BMS1011 Biomedical chemistry
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
BMS1011 Biomedical chemistry is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 8 units, leading on to 32 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
The 2027 handbook has no page for BMS1011. This is its 2026 entry, the latest one.
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Requisites
Before BMS1011
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BMS1011
8 units list BMS1011 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- BCH2011Structure and function of cellular biomoleculesNo reviews yet
- BIO2010Data science for biologistsNo reviews yet
- BIO2011Ecology and biodiversityNo reviews yet
- BIO2181Evolution of plant diversityNo reviews yet
- BIO2242Animal structure and functionNo reviews yet
- BME2032Biomedical industry based learningNo reviews yet
- BMS3031Molecular mechanisms of diseaseNo reviews yet
- BMS3052Biomedical basis and epidemiology of human diseaseNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in one of the following:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including double degree programs)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholar Program)
Overview
This unit will introduce you to the chemistry of organic molecules and the biochemistry of cells. We examine the role of functional groups in biological molecules of biomedical importance and common reactions in metabolism. We reinforce concepts of ionisation and pH.
We discuss the chemistry of proteins and their physical properties in solution leading up to an examination of enzyme catalysis and kinetics. This lays the foundation for an examination of the biological oxidation of fats and carbohydrates that provides the cell with energy. We examine the way energy is stored in times of plenty and relate our understanding to normal and disease states that occur.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In-semester assessments (quizzes and case study analysis)Exercise50%
- Mid-semester test (45 minutes)Examination20%
- End of semester 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
Identify the chemical and biochemical aspects of functional groups in biological molecules.
- 2
Explain the common reactions found in metabolic systems such as oxidation-reduction, bond formation, bond breaking events and a knowledge of the role of water.
- 3
Explain the role of equilibrium and kinetic processes in biology and apply these to the concepts of enzyme catalysis.
- 4
Predict the thermodynamics of metabolic reactions.
- 5
Describe how energy is generated and utilised from carbohydrates and lipids and integrate and translate this to different situations.
- 6
Investigate and communicate, reactions of biomedical importance in normal and disease states
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
6 hours of directed learning (lectures, workshops, pre- and post-class activities, practicals and tutorials) per week.
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Nirma Samarawickrema
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Christopher Thompson
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BMS1011?
BMS1011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BMS1011?
BMS1011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 8 units, including BCH2011, BIO2010, BIO2011, BIO2181, BIO2242 and BME2032. Those lead on to 32 units in all.
When is BMS1011 offered?
In 2026, BMS1011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BMS1011 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.