SLE212 - Biochemistry

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Previously coded as:SBB212
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Bernhard Dichtl
Prerequisite:

SLE152 or SLE155

Corequisite:

SLE010 and recommended study of SBB111 or SLE111

Incompatible with: Nil
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 5 x 1 hour online seminar per trimester, 6 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester.

Content

Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules that are related to living organisms. In SLE212 students will apply their fundamental knowledge of chemistry, biology and mathematics to describe the structure, chemistry and biology of various classes of biomolecules (amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, fatty acids and nucleic acids). Students will learn about the structure function relationship of proteins and the principles of enzymatic catalysis. They will explore the influence of thermodynamic principles on biochemical processes that sustain life. In practical sessions, students will learn essential skills in biochemical experimentation. They will be required to apply knowledge of chemical and physical principles to investigate how biochemical reactions are dependent upon the chemistry of water, buffers and pH. Students will work in teams and apply digital technologies to explore the structure function relationship of proteins as is done in real-world research and development approaches.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Calculate the chemical composition of buffers; construct and validate the buffers within the laboratory.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO2

Identify, deduce, describe and interpret the structure, chemistry and biological function of biochemical molecules (amino acids, protein, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids).

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO3

Analyse, calculate and present experimental data produced during the laboratory practicals using software packages.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO4

Make biochemical measurements and observations using laboratory instruments and equipment and use biochemical knowledge to logically support conclusions drawn from experimental data.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO5

Demonstrate transferable employability skills by working collaboratively in a team to develop and clearly present information on the authentic real world topic of protein structure and function.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO7: Teamwork

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week

Assessment 1
Practical worksheets

Five written practical worksheets 35% (5 x 7%) Either before or after each practical session

Assessment 2
Mid-trimester test

Online test 20% Week 7

Assessment 3
Group assignment and presentation

7-minute collaborative presentation 20%  Weeks 5, 9 and 10
End-of-Unit Assessment Practical and theory test 25% End-of-Unit Assessment period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

Prescribed text(s): Jeremy M. Berg; Gregory J. Gatto, Jr.; Justin Hines; John L. Tymoczko; Lubert Stryer, 2023, Biochemistry, 10th edition, W.H. Freeman & Company.

IMPORTANT:
Students will receive a 20% discount on a 12-month Macmillan Learning Achieve subscription (includes 12 months' access to the ebook) or the lifetime ebook (permanent access to the ebook with no additional resources). A discount link will be made available at the start of the trimester.

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE212 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

This text is the same as that used for Biochemical Metabolism (SLE222).

Unit Fee Information

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