BCH2011 - Structure and function of cellular biomolecules

Overview

This is the first of two units in the Biochemistry second year curriculum. These are two 6-credit point units introducing you to the fundamental concepts and knowledge required to understand cellular function at a molecular level and building the skills necessary for you to interpret biochemical information and perform biochemical … For more content click the Read More button below. In this unit (Structure and function of biomolecules), you will develop knowledge of the organelles and classes of molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, and membrane lipids) that exist within a functioning cell and understanding of how such biochemical components are produced and organised in the process of cellular replication. You will also develop skills in relation to the identification, quantification and localisation of cellular biomolecules, measurement of enzyme function, and testing hypotheses related to biosynthetic processes.

This is the first of two units in the Biochemistry second year curriculum. These are two 6-credit point units introducing you to the fundamental concepts and knowledge required to understand cellular function at a molecular level and building the skills necessary for you to interpret biochemical information and perform biochemical experiments. The curriculum builds on foundational knowledge of cell biology and organic and physical chemistry, establishes the skills and understanding you will need for the more specialised third year biochemistry units and provides a broad appreciation of cellular processes relevant to all areas of life science.

In this unit (Structure and function of biomolecules), you will develop knowledge of the organelles and classes of molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, and membrane lipids) that exist within a functioning cell and understanding of how such biochemical components are produced and organised in the process of cellular replication. You will also develop skills in relation to the identification, quantification and localisation of cellular biomolecules, measurement of enzyme function, and testing hypotheses related to biosynthetic processes.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Associate Professor Nirma Samarawickrema

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Nathan Croft

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Describe how the structure of biologically relevant molecules contributes to their function in cells and organisms;

Define the molecular structure of biological membranes and their role in cellular metabolism;

Explain the physical and biochemical properties of proteins and describe how proteins function as enzymes;

Summarise the techniques and underpinning science that is exploited for the isolation, separation and characterisation of biological molecules;

Demonstrate technical skills in basic laboratory techniques used for the separation and identification of biological molecules and for measuring enzymatic behaviour;

Demonstrate the skills necessary to accurately interpret biochemical data;

Demonstrate an ability to research original published scientific literature and effectively communicate your findings.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Online learning

Case-based teaching

Problem-based learning

Assessment

1 - In-semester tests

2 - Laboratories

3 - Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Technology resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.

Protective clothing:

Lab coats $35
Enclosed shoes $50
USB stick $10

Availability in areas of study

Biochemistry