SLE212 - Biochemistry

Unit details

Note: You are seeing the 2022 view of this unit information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
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 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
Previously coded as:

SBB212

EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Bernhard Dichtl
Prerequisite:

SLE152 or SLE155

Corequisite:

SLE010 and recommended study of SBB111 or SLE111

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:

2 x 1 hour classes per week, 1 x 1 hour online class per week, 5 x 3 hour practicals per trimester.

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.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Calculate the chemical composition of buffers; construct and validate the buffers within the laboratory.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

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
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO3

Analyse, calculate and present experimental data produced during the laboratory practicals using software packages.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO4

Use biochemical knowledge to logically support conclusions drawn from experimental data.

GLO2: Communication
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO5

Work collaboratively in a team to develop and present a clear and informative presentation on a topic of protein structure and function.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO7: Teamwork

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 Four written practical and data worksheets 40% (4 x 10%) Either before or after each practical session
Group assignment and presentation 7 minute collaborative presentation 20%  Week 8, 9 and 10
Online Test Two 90 minute online tests (60 min answering time plus 30 min reading time and time for uploading questions) 2 x 20% Week 6 and 11

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: SLE212 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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