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BCHM210 Introductory Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I

Updated: 21 January 2013
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Off Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
13 April 2013 16 April 2013 Mandatory Intensive school held only when unit is offered off campus.
02 December 2013 05 December 2013 Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites (CHEM120 and BIOL110 and BIOL120) or CHEM204 or candidature in a postgraduate award in the School of Environmental and Rural Science or School of Science and Technology or CHEM120 and BIOL110 and candidature in BExSpSc(ClinExPhys) or BExerPhys or BExSpSc or BExerSc or BPharm
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Heather Nonhebel (hnonheb2@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

The information molecules of cells, DNA and RNA, are introduced. The fundamental concept that genetic information codes for protein molecules is examined. DNA replication, transcription and translation into proteins are covered. The structure of proteins and their importance to biological function are introduced, with special attention to the proteins that act as biological catalysts. The central role of respiration to obtain chemical energy to maintain cells is examined with special reference to the oxidation of sugars and carbohydrates.
Important Information

Where calculators are permitted in examinations, it must be selected from an approved list, which can be accessed from the Further Information link below.

Further information
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry
ISBN: 9781429234146
Nelson, D.L. and Cox, M.M., Worth 6th ed. 2012
Note: Students should either purchase this text OR the International 5th edition (ISBN 9781429208925). The Australian 5th edition (ISBN 9780716771081) is also acceptable for use.
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Referenced Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Reference material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

A Student Handbook for Writing in Biology
ISBN: 9781429234917
Knisely, K., Freeman 3rd ed. 2009
Note: Available from the Dixson Library, UNE
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
A Short Guide to Writing About Biology, International Edition
ISBN: 9780205922482
Peckenik, J.A., Pearson/Longman 8th ed. 2012
Note: Available from the Dixson Library, UNE
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Essay 10% 1200
Assessment Notes
Essay on protein structure and function
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO; 3, 4, 5 GA; 1, 2, 4, 6
Mid-Trimester Test 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 1, 2, 6
Pratical reports and problems 30% 1800
Assessment Notes
Two practical reports; problem sets completed online or during class time. It is mandatory that students attend and pass this component in order to pass this unit.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA; 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Final Examination 2 hrs 40%
Assessment Notes
It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 1, 2, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. describe the general features of biological molecules and their role in biological processes;
  2. understand the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation and relate general principles of molecular biology to genetic engineering;
  3. discuss the relationship of structure and function in proteins;
  4. understand the role of enzymes as catalysts in biological systems and outline the control of enzyme activity;
  5. identify key concepts in metabolic biochemistry using glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation as examples; and
  6. display skills in experimental design, execution, result interpretation and reporting.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Lectures cover the following topics: The information molecules of cells, DNA and RNA, are introduced. The fundamental concept that genetic information codes for protein molecules is examined. DNA replication, transcription and translation into proteins are covered. The structure of proteins and their importance to biological function are introduced, with special attention to the proteins that act as biological catalysts. The central role of respiration to obtain chemical energy to maintain cells is examined with special reference to the oxidation of sugars and carbohydrates.This knowledge is assessed in all assessments. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Essay writing and scientific report writing are taught, practised and assessed. 		True True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are instructed on methods for accessing relevant literature; this is practised and assessed in an essay and reports. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Students learn that scientific knowledge is constantly changing and requiring constant updating. 		True
6 Problem Solving
Students are given extensive practise in problem solving during practicals and constructions of practical reports. This is assessed in all assessments. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Scientific ethics are taught, practised and assessed during practicals. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Students must work cooperatively in order to complete practical work. 		True
   

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