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. 

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

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)