Fundamentals of Biochemistry G (11894.1)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | On-campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Science And Technology |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| School Of Science | Graduate Level | Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Differentiate between major classes of biological molecules;
2. Correlate specific aspects of protein structure with function;
3. Examine and analyse variety of enzyme catalytic mechanisms;
4. Integrate and apply knowledge of the processes and regulation of DNA expression and replication;
5. Collect experimental data and apply biochemical principles to the quantification and interpretation of this data; and
6. Critically evaluate and interpret a variety of literature to address a contemporary issue in medical science, from a metabolic/biochemical perspective.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
6480 Biochemistry G.Assumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 16 February 2026 | On-campus | Dr Regan Ashby |
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 15 February 2027 | On-campus | Dr Regan Ashby |
Required texts
Textbook
Nelson DL and Cox MM (2021), Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry 8th ed. Publisher: W. H. Freeman and Company, Macmillan International, New York. Available from the library (for loan).
Submission of assessment items
Extensions & Late submissions
Your Lab Exercises and Laboratory Report must be uploaded and submitted through Canvas. Theory Exam 1 and Theory Exam 2 will be completed and submitted in-class.
Artificial intelligence
Students are not permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in assessments for this unit, except for Studiosity Writing Feedback Plus.
GenAI may only be used in authorised ways when completing assessments at UC. This means that GenAI can only be used for an assessment when:
- the Unit Convener has authorised GenAI use for that assessment
- the student uses GenAI in the way that the assessment instructions allow
- the student fully acknowledges their use of GenAI, with proper citations, references and a GenAI Acknowledgement Statement in line with the assessment instructions.
Where the assessment instructions do not specifically state that GenAI may be used and how, then its use is not permitted for that assessment. Students must still provide the required GenAI Acknowledgement Statement to indicate whether GenAI has or has not been used in the preparation of the assessment. If unsure, students should seek advice from the Unit Convener.
The GenAI for Students Library Guide provides further information, including how to reference GenAI
Special assessment requirements
Late submission of assignments
Late submission of assignments without an approved extension will result in a penalty of 10% reduced marks from the total available, per calendar day late. An assignment submitted over 3 days late will not be accepted. In extenuating circumstances a late submission may be considered upon the production of supporting documentation and at the discretion of the unit convener.
Responsibility for understanding
If there is any doubt with regard to the requirements of any particular assignment or assessment procedure, the onus for clarifying the issue rests with the student who should contact the unit Convener or tutor. Further, it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are correctly enrolled in the unit and that the tutor and Student Administration have their correct contact details.
Deferred Exams
Provisions will be made for students who are unable to sit a theory exam and produce appropriate medical certificates or other documentation. In the event a student misses Theory Exam 1 or Theory Exam 2 due to illness or other exceptional circumstances (refer to eligibility criteria), the student must contact the unit convener and request a deferred exam within 3 days of the scheduled exam. The request must be made in writing (by email). Students must provide a medical certificate or other relevant documents as requested by the unit convener before sitting the deferred examination. Failure to do so will result in a fail. If their request is approved, students will be allowed to sit a deferred exam at a later date (as chosen by the unit convener).
The final mark for this subject will be calculated by an accumulation of marks from each assessment item. To achieve a passing grade or higher in this subject, students must:
-
Attain and demonstrate the laboraotry skills covered in this unit. This is a compulsory requirement. To meet this requirement, students must attend at least five of the six scheduled laboratory classes.
- Achieve a final aggregate mark of 50% or higher.
The unit convener reserves the right to question students orally on any of their submitted work.
Your final aggregate mark, out of 100, is calculated based on the sum of all marks across each assessment item listed in the table below:
| Assessment Item | Percentage Weighting (%) |
| Laboratory Exercsie 1 | 15% |
| Laboratory Exercise 2 | 15% |
| Laboratory Report | 20% |
| Theory Exam 1 | 25% |
| Theory Exam 2 | 25% |
| TOTAL MARKS | 100% |
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 consists of 20 hours of lectures (10 x 2 hrs), 21 hours of laboratory tutes/classes (7 x 3 hrs) and 20 hours of tutorial classes (10 x 2 hrs). The remaining 89 hours of workload should be distributed across the various assessment tasks.
Participation requirements
Participation in a minimum of 5 out of the 6 laboratory classes is a compulsory condition of this unit, and attendance will be recorded. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned laboratory class due to illness or unavoidable commitments, contact the Unit Convener as soon as possible to negotiate an alternate lab class (if available).
Required IT skills
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel software.
In-unit costs
Besides the potential need to purchase the Laboratory Manual, there are no specific costs associated with this unit.
Work placement, internships or practicums
None
Additional information
Requirements and instructions for safe conduct in laboratory classes can be found at the start of the Laboratory Manual. Please familiarise yourself with these instructions before attending your first class. As part of these instructions, ensure that you have enclosed footwear, a laboratory coat and safety glasses, and long hair must always be tied back. No food or drink may be consumed in the laboratories and all possessions (e.g. mobile phones and electronic tablets) not required for undertaking your laboratory work must remain in the lockers provided outside the laboratory rooms.
Potentially hazardous materials will be used as part of this unit. Risk assessments have been performed and control measures implemented to manage hazards and risks. Students have an obligation to comply with any safety directions issued by staff and to inform staff if an incident of a potentially hazardous nature occurs. With respect to chemicals, staff will provide students with access to Material Safety Data Sheets.
If you feel unwell in any way please inform your tutor and leave the laboratory immediately.
