Available in 2024
Course code

BIOL2010

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

Living systems are made up of molecules and this course introduces the diversity of important biological molecules and shows how their structures relate to their function. The smaller biomolecules such as amino acids, nucleotides and sugars have important biological functions of their own, and are also utilised as building blocks for biopolymers such as proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides. The metabolic processes that occur in cells to synthesise and degrade these biomolecules and to provide energy for the cell will be presented with a view to showing how biochemical reactions and pathways are connected and controlled.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Apply scientific philosophy of research in biochemistry;

2. Outline the diversity of biomolecules, and distinguish their metabolic and structural roles in cellular function;

3. Identify the sources of energy for cells, and explain how cells utilise this chemical energy for growth and maintenance;

4. Describe how chemical reactions are mediated, integrated and regulated in the cell.


Content

Biomolecules: the building blocks

  • Sugars and polysaccharides
  • Fatty acids and complex lipids
  • Amino acids and proteins
  • Nucleotides and DNA/RNA

Biological Catalysts

  • Thermodynamics
  • Enzymes and kinetics
  • Vitamins and coenzymes

Energy metabolism: pathways for ATP production

  • Glycolysis
  • The pentose phosphate pathway
  • The Krebs Citric Acid Cycle or TCA Cycle
  • Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation  

Cellular metabolism: using biopolymers

  • Utilisation of polysaccharides
  • Glycogenesis and biosynthesis of disaccharides and polysaccharides
  • Lipid metabolism

Requisite

This course has similarities to BIOL2011. If you have successfully completed BIOL2011 you cannot enrol in this course.


Assumed knowledge

CHEM1010, CHEM1020, BIOL1001 and BIOL1002 or equivalent


Assessment items

Formal Examination: Exam

Quiz: Quizzes - On-line

Report: Tutorial contribution assignments


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline