Outline

Overview

Qualified students will participate in alternative components of BIOL3018 Gene Technology and Genomics. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A mark of 75 or above in (GEGE2X01 or MBLG2X72 or GENE2002) and a mark of 75 or above in (MBLG2X71 or BIOL2XXX or BCMB2XXX or QBIO2001 or IMMU2XXX or MEDS2003 or AVBS2005 or MICR2X31 or MIMI2X02)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL3018
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Mary Byrne, mary.byrne@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Theory exam Theory exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Laboratory Notebook 2 Participation mark in weeks 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11. Lab notebook final submission in week 12. Four items from weeks 6-12 selected for assessment. Due on the day of your practical class.	25%	Multiple weeks	Weeks 2-12	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Multiple Choice Questions 1 10 questions based on lecture and practical class material Weeks 1-3. Scheduled to run at the start of the practical class. Due on the day of your practical class.	5%	Week 04 Due date: 16 Mar 2026 at 14:15	15 minutes.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Laboratory Notebook 1 Lab notebook, 2 items from Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, weeks 2-5, selected for assessment. Due on the day of your practical class.	5%	Week 05 Due date: 23 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Weeks 2-5.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Multiple Choice Questions 2 10 questions based on lecture and practical class material Weeks 4-7. Scheduled to run at the start of the practical class. Due on the day of your practical class.	5%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 14:15	15 minutes.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Advanced Gene Technology Question Presentation Q&A Immediately following your presentation you will have 5 minutes questions.	5%	Week 10	5 minutes.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Advanced Gene Technology Question Presentation 10 minute presentation.	15%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2025 at 23:59	In-person presentation.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Theory exam: All students will sit a final theory exam held during the official examination period at the end of semester. The exam may comprise multiple-choice, short-answer and/or mini-essay questions from any area of the lecture and practical program. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator. The exam is a hurdle item and a mark of 40% or above is required to pass the Unit.

Advanced Gene Technology Question Presentation: Students will individually prepare and deliver an in-person 15-minute presentation (10 minutes presentation + 5 minutes questions). Presentations will be to the Advanced cohort and one or more academic assessors. Students will be assigned a topic for their presentation.

Laboratory notebook assessments: This UoS has two experiments that are carried out over the entire semester. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook with weekly write up of experiments conducted in practical class throughout the semester. Participation marks (completing data analysis) are awarded five times during the semseter. The laboratory notebooks will be submitted two times during semester. For each submission, several items in the notebook will be selected for assessment. Laboratory notebook 2 assessment is a hurdle item. You need to have completed your weekly laboratory notebook to pass the Unit.

Multiple Choice Questions: Students will answer 20 multiple choice questions that are based on material that has been covered in lectures and practical classes. The assessment will be conducted during the practical class and will be online, through Canvas.

Further information on assessments can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission penalty 5% per day for all written and presentation assignments.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	EXPERIMENT 1: CRISPR/CAS9 GENE EDITING IN PLANTS	Practical (22 hr)
Multiple weeks	EXPERIMENT 2: EXPRESSION OF A EUKARYOTIC GENE IN E. COLI	Practical (22 hr)
Week 01	LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION TO GENE TECHNOLOGY & GENOMICS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	LECTURE 2: REGULATING GENE TECHNOLOGY	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	LECTURE 3: GENE CLONING	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	LECTURE 4: TRANSGENIC PLANTS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	LECTURE 5: MUTAGENESIS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	LECTURE 6: GENE EDITING WITH CRISPR/CAS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	LECTURE 7: ASSEMBLY, USE AND COMPARISON OF SEQUENCE DATA	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	LECTURE 8: DATABASE SEARCHING	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	LECTURE 9: SEQUENCE ANALYSIS AND COMPARATIVE GENOMICS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	LECTURE 10: SINGLE CELL GENOMICS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	LECTURE 11: GENE FUSION TECHNOLOGY I	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	LECTURE 12: GENE FUSION TECHNOLOGY II	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	LECTURE 13: TARGETED GENE EXPRESSION	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	LECTURE 14: RNA INTERFERENCE & GENE SILENCING	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	LECTURE 15: NON-CODING RNA	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	LECTURE 16: USING RNAS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	LECTURE 17: GENE TRANSFER AND EXPRESSION IN MAMMALIAN CELLS I	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	LECTURE 18: GENE TRANSFER AND EXPRESSION IN MAMMALIAN CELLS II	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	LECTURE 19: FINDING HUMAN DISEASE GENES	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	LECTURE 20: MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES & ANTIBODY ENGINEERING	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	LECTURE 21: GENE THERAPY	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	LECTURE 22: DNA-BASED DIAGNOSTICS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	LECTURE 23: PERSONALIZED GENOMICS	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The laboratory course is an essential part of the unit of study and students must pass the laboratory component in order to pass the unit. In order to pass, students must attend 80% of practical sessions, demonstrate engagement, and must submit their laboratory notebook for Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 for assessment.

If technical issues, illness, a requirement to isolate etc. prevent attendance at a specific class, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator to find out how to make up the missed attendance. You may be required to submit a Special Consideration application.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Reading is suggested. A number of textbooks provide information relevant to the content of the unit. There are also references to original research papers and reviews noted in lectures that are available via Canvas or the Library.

Clark D.P. and Pazdernik N.J. Biotechnology. (2nd Edition) Academic Cell. 2016.

Clark D.P., Pazdernik N.J. McGhee M.R. 2019 Molecular Biology. (3rd Edition) London, Academic Press.

Glick B.R. Patten C.L. 2017 Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA. (5th Edition). Washington DC. ASM Press.

Watson, J.D., Caudy, A.A., Myers, R.M. and Witkowski, J.A. Recombinant DNA, Genes and Genomes – A Short Course. (3rd Edition) W.H. Freeman & Company, 2007.

Somerset T.A. Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction. Wiley, 2016.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand regulations governing the generation and use of gene technologies
LO2. know, understand and analyse genomic information
LO3. define and describe different gene technologies
LO4. compare and contrast gene technologies and their application
LO5. develop skills in the use and application of molecular biology tools
LO6. formulate ideas on the applications of genomic information to gene technology
LO7. relate the use of gene technologies to improving our world.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Delivery of the unit of study has taken into consideration student feedback since the unit was last offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOL3918: Gene Technology and Genomics (Adv)

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links