Biochemistry is a scientific discipline that combines biological and chemical concepts and methods. It is focused on the understanding of molecules that are relevant to biological processes. These can be small molecules that form part of metabolic pathways, chemical compounds that bind to biological molecules and macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. Biochemistry as a discipline investigates the structure and function of these molecules either in isolation or in a cellular context. Biochemists generate and modify molecules to understand their function and design molecules with novel properties.
Learning Outcomes
Combine chemical and biological concepts to understand the structure and function of molecules that are relevant to biological processes.
Integrate chemical and biological concepts and ideas to solve problems of a biochemical nature.
Have well developed laboratory based skills in methods that investigate biomolecules.
Undertake appropriate risk assessments and use biochemicals in a safe manner.
Use software and instrumentation for the acquisition, processing and analysis of biochemical data.
Access relevant biochemical literature and use it to present well constructed arguments based on sound biochemical reasoning.
Perform both collaborative and independent research in a professional manner.
Communicate biochemical concepts clearly and accurately to an expert or a non-expert audience.
Recognise the interdisciplinary nature of biochemistry and its underlying significance in other areas of science, such as medicine.
Perceive the ethical and social dimensions of practising biochemistry.
Other Information
First year students should enrol in CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. Students should also choose BIOL1003 if they wish to enrol in BIOL2161 and BIOL2162.
Prerequisites for later year courses not covered by compulsory courses: CHEM3201 requires CHEM2202 & CHEM2210.
Any student wishing to undertake Honours in Chemistry must complete the minimum of the equivalent of a Major in Chemistry; to undertake honours in Biology they must have completed a major in Biology or Chemistry. Students can seek further course advice from the convener of this Biochemistry specialisation.
Requirements
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with one of the following majors:
Cell and Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
12 units from the completion of the following course(s):
BIOL2171 - Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)
CHEM2208 - Chemical Biology 2 (6 units)
12 units from the completion of the following course(s):
BIOL3107 - Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry (6 units)
BIOL3110 - Stable isotopes in biogeochemistry, environment, medicine and authentication (6 units)
BIOL3208 - Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3209 - Biology Research Project (12 units)
CHEM3201 - Synthetic Aspects of Medicinal Chemistry (6 units)
CHEM3204 - Structural Methods in Chemical Biology (6 units)
CHEM3207 - Current Topics in Chemical Biology (6 units)
CHEM3060 - Research Project in Chemistry (6 units)
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