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BIO2201 Biochemistry 1

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
BIO 2201 75422 1, 2008 EXT Biochemistry 1 1.00 Toowoomba
Academic group: FOSCI
Academic org: FOS002
Student contribution band: 2
ASCED code: 010901

Contents


STAFFING

Examiner: Robert Learmonth
Moderator: Mark Sutherland


REQUISITES

Pre-requisite: CHE2120


OTHER REQUISITES

Recommended Prior Study: BIO1101


RATIONALE

This course provides an introduction to the major classes of biochemical compounds, their metabolism, and laboratory techniques used to study biochemical processes. The course also forms a basis for studies in other courses in the fields of biology, chemistry, biomedical science, bioinformatics and wine science.



SYNOPSIS

Biochemistry may be considered as the description of life at the molecular level. The chemical and physical nature of structures and functions within living cells is studied. This course allows students to develop an understanding of the major classes of biochemical compounds found in living organisms and the metabolism of these compounds. Study of biochemistry is central to studies in biology, and in particular is related to units in plant and mammalian physiology, microbiology, genetics, cell and molecular biology, organic and natural product chemistry, wine science and bioinformatics. A series of practical classes is integrated with the lectures to allow students to further develop concepts covered in the lectures, and also to become familiar with use of materials and equipment commonly used in biochemistry laboratories.



OBJECTIVES

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1.
demonstrate a knowledge of the major classes of biochemical compounds, including carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (Practical Reports, Mid-Semester Test, Exam);
2.
describe the action of enzymes and their applications metabolism (Exam);
3.
demonstrate an awareness of the core metabolic processes which occur in different species (including animals, plants and micro-organisms) (Exam);
4.
demonstrate familiarity with the integration of metabolic pathways in an organism (Exam);
5.
demonstrate an awareness of the applications of biochemistry in contemporary science (Practical Reports, Exam);
6.
demonstrate familiarity with and competence in applying a range of laboratory techniques and instrumentation used to identify, quantify and study biochemical substances (Practical Reports);
7.
carry out qualitative biochemical tests, and quantify reliably a range of common biochemical substances in biological specimens (Practical Reports);
8.
generate, analyse, summarise and report biochemical data (Practical Reports).


TOPICS


Description Weighting (%)
1. Biological Macromolecules: structure and chemistry, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins.
 25.00
2. Enzymes: structure, mechanisms of action. enzyme kinetics, allosteric enzymes.
 10.00
3. Bioenergetics: energetics of reactions, ATP and other high energy compounds, energy content of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins.
 10.00
4. Metabolism: metabolic regulation, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation.
 47.00
5. Photosynthesis: light reactions, Calvin cycle.
 8.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Learmonth, R 2008, Biochemistry - practical manual (Available: USQ Study Desk).

Nelson, DL & Cox, MM 2005, Lehninger principles of biochemistry, 4th edn, WH Freeman, New York.

Pechenik, JA 2006, A short guide to writing about biology, 6th edn, Longman, Boston.



REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Berg, JM, Tymoczko, JL & Stryer, L 2007, Biochemistry, 6th edn, WH Freeman, New York.

Elliott, WH & Elliott, DC 2005, Biochemistry and molecular biology, 3rd edn, Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Mathews, CK, Van Holde, KE & Ahern, KG 2000, Biochemistry, 3rd edn, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, California.

Osgood, M & Ocorr, K 2005, The absolute, ultimate guide of lehninger principles of biochemistry - study guide & solutions manual, 4th edn, WH Freeman, New York.

Voet, D, Voet, JG & Pratt, CW 2006, Fundamentals of biochemistry, 2nd edn, John Wiley and Sons, New York.



STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY HOURS
Directed Study 70.00
Examinations 2.00
Private Study 68.00
Residential Schools 24.00


ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date Notes
PRACTICAL REPORTS 20.00 20.00 03 Mar 2008 (see note 1)
1 HR RESTRICTED MID SEM TEST 20.00 20.00 16 Apr 2008 (see note 2)
2 HR CLOSED EXAM 60.00 60.00 END S1 (see note 3)
NOTES
1.
Practical Reports due dates to be advised in the Practical Manual.
2.
The mid-semester test will be timetabled on the last day of the residential school, 16 April 2008.
3.
Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

  1. Attendance requirements:
    It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. To maximize their chances of satisfying the objectives of the practical component of the course, students should attend and actively participate in the laboratory sessions in the course. Residential School 14-16 April 2008.
  2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
    To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item. To complete the practical component satisfactorily, students must submit all of the nominated practical reports and obtain at least 50% of the marks for the reports submitted.
  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
  4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
    To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
  6. Examination information:
    In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester three (3) following this course.
  8. University Regulations:
    Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

9. In order to attend laboratory classes, students must provide and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This shall include a laboratory coat, closed in shoes, and safety glasses. Such equipment must be approved by supervising staff. Failure to provide and wear the appropriate safety equipment will result in students being excluded from classes.
10. Students may be required to provide a copy of assignments submitted for assessment purposes. Such copies should be dispatched to the USQ within 24 hours of receipt of a request to do so.

This version produced 28 Aug 2009.
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