ANIML SC 3043RW - Animal Biotechnology III

Roseworthy Campus - Summer - 2014

The application of biotechnology to animals will be examined. Challenges facing the intensive and extensive livestock industries, as well as wildlife management and conservation, will be discussed and debated in the context of biotechnologies that may be applied. Problems specific to horses and companion animals will be also considered. In addition, the use of biotechnology for animal related issues such as food safety, disease control and biosecurity will be addressed. A range of genetic, immunological and reproductive technologies will be introduced with some practical exposure. The integration of these technologies to improve animal production, health and welfare will be explored. Lastly, biotechnological animal models will be examined for potential application to human and veterinarian medicine.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ANIML SC 3043RW
    Course Animal Biotechnology III
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Summer
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Intensive
    Assumed Knowledge BIOLOGY 1101 & BIOLOGY 1202 & ANIML SC 2503RW
    Course Description The application of biotechnology to animals will be examined. Challenges facing the intensive and extensive livestock industries, as well as wildlife management and conservation, will be discussed and debated in the context of biotechnologies that may be applied. Problems specific to horses and companion animals will be also considered. In addition, the use of biotechnology for animal related issues such as food safety, disease control and biosecurity will be addressed.

    A range of genetic, immunological and reproductive technologies will be introduced with some practical exposure. The integration of these technologies to improve animal production, health and welfare will be explored. Lastly, biotechnological animal models will be examined for potential application to human and veterinarian medicine.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Karen Kind

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Describe the limitations and challenges facing the animal industries and disciplines
    2 Describe the various biotechnologies available to the animal related fields
    3 Explain how developments in biotechnology may have applications in those fields
    4 Be aware of public and ethical concerns over the use of animal biotechnology
    5 Locate and critically evaluate scientific literature and experimental studies relating to animal biotechnology and be able to effectively communicate the findings in oral and written form.



    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3, 4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 2, 5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2, 3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 2, 3, 4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3, 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There is no required text book for this course but a list of recommended resources is provided at the beginning of semester. Students will require access to the University systems (MyUni, etc) and the Roseworthy Library. Access to practical and animal holding facilities on the Roseworthy Campus and other facilities.
    Online Learning
    MyUni: Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/).
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Face to face contact: an average day will consist of 7 hours of contact in a combination of lectures, tutorials, practicals and field trips

    Outside of face-to-face contact: students are expected to be prepared for classes so that they are able to participate fully
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
    A student enrolled in this course will be expected to attend each scheduled day of activities (approx 7-8 hrs per day) for the formal contact time required for the course (eg, lectures, tutorials and practicals). In addition, students will have to undertake non-contact time (eg, reading and revision) for preparation of the assignments and preparation and revision for the exam.
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course content will include the following:

    Lecture topics

    • Animal transgenesis
    • Xenotransplantation and application of cloning
    • Stem cell therapies
    • Use of cell culture
    • Protein diagnostics
    • Animal health & vaccine technology
    • Designer probiotics and bioactives
    • Applications of DNA plasmid technology
    • Gene identification
    • DNA diagnostics
    • Bioinformatics
    • Rumen microbial manipulation
    • Food safety
    • Challenges facing the beef/pork/aquaculture/poultry/racing industries, challenges facing wildlife management and conservation.
    Practical topics:
    • Cell culture
    • DNA diagnostics and bioinformatics
    • Protein diagnostics
    • Oocyte microinjection
    Tutorial/Discussion topics:
    • Opportunities to use biotechnology to address challenges facing the animal industries.



    Specific Course Requirements
    Practical classes within laboratories require a minimum of sneakers and the wearing of a laboratory gown (that will be supplied). You will also need to display your student ID in the holder provided. Students must wear any required safety or protective clothing as directed.

    Field trips require a minimum of sneakers and appropriate clothes.
    Attendance at practicals and tutorials is compulsory.

    Ethical objection to animal dissection and experimentation will be taken seriously. Such concerns will be solicited during the first week of class. Students who do not wish to be involved in animal dissection or experimentation will not be disadvantaged or discriminated against in any way. Alternative modes of learning will be supplied to these students.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment task Type of assessment
    Percentage of total
    assessment
    for grading purposes


    Hurdle Outcomes
    being
    assessed / achieved
    Participation 10% No 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Debate Summative 5% Yes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Practical reports Summative 25% 1, 2, 3, 5
    Written assignment Summative 20% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Final Exam Summative 40% Yes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Assessment Related Requirements
    HURDLE: To pass this course, students must:
    1. Attain a minimum of 40% on the final exam
    2. Attain a cumulative minimum of 40% in the remaining on-course assessment items (written assignment, practical reports, debate).  Students who do not attain this minimum will be provided with an additional piece of assessment related to an aspect of the debate / report / assignment.
    Assessment Detail
    HURDLE: To pass this course, students must:

    1. Attain a minimum of 40% on the final exam

    2. Attain a cumulative minimum of 40% in the remaining on-course assessment items (written assignment, practical reports, debate). Students who do not attain this minimum will be provided with an additional piece of assessment related to an aspect of the debate / report / assignment.

    Participation (10% of total grade)
    An attendance role will be kept each day and students will receive a participation mark based upon interaction during lectures, tutorials, practicals and discussions; and submission of suggested exam questions each day of the course.

    Debate (5% of total grade)
    Pairs of students will be assigned a debating topic. Each pair will debate their case for 10 min, with a further 10 min for the rebuttal argument and then general discussion of the topic. Debate notes must be submitted after the debate. Marks will be allocated based on contribution to the debate and general discussion throughout the debate.

    Practical reports (25% of the total grade)
    Students will submit three practical reports. Practical assignments involve either answering written questions, based on a specific practical activity (2 x 7.5%), or a write-up of the results of a practical activity in the format of a scientific journal article (10%).  Each report is due at the end of the appropriate week of the course.

    Written assignment (20% of the total grade)
    Students select a topic based on lectures and discussions throughout the course, and submit a minimum of 2000 word written assignment.

    Final Exam (40% of the total grade)
    Students will sit a 3 hr final exam that will cover theoretical and practical topics from the course. Participation in the course includes submission of suggested exam questions each day of the course. Some exam questions are then based on student suggestions.  Questions will be a variety of short and long answer. Students can take 1 A4 page of handwritten notes into the exam. The exam occurs on the last day of the course.

    Submission
    A hard copy of all assignments should be submitted into the course collection box at the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Reception desk, Williams Building, Roseworthy Campus, on or before the due date. An electronic copy of the written assignment and written practical reports must also be submitted through MyUni. Assignments must be submitted by 5 pm on the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted (without an approved application for extension). All submissions should have a signed cover sheet attached.

    Marked reports will be returned as soon as possible after the due date. Feedback on assignments will be via annotations on reports. Should students wish to have verbal feedback on assignments an appointment should be made with the course coordinator.

    Late submission of assessments
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of zero will be allocated to late submitted assessment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.