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 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 8 units, leading on to 34 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
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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
- BCH2022Metabolic basis of human diseasesNo reviews yet
- BIO2010Data science for biologistsNo reviews yet
- BIO2011Ecology and biodiversityNo reviews yet
- BIO2181Evolution of plant diversityNo reviews yet
- BMS2021Human molecular cell biologyNo 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)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science Advanced with Honours
Overview
This unit introduces the student 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 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In semester assessments40%
- Group Assignment30%
- End of semester exam (2 hours 10 mins)Threshold hurdle30%
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
- Workshops30 hours
- Lectures12 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
- Dr Nathan Croft
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Elizabeth Davis
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, BCH2022, BIO2010, BIO2011, BIO2181 and BMS2021. Those lead on to 34 units in all.
When is BMS1011 offered?
In 2021, BMS1011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BMS1011 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.