bcm202 metabolic biochemistry and cell biology
METABOLIC BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
BCM202
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Biochemistry is concerned with the function of biological systems at the molecular level. It is central to most studies in biology and life sciences and is directly related to biomedical research and biotechnology. In this subject, students are introduced to cell biology and cell metabolism, building on the concepts developed in BCM201 (Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). Students study the generation of energy in cells through the oxidation of carbohydrates and lipids; the formation of ATP, the energy currency of cells; lipids, cellular membranes and compartmentation; and the signaling processes that co-ordinate and regulate cellular activity. The practical exercises illustrate some basic experimental and data analysis skills and reinforce concepts in metabolism and cell biology.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorSteve Jones
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must be admitted into one of the following courses: HBFN, HBFNX or HUOA and have passed DTN102 and [SCI18 or CHM101] and HBS101.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects BCH2MBC
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions This subject is offered via Open Universities Australia. La Trobe University students can undertake this subject as part of a cross institutional enrolment under certain circumstances, and must seek approval from the Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Course Coordinator for eligibility. Due to the nature of the subject content and online delivery, enrolments are generally not permitted past the published OUA enrolment date for the study period. Students are expected to have previously attempted BCM201 - Introduction to Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | BCM202 Subject Learning Guide | Recommended | College of Science, Health & Engineering | Available on-line |
| Readings | Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (2012 6e or 2016 7e) | Recommended | David L Nelson & Michael M Cox | W.H. FREEMAN & COMPANY, NEW YORK |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Use the basic vocabulary of biochemistry and molecular biology to describe the generation of cellular energy in the form of ATP from the oxidation of various fuels, and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts of cellular metabolism, compartmentation, cell signalling pathways and other aspects of cell biology.
- Activities:
- Students will receive on-line materials in various modes, including annotated PowerPoint presentations, videos, animations, ebooks and word documents. Concepts related t energy metabolism (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation), lipids, membranes and compartmentation, signaling and techniques in molecular cell biology) will be reinforced through additional on-line resources, collaborations between students and interactions with staff through synchronous and asynchronous discussion forums. Student understanding of these concepts will be assessed by formative and summative on-line quizzes (using short answer, fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, drag and drop/association, diagrammatic or other question styles), practical exercises and case histories.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Apply biochemical and molecular biology techniques, principles and methodologies in addressing research problems.
- Activities:
- Students will be provided with on-line teaching materials to familiarise them with some of the laboratory techniques used in metabolic biochemistry (spectrophotometric assays to monitor glycolysis and fermentation under aerobic/anaerobic conditions) integration of metabolism and cell biology (protein localisation techniques). Understanding of the underlying concepts will be reinforced and assessed by formative and summative on-line quizzes, practical exercises and case histories.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Prepare scientific reports that present coherent, concise and evidence-based explanations to communicate to peers, using a variety of presentation modes.
- Activities:
- Students will be instructed on aspects of using the scientific literature and report writing. They will conduct literature research and prepare an independently written research assignment on a selected genetically-inherited metabolic disorder. The quality of their research and scientific writing will be directly assessed in this task.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
04. Compute basic mathematical calculations and prepare graphical representations of information, to aid in the interpretation of biochemical data consistent with scientific standards
- Activities:
- Calculations and graphical analyses of data will be referred to commonly in teaching materials, and students will often be required to carry out calculations and to create or interpret graphical information in quizzes, practical exercises and case histories. Instructions and guidelines will be provided where appropriate, and students' calculations and graphical presentations will be assessed as integral components of many assessment tasks.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
05. Demonstrate independent learning and research skills by locating, interrogating and evaluating relevant and reliable scientific information.
- Activities:
- Students will be instructed on the importance of accessing multiple sources of information (wherever possible), and selecting relevant/appropriate and reliable sources of information, prior to commencing work on their written assignments on metabolic disorders. The gathering and critical analysis of information derived from multiple literature-based sources will be assessed in the assessment task.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
06. Participate as an effective team member and collaborate on selected learning exercises.
- Activities:
- Students will be expected to contribute to on-line asynchronous discussion forums by posting questions and answer/responses, and to engage in discussions during live video-based webinar sessions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Online, 2018, OUA Study Period 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolmentNo
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMichael Foley
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 22 - 34
One 1.0 hours block mode per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 22 to week 34 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x Module Quizzes (each 10% or 400 words equivalent, total 1600 words) | 30 min time limit; one attempt; randomised; auto-graded | 40 | 01, 02, 04 |
| 4 x Module Exercises (each 10% or 400 words equivalent, total 1600 words) | 3 practical exercises and 1 research exercise related to module concepts. Exercises are provided with a worksheet and experiment/inquiry questions based on independent observation and study. | 40 | 01, 02, 04, 05, 06 |
| Written research assignment (800 words) | Individual research/writing exercise on an inherited metabolic disorder affecting a metabolic pathway covered in this subject-topic to be self-selected from a collection of diseases known to be fully elucidated and well resourced in the scientific literature. Instructor-graded, using a marking rubric with feedback provided. | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 05 |
Online, 2018, OUA Study Period 4, Online
Overview
Online enrolmentNo
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSteve Jones
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 49
One 1.0 hours block mode per week on any day including weekend during the day in week 49 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x Module Quizzes (each 10% or 400 words equivalent, total 1600 words) | 30 min time limit; one attempt; randomised; auto-graded | 40 | 01, 02, 04 |
| 4 x Module Exercises (each 10% or 400 words equivalent, total 1600 words) | 3 practical exercises and 1 research exercise related to module concepts. Exercises are provided with a worksheet and experiment/inquiry questions based on independent observation and study. | 40 | 01, 02, 04, 05, 06 |
| Written research assignment (800 words) | Individual research/writing exercise on an inherited metabolic disorder affecting a metabolic pathway covered in this subject-topic to be self-selected from a collection of diseases known to be fully elucidated and well resourced in the scientific literature. Instructor-graded, using a marking rubric with feedback provided. | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 05 |