Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The study of biochemistry and cell biology, along with molecular biology, provides you with the knowledge required for an effective understanding of the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular level. This unit advances the studies begun in LQB381 Biochemistry: Structure and Function and further develops your knowledge and understanding of biochemical and molecular study into metabolic pathways and processes occurring in living cells with a focus on human metabolism in health and disease. This unit provides you with a knowledge base and skills for advanced studies in biochemistry, as well as support for higher level units in life science and allied health courses.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to advance learning and understanding of the major metabolic processes and pathways that are fundamental for living organisms with a focus on human metabolic pathways and their regulation in health and disease. This unit continues the development of biochemical laboratory and allied technological skills.

Objectives

Through the successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the important aspects of the chemical interconversions and molecular pathways of metabolism that are essential for the maintenance of living cells.

2. Demonstrate an understanding and explain the central mechanisms of molecular regulation and control in normal metabolism and abnormal metabolism that leads to important metabolic diseases

3. Analyse metabolic pathways and their regulation, as well as describe the relationships between these concepts and disease diagnosis and treatment.

4. Be able to apply practical competency in the biochemical laboratory, demonstrate scientific writing skills through maintenance of a laboratory practical book and develop a technical understanding of health and safety procedures associated with the handling of potentially hazardous materials and equipment.

Content

This unit covers the following major topics:

· Metabolic pathways of catabolism and anabolism of the carbohydrates, including glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, glycogen degradation and synthesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway.

· Central pathways of energy metabolism (citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation).

· Biosynthesis and oxidative degradation of lipids and basic steroid metabolism.

· Amino acid synthesis and catabolism, nitrogen excretion (the urea cycle), nucleotide synthesis and catabolism, and the biochemistry of other important nitrogenous biomolecules, such as porphyrins.

· Integration of metabolic pathways and hormonal regulation of metabolism in fed and starved states.

· The primary causes of major metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, and treatment of these diseases.

· Further extensive training in biochemical laboratory procedures.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is presented as 2 hours of lectures and a 2 hour practical session per week. There are weekly formative quizzes and workshops available on the unit learning management website to support the practical and theoretical program. In addition, a range of multimedia delivery platforms will run to complement the practical tasks and strengthen understanding of fundamental biochemical concepts. The practical exercises are used to develop your skills in laboratory practice, data collation, data analysis, and calculation of results, with an emphasis on the proper use of equipment used in a modern biochemistry laboratory. In addition, you will continue to be guided in the development of proper work practices consistent with maintaining a safe workplace.

Assessment

General Statement

1. Formative assessment is through multiple choice question quizzes and short answer question problems set on a unit Web page, where you can receive feedback on your performance to assist your learning in both biochemical knowledge and laboratory practice.

2. Summative assessment of the unit is by a mixture of continuous assessment and examination.

3. Successful completion of the unit requires that all assessable components are satisfactorily completed and an overall pass of at least 50% is achieved.Feedback available from Unit Coordinator as required.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Continuous assessment based on practical work, maintenance of practical laboratory books, and practical tests. Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (1) Progress multiple-choice question examination (15%).

(2) Final (end of semester) multiple-choice question, short-answer question and essay question summative examination (45%).
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Two written problem solving tasks that evaluate quantitative and interpretive skills and competencies. Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended Textbooks:

1. Nelson, DL & Cox, MM (2008) Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry. 5th edition. W.H. Freeman Publ. ISBN 978-0-7167-7108-1.

2. Voet D, Voet JG & Pratt CW (2008) Fundamentals of Biochemistry. 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons Publ. ISBN 0-4701-2930-1. [Online interactive book access available through book purchase at ]

3. Berg JM, Tymoczko JL & Stryer L (2007) Biochemistry, 6th edition, WH Freeman & Co. [Available online at NCBI Bookshelf - Online Books: ]

4. Devlin TM (Ed) (2006) Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations, 6th edition, Wiley-Liss.

Note that any of the recommended textbook resources listed above will be an appropriate study resource for this unit.

It is recommended that you consult the unit website for the latest advice in selecting textbooks that will best suit your Course/Major enrolment, career aspirations and current financial situation.

Personal Protective Equipment:

1. Laboratory coat - 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix (65% polyester is max. allowable).

2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with AS1336, AS1337 and AS 1338.

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 08-Oct-2012