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BCHM210 Introductory Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I

Updated: 12 October 2011
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
10 April 2012 13 April 2012 Mandatory Intensive school held only when unit is offered off campus.
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites (CHEM120 or CHEM120A and BIOL110 and BIOL120) or CHEM204 or CHEM204A 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 BExerPhys or BExerSc or BPharm
Co-requisites None
Restrictions BCHM210A
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.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry
ISBN: 9780716771081
Nelson, D.L. and Cox, M.M., Worth 5th ed. 2008
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., Sinauer 3rd ed. 2009
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
A Short Guide to Writing About Biology
ISBN: 9780321159816
Pechenik, J.A., Pearson/Longman 5th ed. 2003
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
Assignment 2 6% 750
Assessment Notes
Essay on protein structure and function.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Assignment 3 6%
Assessment Notes
Problem set on carbohydrates and metabolism.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Assignment1 6%
Assessment Notes
On-line problem set on nucleic acids and protein synthesis.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Mid-Semester Test 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 GA: 1, 2, 6
Reports 22%
Assessment Notes
Practical reports - 2 practical reports approximately 1500 words per report. It is mandatory that students attend and pass the practical component in order to pass this unit.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 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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