Unit Outline
CBA260
Biochemistry: Metabolism & Nutrition
Semester 1, 2026
Louise Roddam
Tasmanian School of Medicine
Health (Portfolio)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Louise Roddam
Email: Louise.Roddam@utas.edu.au
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
Provides you with a broad introduction to metabolic and nutritional aspects of biochemistry, and laboratory techniques in biochemical analysis of tissues and enzymes. Major topics include structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids; the integration and control of metabolism, by hormonal and other means in health and disease; roles of selected nutrients in health and disease. The role of metabolism in major human diseases (eg. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer) and exercise is emphasised. You should be aware that TCE Year 12 Chemistry (or equivalent) is assumed knowledge for this unit.
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
Explain the key metabolic pathways, their regulation, and the impact of altered metabolism on physiological function and disease.
2
Generate biochemical data using established laboratory methods.
3
Analyse biochemical data to recognise patterns/relationships, and draw relevant evidence-based conclusions.
4
Communicate biochemical concepts clearly using appropriate scientific terminology.
5
Apply knowledge of metabolism, nutrition, and disease to solve biochemical problems.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
(CZZ101 or KPZ164) AND (CZZ102 or KZA161 or KPA161)
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)
CBA250
CXA261
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Independent Learning
Online Material (2-3 h) weekly
2
Weekly
Practical
Practical (3 h) fortnightly
3
1 time per fortnight
Workshop
Workshop (2 hour) weekly
2
Weekly
Other
Self-directed study (3-4 h) weekly
3
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:
In-Workshop Exercises
See the MyLO site for the due date
10 %
LO1, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:
Mid-Semester Test
See the MyLO site for the due date
20 %
LO1, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:
Laboratory Worksheets
See the MyLO site for the due date
30 %
LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:
End of Semester Exam
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO4, LO5
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: In-Workshop Exercises
Task Description:
This task comprises six (6) short equally weighted in-workshop exercises, designed to reinforce understanding of metabolic pathways, nutrition, and biochemical concepts.

Activities are completed during workshops, encouraging active participation, immediate feedback, and peer learning. You will demonstrate comprehension of key metabolic pathways, nutrition, and biochemical concepts, apply knowledge to short problems, interpret data, communicate answers using appropriate terminology, collaborate, and integrate concepts to solve problems. The activities can include, but are not limited to, quizzes, short answer questions (SAQs), multiple choice questions (MCQs), extended matching questions (EMQs), concept/pathway mapping, mini case studies, group problem-solving activities, role play exercises, think-pair-share questions, and quick calculations/data interpretation tasks.
Task Length:
Varies (workshop-based)
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
10 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Summarise the key metabolic pathways, their regulation, and the impact of altered metabolism on physiological function and disease
LO1
2
Communicate biochemical concepts clearly using appropriate scientific terminology
LO4
3
Use knowledge of metabolism, nutrition, and disease to solve biochemical problems
LO5
 
Assessment Task 2: Mid-Semester Test
Task Description:
The mid-semester test assesses your understanding of core concepts from online modules, workshops and practical classes. The test may include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), extended-matching questions (EMQs), and short written answers. The test is closed book and invigilated.
Task Length:
50 min test
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
20 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Outline the key metabolic pathways, their regulation, and the impact of altered metabolism on physiological function and disease
LO1
2
Communicate biochemical concepts clearly using appropriate scientific terminology
LO4
3
Demonstrate knowledge of metabolism, nutrition, and disease to solve biochemical problems
LO5
 
Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Worksheets
Task Description:
There are two (2) laboratory worksheets associated with practical classes. Each worksheet contributes to the development and assessment of practical skills. These tasks require you to apply experimental techniques, collect biochemical data, analyse patterns/relationships, interpret results, and communicate findings using appropriate scientific terminology. Worksheets are completed during laboratory classes and submitted at the end of the session.
Task Length:
N/A
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Generate biochemical data using established laboratory methods
LO2
2
Interpret biochemical data to identify patterns and relationships and draw relevant evidence-based conclusions
LO3
3
Communicate findings clearly using appropriate scientific terminology
LO4
 
Assessment Task 4: End of Semester Exam
Task Description:
The end-of-semester exam evaluates your knowledge and understanding of concepts covered in online modules, workshops, and practical classes. The exam may include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), extended-matching questions (EMQs), and extended written answers. It is closed book and invigilated.
Task Length:
2 hours
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Describe the key metabolic pathways, their regulation, and the impact of altered metabolism on physiological function and disease
LO1
2
Communicate biochemical concepts clearly using appropriate scientific terminology
LO4
3
Demonstrate knowledge of metabolism, nutrition, and disease to solve biochemical problems
LO5
 
 
 
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
Required readings and other resources will be provided through MyLO.
 
Recommended reading materials
You can access the reading list for this unit from the link in MyLO or by going directly to the reading lists page on the University Library website.
 
Other required resources