Course Outline
LFS251 Biochemistry
Course Coordinator:Fraser Russell (frussell@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine
2026Trimester 1
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.
What is this course about?
Description
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.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Learning materials – Recorded, narrated powerpoints with embedded H5P quiz questions. | 1.5hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus, in person tutorials | 2hrs | Week 2 | 6 times |
| Laboratory 1 – On campus, in person lab classes | 3hrs | Week 1 | 6 times |
Course Topics
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
What level is this course?
200 Level (Developing)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists | |
| 1 | Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the basic principles & concepts of biochemistry to familiar and unfamiliar metabolic pathways. | Knowledgeable |
2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 3.2.7, 3.3.1, 3.3.2 |
| 2 | Analyse the relationship between metabolic pathways using the "metabolic road map". | Creative and critical thinker |
2.1
|
| 3 | Solve problems by using evidence-based reasoning, and where appropriate, mathematical calculations. | Creative and critical thinker |
1.6.3, 1.6.6, 1.6.8, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3 |
| 4 | Conduct experiments safely using fundamental biochemical techniques, and process and present the findings. |
Creative and critical thinker Empowered |
1.5.4, 1.6.1, 1.6.3, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1.1, 3.4.1, 3.1, 6.2.4, 7.1.2 |
| 5 | Communicate scientifically in the form of a problem set and practical report, with reference to the literature. | Empowered |
2.1, 6.2.4, 9.1.1, 10.4 |
* Competencies by Professional Body
| CODE | COMPETENCY |
| Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists | |
| 1.6.3 | Read and validate results - Equipment based testing: Results are calculated from data outputs according to documented procedures. |
| 1.6.6 | Read and validate results - Observation based testing: Available clinical information is reviewed. |
| 1.6.8 | Read and validate results - Observation based testing: Observations and evaluations are summarised, using the appropriate knowledge base, and summary is recorded according to regulatory protocols. |
| 1.5.4 | Process specimen utilising appropriate techniques: Processes are performed in accordance with prescribed methods, quality procedures and accepted safe working practices. |
| 1.6.1 | Read and validate results - Equipment based testing: Laboratory instrumentation is operated within established procedures (including quality control, troubleshooting instrument problems and performing preventative and corrective maintenance). |
| 1.2 | Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Ensure the appropriateness of specimen reception procedures |
| 1.3 | Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Evaluate specimen suitability prior to analysis |
| 2.1.1 | Assess validity of data/results against possible range of outcomes: Initial observation and limited interpretation for significance of the raw data/results is undertaken. |
| 2.1.2 | Assess validity of data/results against possible range of outcomes: Implausible results, results inconsistent with clinical information or expected outcomes based on other test results or those outside defined criteria are investigated further using defined troubleshooting strategies. |
| 2.2.1 | Validation of results: Possible causes for implausible or inconsistent results or outcomes are determined. |
| 2.3.1 | Make decisions about reporting results, repeating procedures, consulting senior staff and carrying out further tests within established guidelines: Appropriate decisions about repeating procedures, carrying out further tests within established guidelines, rejection or reporting of results are made. Senior staff are appropriately consulted. |
| 2.1 | Correlation and validation of results of investigations using knowledge of method(s) including analytical principles and clinical information: Assess validity of data/results against possible range of outcomes |
| 2.2 | Correlation and validation of results of investigations using knowledge of method(s) including analytical principles and clinical information: Validation of results |
| 3.2.7 | Use the administrative systems in place to communicate the results: Relevant reference intervals and, if appropriate, clinical decision limits are included in reports as per established protocols. |
| 3.3.1 | Ensure that results with important diagnostic or treatment implications are communicated as per established protocols: Significant results, as defined by the laboratory, are identified |
| 3.3.2 | Ensure that results with important diagnostic or treatment implications are communicated as per established protocols: Results are interpreted in the light of clinical information provided and knowledge of the test(s) and limitations. |
| 3.4.1 | Ensure appropriate storage and disposal of data and reports: All results are recorded and retained according to current regulations and guidelines. |
| 3.1 | Interpretation, reporting and issuing of laboratory results: Verify report(s) with sample identification |
| 3.3 | Interpretation, reporting and issuing of laboratory results: Ensure that results with important diagnostic or treatment implications are communicated as per established protocols |
| 6.2.4 | Maintain and update scientific/technical knowledge and skills: Opportunities to enhance learning from investigation of unusual clinical cases and/or results are pursued. |
| 7.1.2 | Accepts responsibility for own actions/omissions: Tasks are checked to ensure they are completed. |
| 9.1.1 | Research, prepare and deliver appropriate presentations: Educational topics are researched, prepared and presented to health workers and others. |
| 10.4 | Contribute to planning and design of research and development projects: Prepare and deliver report |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
SCI105 and (LFS100 or LFS103 or SCI100)
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
MBT251
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Not applicable
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Details of early feedback on progress
Students complete problem sets with feedback in tutorial classes scheduled for week 4, consolidating learning activities from weeks 1-3. Formative revision activities are scaffolded throughout the course.
Assessment tasks
| 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 | 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 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: |
|
||||||||||||
| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
||||||||||||
| All - Assessment Task 3a:Mid-Trimester 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: |
|
||||||||||||
| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Information literacy |
||||||||||||
| 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 12. |
||||||||||||
| Criteria: |
|
||||||||||||
| Generic Skills: | Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
||||||||||||
Directed study hours
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.
Schedule
| 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 |
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
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.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
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 |
Specific requirements
Laboratory coat, safety glasses, closed in footwear, calculator. To successfully complete the UB001 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) and meet accreditation requirements of AIMS, UB001 students enrolled in LFS251 are expected to attend and participate in laboratory practical classes, and attendance will be recorded.
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment
Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scaleEligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: a. The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% b. The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale c. You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty
SafeUniSC
UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
Study help
For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
AccessAbility Services
Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
-
In person:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
- UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
- UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
- UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
- Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
- Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au