Biochemistry

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2027/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Biochemistry

Unit ID:

SCBCH2001

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

(SCBIO1001 and SCCHM1001) OR (SCCHM1002)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

010901

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit will provide students with foundation studies in the principles of biochemistry, providing the skills and knowledge to support more advanced studies. The unit begins with an introduction to the cellular environment and considers the interactions that stabilise biological macromolecules. This is followed by studying: the structure and function of proteins and enzymes and techniques for their isolation and purification; the composition of biological membranes; the structure of nucleic acids and their packaging within cells; mechanisms for synthesis, modification and turnover of nucleic acids and proteins.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

Skills:

Application of knowledge and skills:

Other outcomes:

O1.	Describe and explain the structures, properties and interactions of key biological macromolecules and their significance in cellular processes.

O2.	Apply biochemical reasoning and relevant methods to predict and analyse the impact of molecular changes on structure and function.

O3.	Critically evaluate biochemical data and scientific literature using appropriate digital tools, with consideration of accuracy and integrity.

O4.	Explain and justify appropriate strategies for the isolation and purification of proteins, and interpret related biochemical data to draw evidence-based conclusions.

O5.	Communicate biochemical knowledge, interpretations, and findings effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences using suitable scientific formats.

O6.	Demonstrate ethical, professional standards and collaborate effectively in academic biochemistry tasks, recognising responsibility and diversity in teamwork.

Unit Content:

•The cellular environment; maintenance of pH.
•Small molecules as building blocks: Sugars and polysaccharides; Fatty acids and complex lipids; Amino acids and proteins; Nucleotides and nucleic acids.
•Protein structure and function: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins; factors that affect protein activity; structure-function relationships.
•Enzymes: activity, kinetics, regulation and applications.
•Strategies for isolation and assay of biological molecules.
•Cellular membranes: dynamic behaviour of cell membranes; transport of molecules and ions across membranes.
•Storage and transfer of biological information; packaging of nucleic acids within cells.
•Degradation and turnover of biological molecules.

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting	Professional Standards
1.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6	Data analysis and evaluation	Workshop and tutorial activity reports	20-40%
2.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	Research and reporting on a specified topic in biochemistry	Written and/or oral report	20-40%
3.	1, 2	Recall and comprehension of fundamental concepts	Quizzes	5-15%
4.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6	Students will be examined on their knowledge of the unit material	Test(s)	20-40%

Adopted Reference Style:

APA ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency