuss how cell and animal models are used to build our understanding of disease processes and to develop potential therapies;
  5. Describe how the application of genomic and other technologies is used to further our understanding of genomes and the treatment of disease;
  6. Demonstrate the ability to organise, plan and successfully execute laboratory experiments relevant to advanced molecular biology, as well as analyse and report the results in a meaningful way;
  7. Demonstrate the ability to undertake literature based research to collect and evaluate information relevant to current problems in biochemistry and molecular biology and to effectively communicate ideas in writing or orally.


Examination (3 hours): 55% (Hurdle)

Essay (2000 words): 15% (Hurdle)

Small group/practical work: 30% (Hurdle)


Workload requirements

  • Two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and one 3-hour practical/ peer-group or self-directed learning exercise per week

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study