UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

BCH2011 Structure and function of cellular biomolecules

Faculty of Science

BCH2011 Structure and function of cellular biomolecules is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 10 units, leading on to 15 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2021
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 2 other tasks

This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Overview

This unit focuses on the action of major classes of biomolecules in biologically and medically relevant systems. Protein structure is related to function in contexts such as blood cells and extracellular matrix. The folding of proteins and the consequences of misfolding, as a cause of disease, are also explored. The mechanism of action of enzymes in medically important systems is examined. Carbohydrates and lipids are examined in the context of their function in diverse cellular compartments and biological membranes, respectively. The techniques used to isolate and study proteins, including their analysis using the tools provided by the new science of bioinformatics, are explored.

Offerings in 2021

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Moodle quizzesOther
    30%
  • Small group/Practical workOtherThreshold hurdle
    30%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle
    40%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe how the structure of biologically relevant molecules contributes to their function in cells and organisms;

  2. 2

    Define the molecular structure of biological membranes and their role in cellular metabolism;

  3. 3

    Explain the physical and biochemical properties of proteins and describe how proteins function as enzymes;

  4. 4

    Summarise the techniques and underpinning science that is exploited for the isolation, separation and characterisation of biological molecules;

  5. 5

    Demonstrate technical skills in basic laboratory techniques used for the separation and identification of biological molecules and for measuring enzymatic behaviour;

  6. 6

    Demonstrate the skills necessary to accurately interpret biochemical data;

  7. 7

    Demonstrate an ability to research original published scientific literature and effectively communicate your findings either orally or in writing.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories12 hours
  • Workshops12 hours
  • Lectures36 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Teaching approachOnline learning
  • Teaching approachCase-based teaching
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • 1-hour workshop and
  • 3-hour laboratory per week

Weekly workshops, developing skills, application of concepts covered in online lesson.
Small group/practical work

A weekly Moodle lesson, consisting of mini-lecture videos, readings, exercises, and formative quiz questions.

Some workshops and small group/practical work will involve case-based analysis

Workshops will include analysis and solving of problems

Learning resources

Required resources

You may use the 6th or 5th edition but should be aware that page references may differ from the 7th edition.

Nelson, D.L. and Cox, M.M (2017). Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 7 th ed.

Technology resources

It is essential that you bring USB memory sticks to practical classes to transfer / store digital data.

Where it fits

BCH2011 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Prof Mibel Aguilar
Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Martin Stone

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BCH2011?

BCH2011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after BCH2011?

BCH2011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 10 units, including BCH2022, BCH3021, BCH3031, BCH3042, FST3810 and FST3830. Those lead on to 15 units in all.

When is BCH2011 offered?

In 2021, BCH2011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does BCH2011 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include BCH2011?

BCH2011 is part of Biochemistry.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available