Course Coordinator:Fraser Russell (frussell@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine
UniSC Sunshine CoastUniSC Moreton Bay |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
Biochemistry, the chemistry of life, is fundamental to the biomedical sciences, biotechnology, sports science, nutrition and dietetics, amongst others. This course focuses on principles and concepts relating to metabolic pathways. You gain understanding of the main biomolecules that are important to cellular structure and function. You learn how to analyse and interpret fundamental metabolic pathways, and apply your understanding to unfamiliar situations, using real world examples of biochemistry.
Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
Blended learning | |||
Learning materials – Recorded, narrated powerpoints with embedded H5P quiz questions. | 1.5hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus, in person tutorials | 2hrs | Week 2 | 6 times |
Laboratory 1 – On campus, in person lab classes | 3hrs | Week 3 | 6 times |
Introduction; Water; Electon configuration; Hydrogen bonds
Acid-base; Henderson-Hasselbalch equation; Ionization
Nucleic Acids; Carbohydrates; Proteins; Lipids
Proteins; Levels of protein strucutre; Hydrophobicity; Introduction to enzymes
Introduction and overview of metaoblism
Glycolysis; Aerobic fate of pyruvate; Gluconeogenesis
Regulation of metabolism
Hormonal regulation of metabolism; G-proteins; Nuclear receptors
Metabolism of hexoses other than glucose; Non-glucose sugars; Glycogen; Pentose phosphate pathway
The mitochondrion; TCA cycle; Electron transport; Oxidative phosphorylation; Control of ATP production; Physiological implications of aerobic metabolism
Fatty acid oxidation (beta-oxidation; Keton bodies; fatty acid synthesis
Nitrogen metabolism; amino acid metabolism; Urea cycle
200 Level (Developing)
12 units
Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | |
1 | Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the basic principles & concepts of biochemistry to familiar and unfamiliar metabolic pathways. | Knowledgeable |
2 | Analyse the relationship between metabolic pathways using the "metabolic road map". | Creative and critical thinker |
3 | Solve problems by using evidence-based reasoning, and where appropriate, mathematical calculations. | Creative and critical thinker |
4 | Conduct experiments safely using fundamental biochemical techniques, and process and present the findings. |
Creative and critical thinker Empowered |
5 | Communicate scientifically in the form of a problem set and practical report, with reference to the literature. | Empowered |
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
SCI105 and (LFS100 or LFS103)
Not applicable
MBT251
Not applicable
Standard Grading (GRD)
High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
All | 1a | Activity Participation | Individual | 15% | 200 words |
Week 4 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
All | 1b | Activity Participation | Individual | 15% | 200 words |
Week 8 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
All | 2 | Artefact - Technical and Scientific | Individual | 30% | 800 words +/- 10% |
Week 9 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
All | 3a | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 0% | 70 min |
Week 9 | Online Submission |
All | 3b | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 40% | 2 hours |
Exam Period | Exam Venue |
All - Assessment Task 1a:Problem Set | |
Goal: | You will demonstrate understanding and solve problems by using evidence-based reasoning, and where appropriate, mathematical calculations in regards to biomolecules. |
Product: | Activity Participation |
Format: | Answers, with working, to 10 problems on a worksheet |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 1b:Problem Set | |
Goal: | You will demonstrate understanding and solve problems by using evidence-based reasoning, and where appropriate, mathematical calculations in regards to metabolism. |
Product: | Activity Participation |
Format: | Answers, with working, to 10 problems on a worksheet |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 2:Practical Report | |
Goal: | You will conduct an experiment safely using fundamental biochemical techniques, and processes and present the findings in an individual report. |
Product: | Artefact - Technical and Scientific |
Format: | Introduction, Results and Discussion sections, with references. |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 3a:Mid-Semester Exam | |
Goal: | You will demonstrate and apply knowledge, analyse relationships, and solve problems in biochemistry. |
Product: | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled |
Format: | Multiple choice and short answer questions, problem solving, calculations based on material from learning materials, tutorials and laboratory activities up to and including week 8. |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 3b:Final Examination | |
Goal: | Demonstrate and apply knowledge, analyse relationships, and solve problems in biochemistry. |
Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled |
Format: | Multiple choice questions, short answer questions, problem solving, calculations based on material from learning materials, tutorials and laboratory activities from Weeks 1 to 13. |
Criteria: |
|
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
Period and Topic | Activities |
Modules 1-4: Overview of key biomolecules |
Learning materials on acid/base, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. |
Modules 5-8: Metabolism and its regulation |
Learning materials on glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, hormonal regulation of metabolism |
Modules 9-12: Metabolism |
Learning materials on the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, beta oxidation, nitrogen metabolism |
Module 13 |
Revision |
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.
Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
Required | Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham | 2024 | Biochemistry | 7th ed. | Cengage |
Laboratory coat, safety glasses, closed in footwear, Calculator
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