BIOL2011
10 units
2000 level
Course handbook
Description
The diversity of important biological molecules and how their structures relate to their function in relation to living systems is demonstrated. Smaller biomolecules such as amino acids, nucleotides and sugars that were studied in first year chemistry (CHEM1120) are known to 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 biological structures, biochemical reactions and pathways are connected and controlled in living systems. Students will gain competency in laboratory skills.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Ourimbah
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Explain and describe the cellular structure and function of animal and plant cells;
2. Correlate practical activities conducted in the laboratory to key biochemistry concepts;
3. Competently operate laboratory equipment, follow protocols and solve practical problems relevant to biochemistry experiments;
4. Characterise the diversity of biomolecules, and describe their metabolic and structural roles in cellular function;
5. Delineate the sources of energy for cells, and describe how cells utilise this chemical energy for growth and maintenance;
6. Define how chemical reactions are mediated, integrated and regulated in the cell;
7. Communicate the results of both theoretical and experimental work in written, oral and report formats.
Content
1. Animal and plant cell structure and function: Cellular processes, Enzyme regulation and kinetics, Vitamins and Coenzymes
2. Biomolecules: Sugars and polysaccharides, Amino acids and proteins, Nucleotides and nucleic acids, Fatty acids and complex lipids
3. Metabolism I: Intermediary metabolism, Glycolysis, The pentose phosphate pathway, Glycogenolysis
4. Metabolism II: Gluconeogenesis, Glycogenesis and biosynthesis of disaccharides and polysaccharides, The Krebs Citric Acid Cycle or TCA Cycle, Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, Lipid metabolism
Requisite
This course has similarities to BIOL2010. If you have successfully completed BIOL2010 you cannot enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
CHEM1110, CHEM1120, HUBS1401 and HUBS1416.
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Tutorial Exercises - assignments 1 and 2
Formal Examination: Formal examination
Report: Laboratory Experiments and reports
Presentation: Presentation, Individual (Oral)
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Seminars will be incorporated into laboratory sessions.
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
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 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- BIOL2011 - Semester 1, 2024 (Centralcst) (PDF, 262.8 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.