CHM2942 Biological chemistry
Faculty of Science
CHM2942 Biological chemistry is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs (CHM1022 or CHM1052) and (BIO1022 or BMS1021) and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before CHM2942
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After CHM2942
1 unit list CHM2942 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
CHM2942 has been designed for students from chemical and biological backgrounds who have a strong, common interest in the chemistry of living systems. In this unit you will be able to apply their knowledge by examining chemical processes in a biological context: the relationship between stereochemistry and biological activity; transition states of enzyme catalysed reactions; molecular mechanisms underlying glycoside bond formation and breakage; describe the chemical reactivity of organic and inorganic molecules and the reactions occurring at different functional groups; develop a basic understanding of bioconjugate chemistry and its applications; classical and contemporary bioinorganic chemistry of metals; metal coordination chemistry; molecular mechanisms for redox potentials within living systems; metalloproteins and co-enzymes; transport and storage of naturally occurring and toxic metals; role of metals in medicine; applications of modern bio-spectroscopic and bio-imaging techniques; visualisation and monitoring of chemical processes occurring in living tissues; processing bio-imaging and bio-spectroscopic data.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Workshop activitiesExercise10%
- Laboratory-based assessmentDemonstrationThreshold hurdle30%
- Mid semester testQuiz / Test20%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination40%
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
Add to their understanding of the chemical reactivity of organic molecules and the relationship between stereochemistry and biological activity;
- 2
Understand the concept of a transition state in enzyme-catalyzed reactions and the difference between inverting and retaining mechanisms in carbohydrate processing enzymes;
- 3
Apply the concept of protective groups in organic chemistry for the synthesis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates;
- 4
Understand and describe the physical and chemical behaviour of metal ions in aqueous solution, particularly in relation to formation, stability and ligand lability;
- 5
Understand the role of metals in biology, and the development and application of metal-based therapeutics and diagnostics;
- 6
Apply an understanding of the use of spectroscopic techniques for determining the structure and function of biomolecules;
- 7
Understand the different types of bio-imaging techniques and the methods used to process bioimaging data.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories36 hours
- Workshops36 hours
- Assessments1 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Two 1-hour workshops and
- One-hour directed independent study per week
- On-hour workshop/tutorial every fortnight and
- The equivalent of 3.5 hours laboratory activity for 10 weeks
Problem-based learning will be explored in the laboratory exercises through theoretical concepts and will enable the development of relevant observation and descriptive skills, as well as communication skills.
Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain concepts and to highlight links between theory and laboratory work.
Active learning will occur in workshops and lab sessions.
Learning resources
Required resources
- Laboratory safety glasses
- Laboratory coat
- Laboratory notebook
- Closed toe shoes
Where it fits
CHM2942 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Drasko Vidovic
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Joel Hooper
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHM2942?
You need (CHM1022 or CHM1052) and (BIO1022 or BMS1021) before you enrol.
What can I take after CHM2942?
CHM2942 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including CHM3930.
When is CHM2942 offered?
In 2026, CHM2942 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does CHM2942 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHM2942?
CHM2942 is part of Chemistry.