BIOCHEM 2500 - Biochemistry II: Molecular and Cell Biology
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code BIOCHEM 2500 Course Biochemistry II: Molecular and Cell Biology Coordinating Unit Molec & Biomedical Science Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 8 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Prerequisites ((CHEM 1100 and CHEM 1200) or (CHEM 1101 and CHEM 1201)) and (BIOLOGY 1101, BIOLOGY 1101ND, BIOLOGY 1001 or BIOLOGY 1401) and (BIOLOGY 1201 or BIOLOGY 1202) Corequisites One of SCIENCE 2100, SCIENCE 2101 or SCIENCE 2102; This co-requisite is the practical component that is worth 20% of your course. Incompatible BIOCHEM 2502 Assessment Final exam, written tests, written practical assessment in the prac ABC system and online tests of multiple choice questions Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Keith Shearwin
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Understand aspects of:
Protein Structure and Function
Enzymes
DNA structure
Synthesis and repair RNA and protein synthesis
The control of prokaryote and eukaryote gene expression
Protein Synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes2 Understanding hypothesis-based experimental design 3 Plan and safely perform fundamental techniques in molecular and cellular biology 4 Interpret, analyse and effectively communicate experimental data and conclusions of scientific research University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1-4 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
3-4 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1-4 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
3 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
Textbooks:
"Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" by Despo Papachristodoulou, Alison Snape, William H. Elliott and Daphne C. Elliott
5th Edition (OUP)
Or
Any other current Biochemistry Text
For Practicals
Laboratory coat and closed shoes on practical daysRecommended Resources
Recommended Textbook (see above)
Lectures
Additional resources on MyUniOnline Learning
MyUni is an essential resource for this course but it is essential for students to login regularly to check on important course-related announcements and material.
Students will find the following on MyUni:
All lectures are recorded
All lecture notes
Tutorial questions
Past examinations
The Discussion Board which is monitored daily
MCQs on MyUni
Lynn's Swot Activities to help with some of the more difficult concepts in the course
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Lectures
An average of three lectures per week including revision lectures.Some lectures are lectorial sessions (tutorial sessions in a large class format where students are encouraged to ask questions).
Tutorials
An average of one tutorial per week although some weeks may be tutorial-free because the tutorials are held as "Lectorials": tutorial sessions in a large class format where students are encouraged to ask questions
Practicals
An average of 20 hours per semesterWorkload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
Learning Activities Summary
Weeks 1-2
Protein Structure and Function
Enzymes
Weeks 3-4
DNA Structure, Replication and Repair
Weeks 5-7
Transcription and Gene Expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Weeks 8
Review and revision of new concepts
How to answer exam questions
Weeks 9-10
The genetic code
Translation and control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Week 11
Review and Assessment
Week 11-12
Protein sorting and delivery
Specific Course Requirements
Recommended Textbook and appropriate laboratory attire -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle
Yes or NoLearning Outcome Written tests and Assignments Summative 25%
No 1 Online tests Summative 20% No 1 Final Exam Summative 35% No 1 Practical assessments Summative 20% No 1-4
Assessment Related Requirements
Assessment Detail
Online tests of multiple choice questions: 20% of total course grade
MCQ Tests with immediate feedback to encourage further reading of course material so as to ensure students have an understanding of the concepts.
Students are notified as each test is released and given one week to organise their time to complete the test. There is an average of 10 questions per test.Written Test: 25% of total course grade
Written tests are to assess understanding of the content presented during the semester. There will be one mid-semester test during a lecture session (timetable permitting). Students receive feedback within two weeks via MyUni. This is verbal feedback during the tutorials or during a specified lecture (as the timetable permits).
The mid-semester test provides the students with a benchmark for communicating scientific information effectively in writing.
Written practical assessments per semester handed in by the students are promptly assessed to provide feedback. Details vary depending on which practical students enrol into in the prac ABC system.
Final written Examination: 35% of total course grade
A 2.5 hour exam covering lecture and tutorial material is held during the June/July examination period.
Submission
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted,then a penalty for late submission
will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
