SLE222 - Biochemical Metabolism
Unit details
| Year: | 2022 unit information |
|---|---|
| Important Update: | Unit delivery will be in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. We continue to tailor learning experiences for each unit to achieve the best possible mix of online and on-campus activities that successfully blend our approaches to learning, working and research. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates. Last updated: 4 March 2022 |
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Previously coded as: | SBB222 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Bernhard Dichtl |
| Prerequisite: | SLE152 or SLE155 |
| Corequisite: | SLE010 |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 1 x 2 hour class per week, 1 x 1 hour online class per week, 5 x 3 hour practicals per trimester, 1 x 3 hour online practical.
|
Content
Biochemical metabolism is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. In this unit, students will apply their fundamental knowledge of chemistry, physics, math and biology to understand the chemistry, as well as the energetic and regulatory principles that govern biochemical pathways. Students will analyse catabolic and anabolic pathways of carbohydrates and fatty acids and the overlapping biochemical concepts of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Likewise, they will dissect how energy consuming reactions are coupled to energy releasing reactions in order to drive the synthesis of biological macromolecules. The central role played by photosynthesis to enable life in our world will be highlighted. The interconnectedness of pathways and their combinatorial regulation via hormone signalling in humans will be evaluated at the level of cells, tissues and the entire organism. 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 the chemistry of biomolecules in food, the role of coenzymes as carriers of cellular energy, key metabolites that serve as diagnostic markers in health and disease and photosynthetic pigments in plants. Classes will complement student learning of the principles underlying biochemical metabolism.
| ULO | These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Use chemical structures, reactions and thermodynamic parameters to deduce how biomolecules are metabolized and how energy is harnessed to do work in animal and plant cells. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Present, calculate and analyse experimental data produced during the laboratories using digital technologies. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Make biochemical measurements and observations using laboratory instruments and equipment. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Use biochemical knowledge to logically support conclusions drawn from experimental data. | GLO2: Communication |
These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical worksheets | Three written worksheets, maximum 6 pages each | 30% (3 x 10%) | Day before practical session in weeks 5, 9, and 11 |
| Mid-trimester test | 50-minute in class test | 20% | Week 7 |
| Practical test | In class practical test | 20% | Week 11 |
| Examination | 2-hour online written examination | 30% | Examination 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): Moran & Horton, 2013, Principles Of Biochemistry, 5th (Pearson New International) Ed, Pearson Education, Harlow, United Kingdom.
The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE222 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.
Unit Fee Information
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