CQUniversity Unit Profile
BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry
Foundations of Biochemistry
All details in this unit profile for BMSC11005 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of biomolecules and cell function, including the structure and biological role of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. They will develop a basic understanding of how these biomolecules are synthesised, catabolised and interconverted through key biochemical pathways to meet the needs of the cell and organism, and will provide the necessary knowledge to begin to study disease and drug treatment at the cellular level. Students will also develop a theoretical understanding of methods used in biochemical analysis and develop literature searching skills in the recognition and use of primary sources of scientific information.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisites: CHEM11041 Chemistry for the Life Sciences or CHEM11042 Fundamentals of Chemistry or CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 3 - 2019

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
2. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 40%
3. Examination
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit coordinator and academic team.

Feedback

A more clinically orientated textbook could benefit student engagement.

Recommendation

Explore the possibility of adopting a more clinically orientated textbook.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, function and biological roles of the major types of macromolecules and their building blocks
  2. Explain the various methods used to separate and characterise macromolecules
  3. Describe the relationship between structure and function of the components of biological membranes
  4. Outline the basic processes involved in metabolism of carbohydares, fats and proteins and their catabolism to synthesise ATP through cellular respiration
  5. Demonstrate an ability to undertake research in the biological sciences.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Written Assessment - 20%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40%
3 - Examination - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 20%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40%
3 - Examination - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry

4th edition (2018)
Authors: Smith, JG
McGraw Hill
New York New York , USA
ISBN: 978-1-260-08518-1
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

Paper copies can be purchased from the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Andrew Fenning Unit Coordinator
a.fenning@cqu.edu.au
Wayne Pederick Unit Coordinator
w.pederick@cqu.edu.au
Sonia Saluja Unit Coordinator
s.saluja@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Cell structure and pH regulation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Amino acids and proteins

Chapter

Chapter 21

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Enzymes and enzyme kinetics

Chapter

Chapter 21

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Nucleic acids and protein synthesis

Chapter

Chapter 22

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 16 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Carbohydrates

Chapter

Chapter 20

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 Protein Poster Due: Week 5 Friday (20th December 2019) 11:59 pm AEST


Protein Poster Due: Week 5 Friday (20 Dec 2019) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Lipids

Chapter

Chapter 19

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Online Quiz 1 opens at Week 6 Friday at 5:00pm (AEST). This will assess topics covered during Weeks 1 to 6

Week 7 Begin Date: 06 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Metabolism and ATP synthesis 

Chapter

Chapter 23

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 8 Begin Date: 13 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids and proteins

Chapter

Chapter 24

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 9 Begin Date: 20 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Transport across the cell membrane

Chapter

Chapter 19

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 10 Begin Date: 27 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Chemical messengers - amines and neurotransmitters

Chapter

Chapter 18

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (J.G. Smith, 4th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Online Quiz 2 opens Week 10 Friday at 5:00pm (AEST). This will assess topics covered during Weeks 7 to 10

Week 11 Begin Date: 03 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Focus videos to revisit essential biochemical pathways and processes

Exam revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 12 Begin Date: 10 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Exam revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Online Quizzes Due: Week 12 Friday (14th February 2019) 11:59 pm AEST


Online Quizzes Due: Week 12 Friday (14 Feb 2020) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Term Specific Information

Your unit coordinator for BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry is Corine Ting. You can contact me using the forum on the unit's Moodle site or alternatively through email (c.ting@cqu.edu.au) or on 0749309600. The forum for this unit is continuously monitored and you can expect a response within 24-48 hours of posting your question.
As the name suggests, this unit will provide you with foundation knowledge of biochemistry in relation to your profession. BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry is a core unit in several courses, including:

  • Bachelor of Paramedic Sciences
  • Bachelor of Medical Sciences
  • Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
  • Bachelor of Sciences (Chiropractic)
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science

You will be provided an opportunity to explore how biochemistry relates to your specific discipline in Assessment 1, whereby you will further your understanding of protein biology by selecting a protein to study that is relevant to your future profession. The broader relevance of biochemistry will be further exemplified through clinical examples provided
throughout the lectures and tutorials. All lectures are pre-recorded and students can access them anytime during the term. Tutorials are delivered each week via ZOOM. During these
tutorials, we will work through the weekly study questions that are provided to you on the Moodle site. These weekly study questions will help you apply knowledge learned during the weekly lecture and prepare you for the assessments.You will get the most benefit from the tutorials if you watch the weekly lectures beforehand and attempt the weekly study questions. You are strongly encouraged to participate in tutorials. Weekly revision quizzes are also provided to reinforce the knowledge you have gained from the lectures and to support your learning experience in this unit.
As per Australian educational standards, you are expected to commit 150 hours of engagement to your study of this unit. This is broken down as:

  • 2 - 3 hours per week watching recorded lectures and revising the content through study notes
  • 3 - 4 hours per week completing the weekly study questions and weekly revision quizzes on the unit's Moodle site
  • 1 - 2 hours per week attending the weekly tutorial and reflecting on your answers to the weekly study questions
  • 3 - 4 hours per week preparing your assessments or studying for your exam

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Protein Poster

Task Description

Proteins provide structure and function of our cells and tissues, and are fundamental to normal cellular homeostasis. In your future profession, you may encounter many proteins that have become dysfunctional and underpin the onset and development of various diseases or other medical conditions. This assessment provides you with an opportunity to perform an initial literature search to identify one (1) protein that is relevant to your future profession. Alternatively, a list of potential proteins and their relevance to the professions will be available on the unit's Moodle site and you may select one from this list. Your chosen protein will be the topic for your assessment, in which you will produce a poster that provides information on the structure, function and biological role(s) of your selected protein.

In order to achieve this you will need to:

  • Identify a suitable protein that is of interest to you (either from the list provided on the Moodle site, or based on your interest and review of the literature). If you are unsure of the suitability of your choice for this assessment, please consult with the unit coordinator. A comprehensive explanation of the defining features of a protein is available through the learning materials provided during Week 2.
  • Research the literature related to the structure and function of your chosen protein. Scientific journal articles should form the basis for this literature search.
  • Prepare a poster written in your own words that summarises the structure, function and biological role(s) of the protein, with appropriate citation to your sources of literature. You are strongly encouraged to explore how the specific nature of a particular protein's structure dictates its biological function. Please provide details of any alterations that your protein may have in relation to a particular disease.

This assessment requires you to engage with relevant literature on your chosen protein and it is expected that you reference at least 5 scientific journal articles.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (20 Dec 2019) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Friday (10 Jan 2020)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
This assessment has a minimum passing grade of 50% (which equates to a minimum mark of 50 out of 100)

Assessment Criteria

The poster will be evaluated in accordance with the detailed marking rubric available on the unit's Moodle site. A brief overview of the assessment criteria are as follows;

  • 50 marks available for the scientific content that demonstrates a clear understanding of how the amino acids composition is related to the protein's structure and function. You must include information on the following:
    • Structure - primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary (if the protein has a quaternary structure)
    • Function of the protein and how it achieves this (what specifics about the structure allow the protein to carry out its function?)
    • Other relevant information - in particular possible disease/s associated with the protein and how modifications to the structure and function may be altered in the disease. This may be expanded upon to be made relevant in the context of your specific course and career pathway.
  • 20 marks available for your research on the protein - you should have used at least 5 scientific references (ideally scientific journal articles or government websites with robust information)
  • 10 marks available for organisation of the poster - The content of the poster should be organised into defined sections. All posters should have a clear title with the author's name and unit code. Headings should clearly identify the information contained within the section.
  • 10 marks available for the appropriate use of references and formatting of the reference list.
  • 10 marks available for presentation style / visual effectiveness of the poster, spelling, grammar, sentence structure and punctuation.

The total maximum grade for the protein poster is 100 marks. You are encouraged to closely consult the marking rubric whilst preparing your poster.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate an ability to undertake research in the biological sciences.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

This unit will enable you to further develop your knowledge and understanding of biomolecules and cell function, including the structure and biological role of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. This particular assessment requires you to demonstrate this knowledge and understanding of the content in this unit. Biomolecules will have a role in your future profession, hence it is important that you understand the roles that they play in the cells or tissues and how they are synthesised, catabolised and interconverted through key biochemical pathways. The intent of this assessment is to provide you with an opportunity to assess your understanding of this knowledge. You are required to complete two (2) online quizzes.

  • Each quiz will be comprised of 20 multiple choice questions
  • Each question is worth 1 mark.
  • Your time limit for this quiz is 30 minutes.
  • The quiz will automatically submit at the completion of the 30 minute duration.
  • You will be allowed one attempt at this quiz.

Your score from the quizzes will contribute 40% to your final grade (2 quizzes X 20% each = 40%). You will only be able to access and complete Quiz 2 after you have attempted Quiz 1.

  • Quiz 1 will assess the topics covered during Weeks 1 to 6.
  • Quiz 2 will assess the topics covered during Weeks 7 to 10.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (14 Feb 2020) 11:59 pm AEST

Please see the timeline outlined above for specific information about quiz opening time and due date.


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (14 Feb 2020)

Students will receive their correct answers on completion of the quiz.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
This assessment has a minimum passing grade of 50% (for both online quizzes combined), which equates to a minimum mark of 20 out of 40.

Assessment Criteria

The questions will be automatically marked upon submission of your quizzes. You will receive your grade at the completion of your quiz, and correct answers to each individual quiz questions will be available after the due date of the quiz (Friday of Week 12).



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, function and biological roles of the major types of macromolecules and their building blocks
  • Explain the various methods used to separate and characterise macromolecules
  • Describe the relationship between structure and function of the components of biological membranes
  • Outline the basic processes involved in metabolism of carbohydares, fats and proteins and their catabolism to synthesise ATP through cellular respiration


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
40%

Length
180 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
No calculators permitted
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?