BCM211 Foundations of Biochemistry (8)

This subject provides an outline of the structure and function of biological macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids), and the major metabolic and bioenergetic pathways within the cell. It provides the basis for further studies in metabolism, molecular and cell biology, genetics, immunology and microbiology, physiology, plant science, biotechnology, and disease processes.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Orange Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BCM211. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Biomedical Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Available only to students enrolled in Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) and Bachelor of Clinical Science courses.

Assumed Knowledge

Students are assumed to have successfully completed first-year University level Chemistry (CHM 107, CHM108 or equivalent).

Incompatible Subjects

BCM210, BCM411, DOH231

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the structure and function of the four major classes of biological macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids) and understand the relationship between structure and function;
  • be able to describe the properties of enzymes as biological catalysts;
  • be able to describe the role of energy in living cells, with particular reference to the concept of free energy and the role of ATP;
  • be able to describe the major metabolic pathways used to synthesise and consume ATP;
  • be able to describe common techniques used in the study of biochemistry

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • a review of subcellular structure and common organic functional groups of relevance to biochemistry, and the role of water in biochemical processes - hydrogen bonding, acid-base behaviour;
  • structure and function of major macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids;
  • enzyme function and kinetic properties;
  • free energy changes and the role of ATP in cellular energy conservation;
  • major metabolic pathways including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, citric acid cycle, mitochondrial electron transport chain, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism;
  • regulation of metabolic pathways.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BCM211 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Mid-session exam (mse)
30
2
Methods used in biochemistry
15
3
Final exam
55

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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