LQB180 Foundations of Biochemistry
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | LQB180 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | CZB190 |
| Equivalent(s): | LQD180 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,840 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | LQB180 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | LQD180 |
| Anti-requisite: | CZB190 |
| Coordinator: | Daniel Broszczak | daniel.broszczak@qut.edu.au |
Overview
As part of your foundational level studies and training in disciplines related to biomedical and health sciences, you need to develop knowledge and comprehension of biochemistry in order to describe and explain the biomolecular composition of cells that constitute living systems, such as the human body, the structural nature of biomolecules, and the functions of biomolecules in essential life processes.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the general characteristics of the nature of atoms and bioelements and their structural organisation in biomolecules, and apply this understanding to principles of molecular bonding, energy changes and fundamental reactions that are important for living systems.
- Apply a sound comprehension of the general concepts of biomolecular structure and function to solve problems relevant to human biology in health and disease.
- Demonstrate basic competency in laboratory experimentation and scientific communication skills through the recording, analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
- Apply standard health and safety practices in the laboratory and demonstrate awareness of potential risks and hazards.
- Demonstrate the competencies and skills required to analyse biochemical data using formulae to solve problems relevant to human health and disease.
Content
Living systems all seem very complicated, but they are simply collections of large and small organic molecules that function according to the laws of Nature. The content of this unit includes:
- The nature of living matter: structure of atoms and bioelements.
- Molecular bonding, valency and common reactions in aqueous systems.
- Introduction to the nomenclature and structure of common functional organic groups in biomolecules.
- Acids, bases, salts, buffers and pH in living systems.
- Energy, electromagnetic radiation and the properties of light.
- Thermodynamics and bioenergetics.
- The molecular structure and basic functions of the essential biomolecules: carbohydrates; amino acids, peptides and proteins; lipids; and nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleic acids.
- Macronutrients and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
- Energy generation and energy usage in living organisms and their regulatory processes.
- Introduction to the essential life processes of respiration and cellular communication.
- Quantitative measurements and calculations in biomolecular sciences.
Learning Approaches
The unit consists of online learning material, workshops, and practical sessions. Online modules cover the concepts and principles detailed in the content section. Workshops apply and reinforce the conceptual learning through formative assessment and development of competency-based and problem-solving skills. The practical sessions of the unit aim to develop your basic laboratory skills, as well as reinforce the basic principles discussed in the online modules within a real-world laboratory setting. Self-directed and formative learning will be encouraged through access to online resources, including discussion boards, multiple-choice and workshop questions specially designed to assist you to bridge the gap between theory, practical experiment and scientific problem solving.
Additional self directed and formative learning includes mathematical diagnostic quizzes that will identify your mathematical skills. Identified areas to strengthen will be supported through the "Chemistry and Biochemistry Calculations Made Simple" program.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive progressive formative feedback on multiple components of your assessment. Formative feedback is available through multiple choice question quizzes and short answer question workshop / tutorial problems set on the unit's Canvas pages, where you can receive feedback on your performance to assist your learning. Peer based feedback and support is provided by the Cells and Molecules Peer Leading Community who are embedded in your practical classes. Supervisor feedback is provided during practical laboratory sessions, where your practical demonstrators are available to provide feedback on your laboratory activities. Summative feedback will be provided for your report assessment item to aid in developing your understanding of the relevant content.
Assessment
Overview
General Assessment Information
Your final grade will be calculated by an aggregate score of all summative assessment items. There is no threshold assessment task in this unit. Continuous formative assessment in the workshops take the form of problem-based exercises that draw on theory and practice and are evaluated by using multiple choice and short answer questions.
Practical Class Attendance and Assessment
Participation in the practical classes is an integral part of your learning experience in LQB180. Continuous feedback features throughout the unit and serves to provide a learning environment that positively reinforces the building of knowledge understanding and skilled practical application. If you are unable to attend a practical session, you should inform the unit coordinator by email and provide supporting documentation for your absence, e.g. medical certificate. For approved absences alternate arrangements may be accommodated. In the case of unapproved absence from practicals, no marks will be given for any related assessment.
In addition, a single in-class non-invigilated online closed-book quiz will be conducted around Week 5 of semester. This is a formative quiz and marks will not be included in the final aggregated score for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Report
In the role of a biochemical analyst, you will critically evaluate biochemical data from three patients, who have undergone a standard laboratory test to assess their health situation, and make a diagnostic assessment of their respective conditions to their clinical practitioner.
This assessment is eligible for the 48-hours late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Laboratory/Practical
Undertaking the role of a laboratory scientist, you will perform fundamental lab tasks to generate data and analyse and interpret the results. You will be required to complete the report templates within your lab manual and submit these at the end of each session to the scientific supervisor for immediate (in-class) feedback. You will also be required to perform mathematical calculations relevant to the preparation of buffers, reagents, and data sets pertinent to general and specific laboratory activities practised in the real-world.
Assessment of your laboratory work will be in the form of the laboratory practical manual that focuses on conceptual understanding and problem-solving, good record keeping, and applying good health and safety practices, safe chemical handling, and risk identification.
Practical activities link together to build on and develop lab skills, which align with and reinforce weekly online modules and workshop content. This connected sequence of skill development will enhance your understanding and your capabilities within a lab environment.
Practical laboratory skills and competence are essential graduate outcomes for your course. You are expected to participate in all practical classes. Your work will be assessed on a fortnightly basis (e.g. weeks 3, 6, 8, 10, and 12), inclusive of the tasks performed in the fortnightly blocks.
If you are unable to attend a practical session due to medical or special circumstances, you must inform the unit coordinator by email and provide satisfactory supporting documentation for your absence on or within two days of the missed practical class. Documentation must be provided for and cover each practical class that is missed. Students with acceptable supporting evidence of bona fide absenteeism can be approved for alternative data to complete the laboratory exercises. Please discuss with the Unit Coordinator directly. In the case of unapproved absence from practicals, no marks will be given for related assessment.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised for use in understanding practical tasks and experimental protocols. The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is not authorised for use in completing the LQB180 Laboratory Manual.
Assessment: Final Theory Exam
You will undertake the role of a graduate scientist and demonstrate your understanding of fundamental biochemical constructs and theories often discussed and used in the real-world interpretation of experimental and biological systems. Moreover, you will be required to solve authentic quantitative and case-study based questions, such as those encountered in the laboratory environment, which are performed often in the real-world practices of a graduate scientist and the biochemist or molecular biologist. Questions will include multiple choice questions and short answer questions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Cost of rear-closing lab gowns, safety protection glasses, and the unit laboratory manual are the students responsibility.
Resources
All students will be required to obtain the LQB180 Practical Manual from the QUT Campus Shop. This practical manual contains the laboratory activities related to assessment two of the unit.
All students must also acquire a rear-closing lab gown and safety glasses for the practical classes.
There is no prescribed textbook for LQB180, however, the unit has a recommended textbook, "Chemistry for the Biosciences: the essential concepts", with limited copies (multiple editions and in soft- and hard-copy form) available through the QUT library. The LQB180 unit website will contain a list of recommended texts and resources.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
LQB180 Practical Manual
Recommended text(s)
Crowe J, Bradshaw T. Chemistry for the Biosciences: the essential concepts. 4th ed., OUP (2021).
Voet D, Voet JG, Pratt CW. Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the molecular level. 5th ed., Wiley (2017).
Safety and protective equipment
Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.
If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Demonstrate the technical skills required to solve multi-disciplinary problems in biomedical research, industry and clinical settings and do so in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Contribute effectively to biomedical projects, either as an individual or as a member of a team and demonstrate professional behaviour.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Report
LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Professional (including OHS and QA) Knowledge
Relates to: ULO4, Report, Laboratory/Practical - Technical proficiency
Relates to: ULO3, Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Interpretation and application of protocols
Relates to: ULO3 - Analysis and interpretation of data
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
Relates to: ULO5, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam
LV41 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Demonstrate the technical skills required to solve multi-disciplinary problems in biomedical research, industry and clinical settings and do so in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Contribute effectively to biomedical projects, either as an individual or as a member of a team, by demonstrating professional behaviour and participating in continuous learning.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Report
XN43 Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Apply broad theoretical, technical and cultural knowledge and skills in food and nutrition, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, to respond to a diverse range of contexts and audiences.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Analyse and apply evidence-based research and practice to provide informed, client-centred, and sustainable solutions to sometimes complex current and emerging food and nutrition problems.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Communicate and translate technical food and nutrition information clearly, safely and inclusively using a range of oral, written and digital technologies and formats responsive to the diverse cultural, social and cognitive needs of the intended audience, communities and other professionals
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical - Perform as an inclusive, competent, culturally responsive and ethical professional, working autonomously and collaboratively on innovative and entrepreneurial approaches in food and nutrition.
Relates to: Report
XN45 Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
- Apply advanced theoretical, technical and cultural knowledge and skills in food, nutrition and dietetics, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, tailored to respond to a diverse range of contexts and audiences.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Critically analyse and apply evidence-based research and practice to generate informed, client-centred and sustainable solutions to complex current and emerging food, nutrition and dietetic problems.
Relates to: Report, Laboratory/Practical, Final Theory Exam - Communicate and translate complex food and nutrition information effectively, safely and inclusively using a range of oral, written and digital technologies and formats, responsive to the diverse cultural, social and cognitive needs of clients, interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders and the broader community.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical - Enact inclusive, clinically adept and culturally responsive client-centred practice as a reflective, accountable and ethical professional, working autonomously and collaboratively to manage and lead innovative and entrepreneurial advances in food, nutrition and dietetics.
Relates to: Report