SLE212 - Biochemistry
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Previously coded as: | SBB212 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Bernhard Dichtl |
| Prerequisite: | SLE152 or SLE155 |
| Corequisite: | SLE010 and recommended study of SBB111 or SLE111 |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 5 x 1 hour online seminar per trimester, 6 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Content
Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules that are related to living organisms. In SLE212 students will apply their fundamental knowledge of chemistry, biology and mathematics to describe the structure, chemistry and biology of various classes of biomolecules (amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, fatty acids and nucleic acids). Students will learn about the structure function relationship of proteins and the principles of enzymatic catalysis. They will explore the influence of thermodynamic principles on biochemical processes that sustain life. In practical sessions, students will learn essential skills in biochemical experimentation. They will be required to apply knowledge of chemical and physical principles to investigate how biochemical reactions are dependent upon the chemistry of water, buffers and pH. Students will work in teams and apply digital technologies to explore the structure function relationship of proteins as is done in real-world research and development approaches.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Calculate the chemical composition of buffers; construct and validate the buffers within the laboratory. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Identify, deduce, describe and interpret the structure, chemistry and biological function of biochemical molecules (amino acids, protein, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids). | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Analyse, calculate and present experimental data produced during the laboratory practicals using software packages. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Make biochemical measurements and observations using laboratory instruments and equipment and use biochemical knowledge to logically support conclusions drawn from experimental data. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO5 | Demonstrate transferable employability skills by working collaboratively in a team to develop and clearly present information on the authentic real world topic of protein structure and function. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Five written practical worksheets | 35% (5 x 7%) | Either before or after each practical session |
| Assessment 2 | Online test | 20% | Week 7 |
| Assessment 3 | 7-minute collaborative presentation | 20% | Weeks 5, 9 and 10 |
| End-of-Unit Assessment | Practical and theory test | 25% | End-of-Unit Assessment period |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
Prescribed text(s): Jeremy M. Berg; Gregory J. Gatto, Jr.; Justin Hines; John L. Tymoczko; Lubert Stryer, 2023, Biochemistry, 10th edition, W.H. Freeman & Company.
IMPORTANT:
Students may receive discounts on a number of purchase options, including a 12-month Macmillan Learning Achieve subscription (includes 12 months' access to the ebook), a subscription to the ebook or the printed text. A discount link will be made available at the start of the trimester.
The texts and reading list for SLE212 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
This text is the same as that used for Biochemical Metabolism (SLE222).
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.