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Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
UndergraduateLTU-BCM2012025
Study cells up close to learn how they are made up, function and convert food into energy to sustain life. Discover why protein is critical to a cell’s structure and performance, and how it helps to regulate the body’s tissues and vital organs.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 25 May 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 June 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $1,164
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Use the basic vocabulary of biochemistry and molecular biology to describe the structures and functions of biological macromolecules, in order to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the concepts underlying structure-function relationships that affect cellular processes in health and disease.
- Apply biochemical and molecular biology techniques, principles and methodologies in addressing research problems.
- Prepare scientific reports that present coherent, concise and evidence-based explanations to communicate to peers, using a variety of presentation modes.
- Compute basic mathematical calculations and prepare graphical representations of information, to aid in the interpretation of biochemical data consistent with scientific standards.
- Demonstrate independent learning and research skills by locating, interrogating and evaluating relevant and reliable scientific information.
- Participate as an effective team member and collaborate on selected learning exercises.
- Introduction to Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- DNA Structure & Function
- Amino Acids
- Proteins and Signalling
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is concerned with the function of biological systems at the molecular level. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 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 gene structure and function, DNA replication, transcription and translation; molecular biology; protein structure and its relationship to protein function and enzyme kinetics. Students will investigate a typical biochemistry technique and conduct research on a specific protein.
- Group-based video presentation (per student approx. 7.5 min - equivalent to 700 words) (20%)
- 4 x Mastery Quizzes (7.5% each, total 1600 words equivalent) (30%)
- 2 x Mini quizzes (5% each, total 400 words equivalent) (10%)
- Written scientific report (1200 words) (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- LAT-HUN-DEG-2025 - Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
and one of
LTU-DTN102 (Not currently available)
LTU-CHM102 (Not currently available)
- LTU-DTN1CFC-Chemistry Of Food And Cooking
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Others
Prerequisites: Students must be admitted in the following course: HBFN
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed BCH2IBM (Introduction To Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - A good internet connection is required due to the online delivery.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
8 student respondents between 29 Aug 2024 - 11 Mar 2025.
100%of students felt the study load was manageable
100%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
UndergraduateLAT-HUN-DEG