Unit Outline
CXA261
Metabolic Biochemistry
Semester 1, 2025
Jeff Beckett
School of Health Sciences
College of Health and Medicine
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Jeff Beckett
Email: Jeffrey.Beckett@utas.edu.au
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
Metabolic biochemistry entails the study of intermediary metabolism and the structures involved. This unit is concerned mainly with the metabolic processes involved in the inter-conversion and storage of metabolic energy, the regulation of these processes and the associated molecules. Specifically, the intention of this unit is to: Introduce some of the chemical and physical processes on which life depends; Provide you with an understanding of some of the major biological molecules and their metabolic interrelationships sufficient to pursue further studies in the nutrition, exercise science, physiology and molecular biology of higher organisms; Develop your awareness of the biomedical applications of biochemistry.
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 a sound and broad understanding of the metabolic basis, and co-ordination, of metabolism in humans in both healthy and diseased cells and tissues
2
Apply critical thinking skills to complex problem-based learning activities
3
Interpret, evaluate and communicate biochemical data from scientific literature and in laboratory-based experimentation in the form of a case study.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
CZZ101 AND CZZ102
Alterations as a result of student feedback
No alterations have been made as a result of student feedback.
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Independent Learning
Online Learning.
2
Weekly
Tutorial
Face to face tutorial
2
Weekly
Practical
Laboratory-based practical sessions
3
Study Period 4 times
Online
Individual Study
Research and writing of assignments.
5
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 
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:
Case Study
Refer to Assessment Description
10 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
Test
Refer to Assessment Description
15 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 3:
Test
Refer to Assessment Description
15 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 4:
Metabolic disease review
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 5:
Examination
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Case Study
Task Description:
Students will answer questions based on the analysis of a case study.
Task Length:
800 words excluding references.
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
10 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret real-world data based on the practicals.
LO2, LO3
2
Identify key issues of the case study and analyse these issues using the relevant theoretical concepts and the literature.
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: Test
Task Description:
Written test consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
Task Length:
60 minutes
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
15 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of metabolic processes through the analysis and interpretation of problem-based, written activities.
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment Task 3: Test
Task Description:
Written test consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
Task Length:
60 minutes
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
15 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of metabolic processes through the analysis and interpretation of problem-based, written activities..
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment Task 4: Metabolic disease review
Task Description:
Metabolic disease review
Task Length:
3000 words excluding references
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Introduce a topic and organize ideas, concepts, and information to make important metabolic biochemistry connections and distinctions.
LO1, LO2, LO3
2
Research and evaluate published literature in biochemical sciences
LO1, LO2, LO3
3
Communicate in the form of a review assignment on your topic.
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment Task 5: Examination
Task Description:
This is a closed book paper-based exam, where you will be required to demonstrate your individual ability to communicate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge. You may take one A4 double sided or two A4 single sided handwritten or typed notes into the exam.
Task Length:
2 hours
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of metabolic biochemistry processes, and analyse and interpret biochemical data.
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
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.
 
 
 
Required Resources
Required reading materials
Although you do not need a physical textbook to successfully complete CXA261 Metabolic Biochemistry, it would be beneficial to have at least one biochemistry textbook for reference to assist your understanding of the subject material. In this course, most of the lectures will be derived from the following textbook (UTAS library links to the eBook version will be provided in relevant MyLO modules)
Voet, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, 5th Edition 2016.  ISBN 978-1-118-91840-1.
 
Recommended reading materials
 
 
Other required resources