James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

MI5071 - Molecular Analysis of Tropical Microbes

The subject will be available by permission of the subject coordinator.

Subject Description

This is a vocationally oriented subject aimed at providing practical training for students and future professionals with a microbial research and/or diagnostic focus. The subject introduces the molecular techniques with respect to microbial epidemiology and analysis. It covers both underlying theory and practical application. Areas that the student will be exposed to include quality assurance and measures of error, pipette maintenance, genetic techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR and cloning and computer assisted analytical techniques such as primer design, sequence and SNP analysis, whole genome and next generation sequencing, database searches, testing the validity and robustness of phylogenetic data and identification of markers of microbial pathogenicity and virulence.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the provided theoretical knowledge to practical applications
• Explain causes of erroneous results and offer solutions
• Integrate tools for microbial epidemiology, databases and tree analyses to make hypotheses based on problem data
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of sequence databases and appropriate tools for interrogating and analysing these databases
• Contribute in teams to identify the basic components of the various molecular kits, describe the function of these components and successfully utilise these kits

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > Quizzes or tests - (50%)
• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (10%)
• Engagement and competence in skill based tasks - (40%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Compulsory attendance of 9/10 practical sessions Satisfactory completion of set competency tasks undertaken during practical sessions

Assumed Knowledge:  Students should enter the subject with an understanding of genomic structure, DNA replication mechanisms and microbial diversity

Availabilities