LQB381 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: | LQB381 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | LQB180 or CZB190 or CSB432 or (CVB101 and CVB102) or (192 cp in MD70 or MV70) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Foundational biochemistry. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| 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: | LQB381 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | LQB180 or CZB190 or CSB432 or (CVB101 and CVB102) or (192 cp in MD70 or MV70) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Foundational biochemistry. |
| Coordinator: | Sonia Troeira Henriques | sonia.henriques@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Biochemistry is where biology meets chemistry to reveal how life works at a molecular level. Building on the biochemistry and biology concepts from your first year studies, this unit explores how biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, power the processes within living cells, and drive everything from cellular metabolism to health and disease. This unit provides a solid foundation to deepen your exploration of biochemistry and related fields within biomedical and allied health sciences.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Define the structure and function of the major classes of biological macromolecules and describe how changes to the structure and function may impact cellular processes in health and disease.
- Describe the characteristics of enzyme structure and function and how they can impact biological pathways.
- Compare and contrast the metabolism of cells and tissues in normal and pathological situations evaluating the relationships between central biochemical foundations and major cellular process, focusing on the role of enzymes.
- Demonstrate professional behaviour in a biochemistry lab, including the ability to work collaboratively, actively engage in lab activities, and gain a thorough technical understanding of health and safety procedures related to handling potentially hazardous materials and equipment.
- Demonstrate competence in biochemistry laboratory skills, including the use of laboratory equipment, quantitative skills, preparation of samples, ability to follow protocols, data analysis and interpretation, and scientific writing.
Content
To uncover how life works at the molecular level, we will explore the structure and function of biomolecules and how their interactions sustain living organisms and life, all in accordance with the laws of nature. This unit covers the following topics:
- chemical bonds, functional groups, pH and acid-base properties;
- structure and function of nucleotides and nucleic acids;
- structure and properties of amino acids;
- how to calculate the overall charge of amino acids, peptides and proteins;
- structure and function of peptides and proteins;
- structure and function of lipids and biomembranes;
- structure and function of carbohydrates;
- how thermodynamics and bioenergetics control biochemical reactions;
- structure and function of enzymes;
- enzyme kinetics, kinetic parameters and enzyme inhibitors;
- introduction to principles and regulation of metabolism;
- overview and regulation of the major metabolic pathways that degrade and synthesise carbohydrates with a focus on glycolysis and gluconeogenesis;
- overview and regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and its central role in major metabolic pathways;
- overview and regulation of the oxidative phosphorylation and its role in the production of ATP;
- overview and regulation of the major metabolic pathways that synthesise and degrade lipids, such as fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid beta-oxidation;
- regulatory hormones in metabolism;
- the importance of insulin and glucagon to maintain sugar levels;
- preparation of solutions and samples in the lab;
- quantitative skills to calculate the concentration of samples in the lab;
- the use of a spectrophotometer to quantify biomolecules in biological samples in the lab;
- plotting graphs with experimental data, and data analysis and interpretation;
- lab techniques to quantify and separate proteins;
- investigation and characterisation of metabolic enzymes in the lab;
- determine enzyme kinetic parameters with experimental data in the lab.
Learning Approaches
This unit consists of weekly online theory material, a weekly tutorial session and a number of practical sessions.
The weekly online content includes online course material or narrated PowerPoints, and formative revision quizzes that cover the concepts and topics outlined in the learning content.
The weekly tutorials will revise the theory content and will reinforce your learning through revision exercises and activities conducted in class. Tutorials can be attended face-to-face or online and are recorded for future revision. Tutorials are essential to support your learning of the theory and are designed to prepare you for the practical classes, and theory exam. Moreover, these sessions are a weekly opportunity to ask questions to your unit coordinator and get feedback on your learning.
The practical classes are designed to develop and reinforce your professional practice, laboratory skills and upskill you in biochemical calculations, data collection and analysis, and results interpretation and critical thinking. Practicals will gradually increase in complexity as semester progresses by focusing on foundational skills at the beginning of the semester (i.e. biochemical calculations, use of spectrophotometer, use of calibration curves) and then exploring more advanced applications later in semester to solve biochemical problems related to health and disease (e.g. separation of proteins, comparison of metabolic enzymes in different tissues, and enzyme kinetics). The practical classes are supported by a teaching team who will actively guide you through the experimental work and research tasks and will provide you with feedback on your learning.
The unit coordinator is available during the practical and tutorial sessions for further assistance and feedback. The teaching program is supported by self-directed formative learning exercises and quizzes and other resources for learning on Canvas. Professional development and opportunities will be briefly discussed and explored in more detail in subsequent units.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive progressive feedback on every component of your assessment. Specifically, you will receive feedback during practical classes on each research task conducted in the practical portfolio. You will also receive feedback in one of the scheduled tutorial sessions, and in postings on Canvas. The unit coordinator is also available for individual feedback on any summative assessment during or after scheduled classes.
You will receive formative feedback during the weekly tutorials and on the unit's Canvas site through the weekly tutorial revision and online quizzes, which include biochemical calculations, multiple choice questions and/or short answer questions. These will assist your learning in both laboratory practice and biochemical knowledge.
Assessment
Overview
This unit has two summative assessment items:
Assessment 1: Laboratory/Practical demonstration (50%), consisting of research tasks to demonstrate technical and professional skills, completed during practical classes (e.g in weeks 3, 5, 7,11; the exact weeks may vary depending on calendar and public holidays);
Assessment 2: Final theory exam (50%), on campus during exam period.
In addition to summative assessment you will have continuous formative assessment in the tutorial sessions, on canvas site and during your practical sessions.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Laboratory/Practical
Practical Assessment Overview
As a biochemist working in a biomedical or research laboratory environment, you will engage in real-world research scenarios throughout the semester to demonstrate your technical and professional skills.
The practical assessment includes four research scenarios (each worth 12.5%, total 50%) completed during class and assessed with research tasks in weeks 3, 5, 7, and 11 (exact week may vary based on the calendar and public holidays).
Research Scenarios
- Quantification of biomolecules using a spectrophotometer (assesses quantitative and lab skills to prepare samples, the use of a spectrophotometer and application the Beer-Lambert Law to quantify biomolecules);
- Protein quantification in plasma samples (evaluates preparation of standard curves, use of various protein quantification methods, and critical comparison of their accuracy);
- Separation and identification of isoenzymes in tissue samples for disease diagnosis (involves applying concepts such as protein charge and isoelectric point in separation techniques, the use of electrophoresis to separate and identify proteins, and the use of spectrophotometer to monitor enzyme kinetics)
- Determination of enzyme kinetic parameters (involves understanding the Michaelis-Menten model, using the Lineaweaver-Burk plot to calculate kinetic parameters, and identification of reducing sugars in biochemical assays)
Each research scenario builds on the previous one and gradually increases in complexity. You will develop foundational skills early in the semester (i.e., biochemical calculations, use of spectrophotometer, data plotting and determination of concentration using calibration curves) and apply them to more advanced analyses (e.g. protein separation, comparison of metabolic enzymes in different tissues, enzyme kinetics).
The practical class in the week prior to the summative tasks is dedicated to learn, consolidate and practice the skills. These sessions also include formative quizzes, and feedback from demonstrators to support your progress. Weekly tutorials and online content are aligned with the practicals to reinforce conceptual understanding.
This scaffolded approach supports the development of technical competencies and key learning outcomes, including professional behaviour, teamwork, and laboratory proficiency, preparing you for advanced studies.
Assessment and Participation
Research tasks reflect core responsibilities of a biochemist, such as sample calculations, experimental procedures, graph plotting, data analysis and interpretation of data sets related to the lab activities. Although you are assessed individually, lab work is conducted in pairs, with peer collaboration and teaching team support. You receive ongoing formative feedback from demonstrators during class, promoting reflection and continuous improvement.
Missed Practicals
If you are unable to attend a practical session with research scenario due to medical or other special circumstances, submit supporting documentation via HiQ within three days of the missed practical class. Acceptable supporting evidence of bona fide absenteeism can be approved for an alternative assessment during the next practical class. Please discuss with the Unit Coordinator directly on how this will be conducted. Unapproved absences will result in no marks for the associated assessment.
Use of Generative AI tools
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Assessment: Examination (invigilated)
Final Exam Overview
You will undertake the role of a biochemist and demonstrate your understanding on biomolecules' structure and their impact in cellular processes in health and disease, on how enzymes catalyse biochemical reactions, and on how key metabolic pathways are regulated. The end of semester exam will assess your comprehension of biochemistry concepts studied through the semester and their real-work impact in life and health, and for treating diseases. The exam will include multiple choice questions and short answer questions.
Use of Generative AI tools
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
The student is responsible for obtaining a lab gown, safety glasses, disposable masks, a calculator, marking pens, and for printing the unit & practical classes manual.
Resources
There are no prescribed textbooks for this unit. Textbook resources and other online resources will be available on Canvas site and discussed in week 1. Any of the following is also an appropriate study resource for this unit.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Campbell MK, Farrell SO, McDougal OM. Biochemistry. 9th edition: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning; 2016. ISBN 978-1-337-51435-4
Nelson DL, Cox, MM.. Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry. 8th edition: W.H. Freeman; macmillan learning; 2021.ISBN: 978-1319381479
Voet D, Voet JG, Pratt CW. Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level. 5th edition: John Wiley & Sons; 2016. ISBN: 978-118-91840-1
Safety and protective equipment
Personal Protective equipment (required for all practicals - need to be 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. To become proficient in practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with biochemistry. 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 unit coordinator, 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.CS47 Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Understand and apply knowledge of the health care consumer: person-centred care promoting wellness, person and societal good, prevention of poor health outcomes and harm, treating disease.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - Demonstrate expertise in knowledge of medicines, including knowledge of the drug substance and drug action: sources, properties and actions of medicinal substances.
Relates to: ULO3, Examination (invigilated) - Demonstrate the formulation and compounding of safe, efficacious and high-quality medicinal products tailored to individual needs.
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory/Practical - Provide tailored information, advice and documentation using a range of communication modes including written, verbal, non-verbal and digital.
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory/Practical
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: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - 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: Laboratory/Practical - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - Professional (including OHS and QA) Knowledge
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory/Practical - Technical proficiency
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory/Practical - Analysis and interpretation of data
Relates to: Examination (invigilated) - Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
Relates to: ULO3, Examination (invigilated) - Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
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: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - 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: Laboratory/Practical - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
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: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - 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: Examination (invigilated)
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: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated) - 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: Examination (invigilated)