Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology
UndergraduateLTU-BCM2022023
Course information for 2023 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Study the structure and role of living cells to understand the biological processes that give and sustain life. Learn how the composition of cells can change and cause disease, and how proteins and DNA interact to create health benefits.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Use the basic vocabulary of biochemistry and molecular biology to describe the generation of cellular energy in the form of ATP from the oxidation of various fuels, and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts of cellular metabolism, compartmentation, cell signalling pathways and other aspects of cell biology.
- 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.
- • Energy Metabolism.
- • Lipid Metabolism & Membranes.
- • Integration of Metabolism / Signalling.
- • Molecular Cell Biology.
Biochemistry is concerned with the function of biological systems at the molecular level. It is central to most studies in biology and life sciences and is directly related to biomedical research and biotechnology. In this subject, you are introduced to cell biology and cell metabolism, building on the concepts developed in BCM201 (Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). You will study the generation of energy in cells through the oxidation of carbohydrates and lipids; the formation of ATP, the energy currency of cells; lipids, cellular membranes and compartmentation; and the signalling processes that co-ordinate and regulate cellular activity. The practical exercises illustrate some basic experimental and data analysis skills and reinforce concepts in metabolism and cell biology.
- 6 x Module Quizzes (2 x 6% each + 4 x 7% or 300 words equivalent, total ~ 1,800 words) (40%)
- 3 x Practical Lessons (3 x 10% or 400 words equivalent, total ~ 1,200 words) (30%)
- Written research assignment (1,000 words) (30%)
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-2023 - 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-Applied Food Chemistry
and one of
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
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed BCH2MBC (Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
- Software requirements - A good internet connection is required due to the online delivery.
- Other requirements - This subject is available through Open Universities Australia (OUA) and the course is restricted for enrolment. Single subject enrolments for restricted subjects are not available at OUA, please see https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/apply/pathways/single-subject-entry for further information. Students are expected to have previously attempted BCM201 - Introduction to Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Students who successfully complete two from the four open enrolment subjects (HBS101, DTN101, CHM101, PHE102) may apply under the Academic Eligibility category for admission to the restricted Bachelor of Food and Nutrition. You must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Food and Nutrition to be eligible to enrol in all other non-open access subjects offered in the degree.
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
11 student respondents between 19 Aug 2024 - 10 Mar 2025.
81%of students felt the study load was manageable
90%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