Unit Outline

CSA208 provides you with foundational understanding of biochemistry within normal physiological processes and during disease states. Specifically, you will learn about the: (a) structure and function of important biological macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins; (b) structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids; (c) integration and control of metabolism, by hormones and other means; (d) differences in human molecular biology in health and disease and (e) common laboratory tests. Additionally, you will learn about how the pharmacological action of medications relate to the biochemical pathways of common diseases.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Describe key areas of nutrition and basic molecular biology, and the control of metabolism in normal physiological states.
2	Explain changes in metabolism, nutrition and basic molecular biological pathways in the pathogenesis of common diseases.
3	Relate the pharmacological actions of medications to the biochemical pathways of common diseases.
4	Explain and interpret common laboratory tests and results in the context of acute and chronic disease

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CSA116 and ((CZZ101 and CZZ102) OR (CXA137 and CXA144))

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes may have been made which includes the provision of extra interactive learning materials. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2024, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s eVALUate surveys following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	In class assessments	Week 2	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Case based oral assessment	Week 12	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Written exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: In class assessments

Task Description:

You will be required to complete three (3) in class assessments. Weeks 2, 5 and 7

Task Length:

30 minutes each

Due Date:

Week 2

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and describe key nutrients, molecules and biochemical pathways	LO1
2	Apply knowledge of biochemical and metabolic processes to explain how dysregulation results in disease.	LO2
3	Explain the biochemical basis of disease management and treatment strategies.	LO3
4	Describe or interpret data and relate this to biochemical processes and metabolism.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Case based oral assessment

Task Description:

You will be required to undertake an oral assessment based on two clinical cases.

Task Length:

15 minutes each

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe an understanding of concepts related to biochemistry of disease states.	LO1
2	Describe how nutrition and metabolism can have consequences to a patient’s health.	LO2
3	Relate the pharmacological actions of medications to the biochemistry of diseases covered though out the unit.	LO3
4	Apply knowledge of biochemical laboratory results to case studies.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Written exam

Task Description:

You will be required to undertake an end of study period exam. This exam will be conducted face to face.

Task Length:

2 hours + reading time

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe underpinning biochemical function relating to nutrition and metabolism.	LO1
2	Apply biochemical concepts to explain pathogenesis of common diseases or changes in normal function.	LO2
3	Explain how the pharmacological actions of medications impact biochemical pathogenesis of common diseases.	LO3
4	Explain what different laboratory tests and results mean in the context of acute and chronic disease	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes and achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.