Biochemistry Specialisation

Total units 24 Units

Areas of interest Chemistry, Biology
Specialisation code BCHM-SPEC

Academic career Undergraduate
Academic Contact AsPr Maja Adamska

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.

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.