BIOCHEM 2503 - Biochemistry II (Biotechnology): Metabolism

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

BIOCHEM 2503 uses the knowledge and understanding gained in the prerequisite level 1 courses (see below) to provide students with an appreciation and an understanding of key metabolic biochemistry and molecular biology concepts. The topics covered include specialised proteins, enzyme specificity and regulation, tissue specific metabolism and its control, how the body adjusts to variations in the demand for energy, mechanisms of hormone action and extensions of the signal transduction pathways covered in the semester 1 level 2 biochemistry course, BIOCHEM 2502. The course combines lectures, special tutorial sessions that reinforce the biotechnology applications, and practicals offered by the school of Molecular and Biomedical Science complement this material. This practical component draws from the MBS Practical series: Prac A, Prac B and Prac C. Refer to Current Students Online information at www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current-students/enrol/continuing/ for information about enrolling in these practicals.

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Course Details

Course Code	BIOCHEM 2503
Course	Biochemistry II (Biotechnology): Metabolism
Coordinating Unit	School of Biological Sciences
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 8 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1200 or CHEM 1101 & CHEM 1201, BIOLOGY 1101 & BIOLOGY 1201 or BIOLOGY 1202
Incompatible	BIOCHEM 2501 & BIOCHEM 2505
Restrictions	Available to B Sc (Biotechnology) students only
Assessment	Final exam, written tests, written practical assessments within the prac ABC system and online tests of multiple choice questions

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Ms Lynn Rogers

Mrs Racheline (Lynn) Rogers

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Understand: The structure hence function of specialised proteins and enzymes The relationship between the structure and function of specific biological molecules How enzymes are regulated The main principles of metabolic biochemistry concepts How homeostasis is controlled in the body The function of specific anabolic and catabolic pathways and how these pathways are controlled and interrelated How current research has provided us with an understanding of the molecular basis of the control of metabolism How tto communicate scientific information effectively in writing Hypothesis-based experimental design
2	Plan and safely perform fundamental techniques in molecular and cellular biology
3	Interpret, analyse, and affectively 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)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1, 2, 3
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	1, 2, 3
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	1, 2, 3
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	1, 2, 3
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1, 2, 3
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	1, 2, 3
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1, 2, 3
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	1, 2, 3

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Recommended Textbooks
To be advised

AND

Suitable Laboratory attire

Online Learning

All lectures are recorded

Lecture notes are placed on MyUni along with tutorial Assignments and past examination papers

Formative and Summative MCQs are also on MyUni

Lynn's SWOT Activities to help with the more difficult course concepts are also found on MyUni

Daily monitored Discussion Board

Learning & Teaching Modes

Three Lectures per week although some of these are in the form of lectorials or large tutorial formats where the lecturer reviews the course work and students can ask questions

Small group tutorials

Daily monitored Discussion Board

Workload

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

Week 1	Protein Structure and Function
Week 2	Enzymes
Week 3	Digestion and characteristics of different tissues
Week 4	Glucose traffic in the body
Week 5	Obtaining energy from glucose
Week 6	Obtaining energy from other foods
Week 7	Carbohydrate to fat and other molecules
Week 8	Other metabolic pathways and interesting molecules
Week 9	Metabolic Diseases/Integration
Week 10	Integration continued Alcohol metabolism Exercise
Week 11	Lectorials Review How to answer exam questions
Week 12	Lectorials Review How to answer exam questions

Small Group Discovery Experience

SGDE will be incorporated in Prac B

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	Type of assessment	Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes	Hurdle Yes/No	Learning Outcome
Written tests	Formative/Summative	20%	No	1-3
Online Tests	Diagnostic/Formative	10%	No	1-3
Practical assessments	Formative/Summative	20%	No	1-3
Final written exam	Summative	50%	No	1-3

Assessment Related Requirements

Assessment Detail

Online tests of multiple choice questions(MCQs): 10% of total course grade

Formative tests given weekly to ensure understanding of lecture material and to encourage further reading of course material. Feedback and correct answers are provided immediately a question is answered. There is an average of 10 questions in each test and students are given one week to complete the one hour tests. The students can retake these tests if they wish to improve their marks.

Written Tests: 20% of total course grade

Written tests are given during tutorial and or lecture sessions as timetable permits to ensure understanding of the material presented during the semester and to impart scientific communication skills to students. Students receive feedback within a week, both verbal in a class format, and written, in the form of example (anonymous) answers from students who have done well. These remain on MyUni for the duration of the semester.

Practical: 20% of total course grade

Four 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: 50% of total course grade

A 2.5 hour examination covering lecture and tutorial material made up of short and long answer questions.

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.

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.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator