BCH3052 Protein biology: From sequence to structure and disease
Faculty of Science
BCH3052 Protein biology: From sequence to structure and disease is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
The course will give you an advanced understanding of protein structure-function in the context of human disease. Major themes relate the various levels of protein structure to their wide ranging functions, introduce modern techniques used in the analysis of structure and function, and explore the rapidly developing area of protein-related biotechnologies and drug design. Topics to be covered include examples of aberrations in protein structure that lead to alteration in function in a variety of biological contexts, emphasizing disease. Additionally the use of bioinformatics in aiding our understanding of protein sequence, structure and function will be highlighted.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory assessmentsDemonstration40%
- In-semester quizzesQuiz / Test15%
- Protein analysisDemonstration15%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExaminationThreshold hurdle30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the relationship between protein sequence, structure (including structural dynamics) and function and relate this to specific examples in human health and disease;
- 2
Explain how proteins fold to their correct three dimensional shape and how this process may go wrong and cause disease;
- 3
Describe how various biophysical methods are used to determine the structures and interactions of peptides and proteins;
- 4
Critically analyse how our understanding of proteins contributes to biotechnology and medicine, including how protein engineering contributes to these fields;
- 5
Apply experimental techniques and data analysis methodologies to deduce structural and functional information relating to proteins;
- 6
Communicate the synthesis of experimental results and relevant theories through reports consistent with professional standards in the field.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories27 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Six hours of directed learning (including online lessons, workshops and laboratories) and
- Six hours of independent study per week.
Learning activities in this unit will consist of:
- A weekly online lesson (readings, videos, formative interactive exercises with feedback) introducing the theory behind the weekly topic and defining the associated skills required;
- A weekly interactive workshop, aimed at applying the skills to solving practical problems and consolidating understanding of the topic; and
Six laboratory exercises throughout the semester, focusing on the learning of laboratory skills, techniques, data analysis and interpretation.
Where it fits
BCH3052 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Martin Stone
- Chief Examiners
- Prof Mibel Aguilar
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BCH3052?
BCH3052 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BCH3052 offered?
In 2026, BCH3052 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does BCH3052 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include BCH3052?
BCH3052 is part of Biochemistry and Microbiology.