SLE212 - Biochemistry
| Year: | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Previously coded as: | SBB212 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Prerequisite: | SLE152 or SLE155 |
| Corequisite: | SLE010 and recommended study of SBB111 or SLE111 |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 6 x 1 hour online seminar per trimester, 6 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester. |
Content
Biochemistry explores the biological molecules essential to life. In SLE212, students will integrate chemistry, biology, and mathematics to examine the structure, chemistry, and function of biomolecules, including amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and nucleic acids.
The unit covers protein structure-function relationships, enzymatic catalysis, and the thermodynamic principles governing biochemical processes. Practical sessions develop essential laboratory skills, emphasizing biochemical experimentation, data presentation, and critical analysis. Students will investigate how biochemical reactions depend on water chemistry, buffers, and pH.
Additionally, students will use digital technologies and Nobel-prize winning generative AI technology to analyse protein structures, mirroring real-world research and development approaches.
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.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.