Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

This unit extends the principles of biochemical catalysis and regulation, using several model systems. It develops an advanced understanding of basic theoretical and practical aspects of metabolism and biochemical signalling pathways, and expands coverage of secondary metabolism, and the integration and regulation of cellular responses to external stimuli. Through coverage of these principles you will further develop and apply your knowledge and practical skills in preparation for a career in research in biochemistry or allied professions in biomedical science.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop understanding, skills and technical competencies in functional biochemistry as it applies to the regulation of cellular processes and behaviour that are necessary for graduate pathways in applied biomolecular science and allied disciplines.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Analyse and evaluate protein and enzymatic networks and systems in the context of thermodynamics and energetics, biochemical function and control mechanisms.

2. Compare and contrast the relationships between metabolic pathways and their regulation and discuss them critically.

3. Apply your understanding of complex biomolecular systems and pathways to biochemical and biomedical problems in health and disease.

4. Be able to apply practical competency in the biochemical laboratory, analyse, interpret and clearly report experimental data associated with analytical approaches in practical biochemistry and biomolecular science and demonstrate scientific writing skills.

Content

The content in this unit includes:

Enzyme biochemistry: Energetics and thermodynamics, mechanisms of enzyme action; mechanisms of enzyme inhibition; illustrative examples and model studies.

Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism, Cholesterol Metabolism and Complex Lipid Metabolism: Structural and storage carbohydrates; sterol synthesis and roles of steroid hormones; lipid transport and lipoprotein metabolism; role of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi in lipid metabolism.

Secondary metabolism, hormones and hormone receptor systems, signalling pathways and their regulation: modes of regulation by hormones - classes of receptors; second messengers and enzyme cascades; regulation of hormone-receptor coupling and intracellular signalling theory using model systems; role of aberrant signalling in disease.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is presented as a two-hour lecture each week and a combination of either two hour case-based learning sessions or three-hour practical sessions each week, the latter including time for formative tutorial-type discussion and opportunity for demonstration of data handling and feedback on performance. Both the practical sessions and tutorials are delivered using group and individual instruction on theoretical and data-handling techniques. Practical exercises are more complex than in second year level units, and instruct you to prepare adequately for laboratory work, to record data accurately, validate and verify results and to be competent in complex manipulations and calculations that are common in research work and consistent with the development of best professional practice. You will be encouraged to think critically about the way your data is gathered and analysed, and to develop the skills of best-method approach to problem solving. This approach is supported by formative sets of problems demonstrating different concepts that you are able to work through at your own pace. Further, you are referred to appropriate Web sites for additional and current information.

Assessment

Formative feedback on your learning and understanding is provided through the regular tutorial and laboratory exercises and the progress examination. Summative assessment is by a mixture of continuous assessment throughout the semester and examination (progress exam and final exam).Feedback will be available on your continous assessment and progress.

This unit has been evaluated affirmatively through previous learning experience surveys and student evaluation.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Formative and summative. A set of case-based learning tasks that integrate central theory topics with practical and technological applications. Case-based learning tasks are analysed and discussed in small group tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Report
Description: Formative and summative. Practical work is assessed through a formal report on a laboratory exercise, a written, group-based assignment related to a disease state resulting from a metabolic error, and maintenance and inspection of your laboratory practical book.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Formative and summative. (1) Written theory progress examination of short answer and essay questions. Formative discussion of the answers and reasoning will be provided to assist student learning (15%). (2) Final summative exam with an emphasis on learning material from the second half of the semester (40%).
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 55%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid & End 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 and Resources:

Choose from one of the following. Each is excellent, with different author perspectives, depending mainly on their research and teaching backgrounds.

1. Voet, D & Voet, JG (2011) Biochemistry, 4rd Edition, Wiley.

2. Nelson, DL & Cox, MM (2012) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 6th edition. W.H. Freeman.
3. Berg JM, Tymoczko JL & Stryer L (2012) Biochemistry, 7th edition, W.H. Freeman.

4. Storey, K.B. (2004) Functional Metabolism: Regulation and Adaptation, Wiley Interscience.

5. Devlin, T.M. (2006) Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations, 6th Edition, Wiley-Liss, Emphasis is on human metabolism and clinical applications


Advanced References:

Additional learning resources (recent reviews and journal articles) are available on the Blackboard site for this unit.


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: 01-Nov-2012