Unit Outline

Biochemistry is an important biological science, often referred to as the chemistry of life, because biochemical processes are essential in order for all living organisms (e.g. humans, fish and plants) to exist. It is biochemistry that allows the mechanisms behind the processes that occur in biology and physiology to be understood. This unit is designed to introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, complementing, and building on, studies in cell or aquatic biology. It considers the basic chemistry of physiological processes and discusses the structure and function of the major biochemical macromolecules (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids) in biology. The unit also provides you with an introduction to metabolic and cellular/molecular biology.

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.	Demonstrate and apply knowledge of concepts and principles related to the properties of basic organic chemical groups, the nature of bodily fluids, and the chemical structures, properties and functions of the major biochemical macromolecules
2.	Problem solve (present, interpret and critically analyse) different forms of biochemical data and information (i.e., tables, graphs, calculations, molecular structures).
3.	Communicate biological information in writing by: a) adopting and maintaining professional practice by adhering to the guidelines of a scientific report, and b) developing and using correct terminology in a cohesive manner that conveys understanding.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KRA161 or CXA171

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to student feedback this unit has been made more biochemistry focused.

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:	Test	See the MyLO site for the due date	25 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Scientific Report	See the MyLO site for the due date	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Test

Task Description:

There are two online Mylo based tests, in which you will complete MCQs covering lecture, tutorial and practical material.

Task Length:

50 minutes per test

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Perform calculations relevant to biochemistry.	LO2
2	Demonstrate knowledge of chemical bonding principles.	LO1
3	Demonstrate knowledge of structure and chemical characteristics of biochemical macromolecules.	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Scientific Report

Task Description:

You will be required to submit two written scientific reports covering TWO (2) of the practical sessions - practical session 1 (17.5%) and practical session 2 (17.5%). Feedback provided on the first scientific report will assist you in the preparation of the next scientific report.

Task Length:

750 words for each scientific report.

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe principles relating to biochemistry techniques.	LO1
2	Present and interpret biochemistry data.	LO2
3	Communicate using discipline specific terminology	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Examination

Task Description:

This is an online, non-invigilated open book exam comprising of multiple choice and short answer questions covering the lecture, tutorial and practical material of the entire unit. Further details will be released at the end of semester by teaching staff.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Perform calculations relevant to biochemistry.	LO2
2	Demonstrate knowledge of chemical bonding principles.	LO1
3	Demonstrate knowledge of structure and chemical characteristics of biochemical macromolecules.	LO1
4	Communicate using discipline specific terminology	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to 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.