Biochemistry and Metabolism (11734.1)

Required texts

Core textbook

1. Lehninger Principle of Biochemistry 8th edition (2021) by David L. Nelson; Michael M. Cox.

2. Principle of Medical Biochemistry, 3rd edition, Meisenberg & Simmons 2012

electronic resource available at:   https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/lib/canberra/reader.action?docID=1430297

Required Laboratory Manual:  Nelson M, Zhang, XN, Popham M,  Laboratory Manual for Human Biochemistry 2024 (University of Canberra).  All students must download and print the laboratory manual from the introduction module on Canvas. The Laboratory manual contains all the information regarding laboratory practical sessions and Lab Reports.

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

The final mark for this unit will be calculated according to the weight specified above from each assessment item.  To achieve a passing grade or higher in this unit, students must:

• Attempt mid-semester test, laboratory assignment and final assessment;
• Attend and participate in 75% (3 out 4) of the face-to-face laboratory sessions, also lab 3 is mandatory;
• Achieve a mark of at least 45% on the end-of-semester final assessment; and
• Achieve a final aggregate mark of 50% or higher.

Please note: group submissions of assessment items, or assessment items containing plagiarised material will undergo academic integrity review. The unit convener reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes, which may result in adjustment to the marks awarded for a specific task. 

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

The contact hours for each student consist of 24 hours of lectures (face-to-face in weeks 1,5, 6, and 13, the others are online recordings), 12 hours of laboratory classes (4 laboratory classes) and 8 hours of tutorials (4 tutorials) totalling 44 hours for this unit. There are another 24 hours of optional face-to-face drop-in sessions with the unit convener. The remaining hours or workload should be utilized to prepare for lectures/laboratory/tutorials/quizzes and assessments.

Participation requirements

Your participation both in class and online activities will enhance your understanding of the unit content and therefore the quality of your assessment responses. Lack of participation may result in your inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items.

Attendance in 75% (3 out of 4) of Face-to-face practical classes is COMPULSORY to meet the passing criteria in this unit. In addition, participation in Laboratory 3 is mandatory. Your participation will be recorded electronically by scanning your student ID card during laboratory classes. To avoid any penalties in case of illness, medical or counselling certificates must be presented to the convener in person or electronically within 7 business days of the missed laboratory. You will need a certificate for every laboratory class that you may have missed.

Required IT skills

Basic knowledge of internet browsers, Microsoft Office or a similar program package.

This unit involves online meetings in real-time using the Virtual Room in your UCLearn teaching site. The Virtual Room allows you to communicate in real-time with your lecturer and other students. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, go to the Virtual Room in your UCLearn site and 'Join Course Room'. This will trigger a tutorial to help familiarise you with the functionality of the virtual room.

In-unit costs

There are relatively minor costs associated with this unit.

Students are expected to have their 

1. own appropriate safety equipment (laboratory coat and safety glasses) and fully enclosed shoes which are mandatory for laboratory safety

2. scientific calculator for laboratory activities

3. electronic device and appropriate headphone/earphones for online classes

Students will need to print out their Lab manual at their own cost.  

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

Additional information

Unforeseen circumstances beyond the unit convener's control could result in changes to the mode of delivery of lectures, tutorials and practicals (where applicable) and assessments. Students will be advised if this occurs and appropriate alternatives will be arranged.

• Semester 2, 2024, On-campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (219048)
• Semester 2, 2023, On-campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (209109)