Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit is designed to provide students with a broad theoretical and practical understanding of the metabolic biochemistry that underpins courses in general science, biomedical and plant biology. It will build on basic concepts developed in biochemistry and will focus on the study of important molecular control and modulation of cell processes. Key topics will include enzyme production and control, the metabolic process and how it is affected by different physiological states (e.g., dieting and exercise). This unit aims to develop students' technical and communication skills through the use of instrumentation in practical settings and through the analysis of scientific findings and preparation of written reports.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe the cellular metabolism of some key biomo...
Learning Outcome 01
Compare the major metabolic pathways that are invo...
Learning Outcome 02
Explain the ways in which cells control correct fu...
Learning Outcome 03
Explain the effect that disease, poor nutrition an...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate an understanding of experimental metho...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Metabolic pathways and their regulation
- The Citric Acid Cycle as the common metabolic pathway, the role of oxidation-reduction reactions in energy transfer, the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.
- Respiration and catabolic pathways: glycolysis, fermentation, glycogenolysis, fatty acid b-oxidation, amino acid deamination, the urea cycle.
- Biosynthetic and anabolic pathways: gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis, amino acid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, membrane lipid biosynthesis.
- Control of metabolic pathways under normal nutrition, starvation, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, anaerobic exercise, weight gain and dieting: the Cori cycle, ketone bodies,
- Essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the diet,
- Allosteric enzymes and metabolic pathway (feedback control)
- Quality control and quality assurance in laboratory measurement in a Biomedical setting
Photosynthesis: The structure of the chloroplast, chlorophylls, light reactions, dark reactions, Calvin cycle, photorespiration and C4 cycle.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy is designed to assist students in meeting the learning outcomes in a stepwise fashion. Students are encouraged to work consistently throughout the semester and regular feedback is provided to guide their studies.
Regular, short tests assess different aspects of the course content. Timely feedback is provided to enable improved performance on the next attempt. These tests help prepare students for the final exam, having questions of the same standard as those on the exam.
The practical assessment allows students an opportunity to display their growing understanding of laboratory-based work and involves data collection, processing, interpretation, and comprehension of concepts covered in practical activities.
The final exam assesses material from all content areas. Having been provided with feedback from the earlier assessments, students should now be able to address misunderstandings and conceptual difficulties identified from these earlier tasks and show that they have now met these learning outcomes.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and obtain a minimum mark of 50%.
Overview of assessments
Tests Regular, short tests assess different aspe...
Tests
Regular, short tests assess different aspects of the course content. Feedback is provided quickly, allowing students to gauge their progress, and to seek assistance if they wish. These tests help prepare the students for the final exam, having questions of the same standard as those on the exam
30%
Practical Assessment The practical assessment al...
Practical Assessment
The practical assessment allows students an opportunity to display their growing understanding of laboratory-based work and involves data collection, processing, interpretation, and comprehension of concepts covered in practical activities.
30%
Written Examination The final exam assesses mate...
Written Examination
The final exam assesses material from all content areas. Having been provided with feedback from the earlier assessments, students are now able to address misunderstandings and conceptual difficulties identified from these earlier tasks, and show that they have now met these learning outcomes.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit adopts an active learning approach to help students develop a complex and integrated understanding of biochemistry.
Students participate in weekly lectures where interactive discussions and questions are encouraged to deepen understanding. Weekly tutorials reinforce key concepts from lectures through group discussions and problem-solving, providing a more interactive learning environment.
Practical classes are essential for hands-on learning. Through experiments such as protein isolation and separation, students gain experience in applying theoretical knowledge while engaging in peer learning to enhance their understanding.
In addition to face-to-face classes, students have access to extensive online resources via the Learning Management System (LMS). This includes external videos, additional reading materials, and other digital resources to cater to diverse learning styles.
By integrating lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and online support, this unit ensures students develop a deep, applied, and collaborative understanding of biochemistry.