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) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,760 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | LQB381 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | LQB180 or CZB190 or CSB432 or (CVB101 and CVB102) |
| Coordinator: | Sonia Troeira Henriques | sonia.henriques@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The study of biochemistry provides knowledge to fully appreciate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and their roles within living cells. You will learn how the activity of macromolecules impact the function and metabolism of the cells and tissues of the human body and how these may impact health and disease. This unit builds on the chemistry and biology elements of first year units and prepares you with a broad foundational knowledge for the study of biochemistry and allied disciplines of biomedical and 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 competence in biochemistry laboratory skills including using biochemistry laboratory equipment, biochemical quantitative skills, data analysis and interpretation, scientific writing skills and a technical understanding of health and safety procedures associated with the handling of potentially hazardous materials and equipment.
Content
Topics described in this unit include:
Organisational structure and primary functions of nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Organisational structure and function of amino acids, peptides and proteins.
Structure and function of lipid bilayers and membrane proteins.
Structure and action of enzymes including mechanisms of catalysis, kinetic analysis and control processes.
Metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids: the major metabolic pathways that synthesise and degrade carbohydrates and lipids, monosaccharides as metabolic units, polysaccharides in structure and energy storage, structure and function of simple, compound and isoprenoid lipids.
Metabolic integration: the regulation of glycolysis, glycogen and lipid metabolism; energy metabolism and mitochondrial function; metabolic and hormonal regulation of metabolism and interconversion of metabolites and nutrients under varying dietary and body requirements; metabolism of amino acids, proteins and the elimination of nitrogenous waste.
Theory and applications of: laboratory measurements and techniques, including liquid handling, spectrophotometric assays to quantify biomolecules and monitor enzyme activities; maintaining workplace health and safety and the responsible conduct of laboratory work.
Learning Approaches
This unit has a strong practical component to develop laboratory skills, to do biochemical calculations, to collect and analyse data, and to interpret results. In addition, the unit will deliver theory content in an online format, and optional face-to-face tutorial sessions designed to revise theory concepts and prepare you for the practical classes, mid-semester exam and final exam. In this unit you will develop skills in problem-solving and biochemical quantitation required for the application of biochemical concepts, and will prepare you for successive biochemistry units. Teaching staff are available during practical classes to assist you with your learning and to provide feedback. The unit coordinator is available during the tutorial sessions for further assistance and feedback. The teaching program is supported by self-directed formative learning exercises 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 formative feedback on the practical laboratory exercises and on the mid-semester assessment to assist your learning in both laboratory practice and biochemical knowledge. Feedback will be available on continuous summative assessment and progress in this unit via practical classes, discussion in scheduled classes, and in postings on Canvas.
Assessment
Overview
Formative assessment will be provided in practical classes, and through multiple choice quizzes and problem solving exercises provided on the unit Canvas site and in tutorial classes.
Summative assessment includes continuous practical assessment throughout the semester, and examination (progress examination and final examination).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Laboratory Portfolio
Continuous assessment on laboratory: each practical class will be assessed via two components: 1) practical activity engagement, documentation, analysis and interpretation of results in lab notebook; 2) Skill test at the end of the practical activity to assess the key concepts associated with the practical class.
Assessment: Examination (written)
This examination will assess your knowledge and understanding of content delivered during weeks 1-6, focusing on the structure and function of biological macromolecules.
Assessment: Examination (written)
The end of semester exam will assess comprehension and application of the biochemical concepts covered in this unit.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties 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 Portfolio, Examination (written), Examination (written) - 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 (written) - Demonstrate the formulation and compounding of safe, efficacious and high-quality medicinal products tailored to individual needs.
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory Portfolio - Provide tailored information, advice and documentation using a range of communication modes including written, verbal, non-verbal and digital.
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory Portfolio
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 Portfolio, Examination (written), Examination (written) - 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 Portfolio - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio, Examination (written), Examination (written) - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio
LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio, Examination (written), Examination (written) - Professional (including OHS and QA) Knowledge
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio - Technical proficiency
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio - Analysis and interpretation of data
Relates to: Examination (written), Examination (written) - Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
Relates to: Examination (written), Examination (written) - Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
Relates to: Laboratory Portfolio