LQB682 Biomolecular Design

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Biomolecular Design provides an advanced theoretical and practical foundation for careers in biomedical research, development, and biotechnology. It focuses on the methodologies and applications of protein-based analytical technologies, which are relevant for biomedical research, and therapeutic development. You will explore these technologies gaining hands-on experience in laboratory-based approaches while also developing the critical thinking skills required for evaluating emerging technologies. Building on prior studies in biochemistry and molecular biology, this unit equips you with essential competencies for experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving in biological research. Additionally, it extends your understanding for broader applications, including regulatory considerations, technology assessment, and intellectual property.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the relationship between protein structure and function, with an emphasis on molecular design principles and biophysical characterisation techniques.
2. Translate protein engineering techniques for enhanced functionality and optimisation of scalable expression and purification strategies.
3. Assemble the refinement and processes involved in the production and screening of biopharmaceuticals and other biotechnology products, with consideration of regulatory compliance and analytical validation.
4. Illustrate proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques in protein science, including experimental design, data analysis, and professional scientific communication.

Content

Learning Approaches

Blended learning approaches will be employed to integrate teaching and learning through a combination of online material, tutorials, and laboratory sessions, providing an integrated approach to theoretical and practical learning. Tutorials introduce key concepts, which are reinforced through hands-on laboratory activities and computational workshops. These practical components are designed to develop technical proficiency and deepen your understanding of biochemical experimental applications. Laboratory sessions feature instruction to help you develop core competencies and apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Regular formative feedback will be provided by the teaching team to support your learning and competency with the techniques during the is provided through marked reports, which are returned promptly with comments to support your learning. 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative feedback on your learning is provided within practical sessions and use of self-directed learning activities available on Canvas, where applicable. Practical classes closely align with theory, reinforcing key concepts and strategies, with experienced demonstrators assessing your progress and offering guidance. General feedback on assessment items will be provided via Canvas or in class.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment items for this unit are designed to enhance and evaluate your comprehension of biochemistry techniques and technologies. These tasks will assess your grasp of theoretical concepts, their practical application, and your ability to communicate these ideas effectively within the biochemistry and biotechnology fields. In assessment item 1, you will critique AI-generated and peer-reviewed protocols relating to protein purification strategies.  Assessment item 2 documents your practical work, focusing on your design, execution and evaluation proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques. In assessment item 3, you will assemble your learning to integrate and communicate an advanced biochemistry concept effectively as a teaching style presentation to an audience of junior scientists.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Protein Purification Critique

As an active scientist seeking an effective protocol for purifying a protein of interest, you will critically compare AI-generated protocols with those found in peer-reviewed literature. This assessment will involve evaluating the protein information, extraction, purification, and identification techniques presented in both sources. You will reflect on the accuracy and reliability of the AI tools compared to traditional database literature searching methods, documenting your findings and insights.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Practical Skills Portfolio

You are a biochemist working in a biopharmaceutical laboratory, and you are required to document the design, execution, and evaluation of protocols, including troubleshooting and notes for refinement. This portfolio will compile your practical work across multiple biochemical techniques, structured to mimic a professional laboratory notebook. This exercise has real-world applications for roles in Research and Development (R&D) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC).

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Biochemistry Showcase

In the role of a biochemistry instructor, you will explain the theoretical and practical implications of your chosen concept, demonstrating a deep understanding of its biochemical significance. You will present on an advanced biochemistry concept, such as molecular design, drug design, or protein purification, to junior science students at a biochemistry showcase. You will use a student-focused teaching method to foster an engaging and educational environment.

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 lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the student's responsibility.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Nelson DL, Cox, MM.  Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 8th edition: 2021.

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 (65% polyester is maximum allowable)
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards (AS1336, AS1337 and AS1338).
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 academic in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Course Learning Outcomes

LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

1. 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: Protein Purification Critique, Biochemistry Showcase
2. 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: Practical Skills Portfolio
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Protein Purification Critique, Practical Skills Portfolio, Biochemistry Showcase
4. Contribute effectively to biomedical projects, either as an individual or as a member of a team and demonstrate professional behaviour.
   Relates to: Practical Skills Portfolio
5. Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
   Relates to: Protein Purification Critique