BIOTECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE COURSE 

Course Content

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry I
• Biochemistry II
• Tissue Culture
• Plant Breeding or Animal Breeding
• Workshop I or Genetics

Alternatives to these modules may be possible -discuss with our academic staff to investigate other possibilities.

Duration:   600 hours

What's in the Modules?

Cell Biology

1. Introduction to Cells and Their Structure   Including: what is a cell, history of cell biology; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; cell shape and size; cell structure; the nucleus; the nucleolus; euchromatin and heterochromatin; the animal cell; the plant cell; human cells.
2. Cell Chemistry   Including: cell chemical composition; carbohydrates; lipids; nucleic acids; proteins; enzymes; cell membranes; golgi apparatus.
3. DNA, Chromosomes and Genes    Including: what is DNA, Chromosomes, Genes; DNA replication; telomeres and telomerase; genetics; case study in genetic inheritance; phenotype and genotype; gene mutations.
4. Cell Division: Meiosis and Mitosis    Including: Mitosis and meiosis overview; mitosis; meiosis.
5. Cell Membranes   Including: membranes; structure of cell membranes; movement of molecules through cell membranes; endocytosis; osmosis and filtration; hydrostatic pressure; active transport; electro-chemical gradient; nutrient and waste exhange in animal cells; mediated and non-mediated transport;.
6. Protein Structure and Function   Including: protein structure; fibrous proteins; globular proteins; protein organisation; primary to quaternary structure; protein function.
7. Protein Synthesis   Including: overview; the function of ribonucleic acid in protein synthesis; transcription and translation; initiation; elongation; termination.
8. Food, Energy, Catalysis and Biosynthesis    Including: sources of energy; metabolism within the cell; catabolic metabolism; anabolic metabolism; ATP movement; Kreb's cycle; production and storage of energy; energy production pathways from different foods; biosynthesis of cell molecules; mitochrondria; chloroplasts
9. Intracellular Compartments, Transport and Cell Communication     Including: Cell communication; endocrine signalling; paracrine signalling; autocrine signalling; cytoskeleton; actin filaments; intermediate filaments; microtubules.
10. The Cell Cycle and Tissue Formation     Including: the cell cycle; phases of the cell cycle; cell cycle regulation; cell death; cells to bodies; stem cells; animal tissues including muscle, connective, epithelial, nerve; blood.
11. Aims

Biochemistry I

There are 10 lessons as follows:

1. Introduction to biochemistry
2. Lipids and proteins
3. Enzymes and hormones
4. Nucleic acids
5. Thermo-regulation
6. Carbohydrate metabolism
7. Absorption
8. Acidity and alkalinity
9. Chemical analysis
10. Biochemical applications

Biochemistry II

There are nine lessons in this module as follows:

1. Introduction to Biochemical Molecules
2. Amino Acids
3. Structure of Proteins
4. Protein Dynamics
5. Sugars and Polysaccharides
6. Lipids (Fats) and Membranes
7. Enzymes, Vitamins and Hormones
8. DNA and RNA
9. Laboratory Techniques

Tissue Culture

There are nine lessons as follows:

1. Introduction including a review of basic plant nutrition.
2. Plant Nutrients.
3. The Laboratory
4. Micropropagation Techniques
5. Plant Hormones
6. The Tissue Culture Environment
7. Commercial Applications
8. Taking Plants out of Culture
9. Culture of Selected Species

Plant Breeding

There are 7 lessons in this module as follows:

1. The Scope and Nature of the Plant Breeding Industry
2. Introduction to Genetics
3. Gamete Production, Pollination and Fertilisation in Plants
4. Mono Hybrid and Dihybrid Inheritance in Plants
5. Systematic Botany and Floral Structures
6. Practical Plant Breeding Techniques
7. Current Developments in Plant Genetics

Animal Breeding

There are 7 lessons as follows:

1. Introduction To Genetics
2. Genetics
3. Selection
4. Pure Breeding
5. Introduction To Cross Breeding
6. Cross Breeding
7. Livestock Improvement

Genetics

Workshop I

There are 3 lessons, each involving a PBL project, as follows:

1. Workplace Tools, Equipment and Materials: Identifying and describing the operation of tools and equipment used in the workplace; routine maintenance of tools and equipment; identifying and comparing materials used in the workplace; using different materials to perform workplace tasks.

2. Workplace Skills: Determining key practical skills in the workplace; identifying and comparing commonly-performed workplace tasks; determining acceptable standards for workplace tasks; implementing techniques for improving workplace efficiency.

3. Workplace Safety: Identifying health and safety risks in the workplace; complying with industry OH&S standards; developing safety guidelines for handling dangerous items.

 

Biotech Opportunities are a Certain Future