SLE222 - Biochemical Metabolism

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Previously coded as:SBB222
Unit Chair:Trimester 2: Bernhard Dichtl
Prerequisite:

SLE152 or SLE155

Corequisite:

SLE010

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 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester, 1 x 3 hour online practical experience (workshop) per trimester, 8 x 1.5 hour online seminars per trimester.

Content

Biochemical metabolism is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. In this unit, students will apply their fundamental knowledge of chemistry, physics, math and biology to understand the chemistry, as well as the energetic and regulatory principles that govern biochemical pathways. Students will analyse catabolic and anabolic pathways of carbohydrates and fatty acids and the overlapping biochemical concepts of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Likewise, they will dissect how energy consuming reactions are coupled to energy releasing reactions in order to drive the synthesis of biological macromolecules. The central role played by photosynthesis to enable life in our world will be highlighted. The interconnectedness of pathways and their combinatorial regulation via hormone signalling in humans will be evaluated at the level of cells, tissues and the entire organism. 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 the chemistry of biomolecules in food, the role of coenzymes as carriers of cellular energy, key metabolites that serve as diagnostic markers in health and disease and photosynthetic pigments in plants. Classes will complement student learning of the principles underlying biochemical metabolism.

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

Use chemical structures, reactions and thermodynamic parameters to deduce how biomolecules are metabolized and how energy is harnessed to do work in animal and plant cells.

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

ULO2

Present, calculate and analyse experimental data produced during the laboratories using digital technologies.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO3

Make biochemical measurements and observations using laboratory instruments and equipment.

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

ULO4

Use biochemical knowledge to logically support conclusions drawn from experimental data.

GLO2: Communication
GLO5: Problem solving

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1
Practical worksheets
Four written worksheets 40% (4 x 10%) Day before practical session in weeks 5, 7, 9, and 11
Assessment 2
Concepts in Metabolism

Students will be required to answer a series of content-related questions online each fortnight

35% (5 x 7%) Every two weeks starting week 3
Assessment 3
Biochemical metabolism challenge
In class practical and theory test 25% Week 11

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: SLE222 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.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.