MOBT2102

Molecular Biotechnology 2

Course Information

These course outlines are a guide only. They are provided for the information of prospective students. Although every effort is made to ensure the most up to date information is provided, timetables often change each semester due to the availability of rooms and resources. Content (including lecture/practical topics, assessment and textbooks) is also regularly reviewed to ensure relevance and effective learning.

The main purpose of this unit of study is to introduce students to the core concepts of modern molecular biotechnology and build a base for future study in this discipline. It assumes students will have knowledge of Molecular Biology and Genetics through previous study of MBLG1001 and MBLG2771/2871 and concurrent study of MBLG2072/2972. It commences with an introduction to the biotechnology revolution and its impact worldwide. Students are then introduced to how large biomolecules are exploited in drug discovery with discussions of structural diversity in macromolecules, the construction of synthetic peptide and oligonucleotide combinatorial libraries, the uses and screening of such libraries in drug discovery together with examples from industry. This unit proceeds with considerations of the chemical synthesis of pharmaceuticals to specific drug targets. Structure-activity relationships, the use of biomolecules such as proteins versus natural products in drug design, the role of DNA as a drug target, and the importance of metals ions are all discussed together with case studies from industry. Issues associated with pharmaceutical stability and metabolism are then described. The unit concludes with an overview of the commercialization of discoveries in science with consideration given to the role of researchers, university and industry interactions, and regulatory and patent issues. This is followed by an appreciation of the societal impact and ethics of biotechnology, including how the industry and researchers interact with, and inform, the public. Guest lecturers will contribute to these presentations to help students develop an appreciation of emerging areas in molecular biotechnology from a broad perspective.

Administration: Mrs Katy Wilson

Room: 436

Telephone: 9351 8680

E-mail: enquiries@biotech.usyd.edu.au

Course Coordinator: Dr Matthew Todd (School of Chemistry)

Room: 517 F11- School of Chemistry

Telephone: 9351 2180

E-mail: m.todd@chem.usyd.edu.au

12 credit points of Junior Biology and 12 credit points of Junior Chemistry

Lecture: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10am Eastern Ave Room 311
Tutorial: Monday 2-3pm Eastern Ave Room 406

Glick, BR and Pasternak, JJ. Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA. 3rd Edition. ASM Press, Washington.2003. ISBN 1-55581-224-4 (hardcover) or ISBN 1-55581-269-4 (paperback)

One 2 hour theory exam (70%) and in-semester assessments (30%). NB Students must pass the theory exam to pass the unit overall.