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Certificate in Biotechnology

Certificate in Biotechnology

Course Code
VBS010
Payment Options
Upfront & Payment Plans
Delivery
Online & Correspondence
Duration
600 Hours

A foundation course for people interested in learning more about biotechnology, possibly with a view to working in this industry at an entry level; or as a precursor to further study such as a university degree. Study by distance education with Learning Cloud

Technological developments have had a huge impact across all areas of applied life sciences; from health and farm production to horticulture and environmental management.

Course Content

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

What's in the Modules?

Cell Biology

  • 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.
  • Cell Chemistry   Including: cell chemical composition; carbohydrates; lipids; nucleic acids; proteins; enzymes; cell membranes; golgi apparatus.
  • 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.
  • Cell Division: Meiosis and Mitosis    Including: Mitosis and meiosis overview; mitosis; meiosis.
  • 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;.
  • Protein Structure and Function   Including: protein structure; fibrous proteins; globular proteins; protein organisation; primary to quaternary structure; protein function.
  • Protein Synthesis   Including: overview; the function of ribonucleic acid in protein synthesis; transcription and translation; initiation; elongation; termination.
  • 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
  • Intracellular Compartments, Transport and Cell Communication     Including: Cell communication; endocrine signalling; paracrine signalling; autocrine signalling; cytoskeleton; actin filaments; intermediate filaments; microtubules.
  • 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.

Biochemistry I

  • Introduction to biochemistry
  • Lipids and proteins
  • Enzymes and hormones
  • Nucleic acids
  • Thermo-regulation
  • Carbohydrate metabolism
  • Absorption
  • Acidity and alkalinity
  • Chemical analysis
  • Biochemical applications

Biochemistry II

  • Introduction to Biochemical Molecules
  • Amino Acids
  • Structure of Proteins
  • Protein Dynamics
  • Sugars and Polysaccharides
  • Lipids (Fats) and Membranes
  • Enzymes, Vitamins and Hormones
  • DNA and RNA
  • Laboratory Techniques

Tissue Culture

  • Introduction including a review of basic plant nutrition.
  • Plant Nutrients.
  • The Laboratory
  • Micropropagation Techniques
  • Plant Hormones
  • The Tissue Culture Environment
  • Commercial Applications
  • Taking Plants out of Culture
  • Culture of Selected Species

Plant Breeding

  • The Scope and Nature of the Plant Breeding Industry
  • Introduction to Genetics
  • Gamete Production, Pollination and Fertilisation in Plants
  • Mono Hybrid and Dihybrid Inheritance in Plants
  • Systematic Botany and Floral Structures
  • Practical Plant Breeding Techniques
  • Current Developments in Plant Genetics

Animal Breeding 

  • Introduction To Genetics 
  • Genetics 
  • Selection 
  • Pure Breeding 
  • Introduction To Cross Breeding 
  • Cross Breeding 
  • Livestock Improvement

Genetics

  • Introduction to Genetics
  • The Cell and Organelles
  • Interaction between Chromosomes
  • Interaction between Genes
  • Genetic Chemistry (DNA and Chromosomes)
  • Mutations (Genomes and Mutations)
  • DNA repair and Recombination
  • Developmental Genetics
  • Population Genetics
  • Applied 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.

 

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