Enrolments for 2019 have closed.
Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Undergraduate | LTU-BCM201 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
View information for 2020 course intakeStudy 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
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject you should 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 in cell function, health and disease;
- apply biochemical and molecular biology techniques, principles and methodologies in addressing research problems;
- write scientific reports that present coherent evidence-based explanations to communicate to peers;
- compute basic mathematical calculations and prepare graphic representations to aid in the interpretation of biochemical data consistent with scientific standards;
- demonstrate independent learning and research skills by locating, interrogating and evaluating relevant scientific information;
- participate as an effective team member and collaborate effectively on selected learning exercises.
- Introduction to Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- DNA Structure & Function
- Proteins and Enzymes
- Bioenergetics
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 (with particular emphasis on enzymes) and bioenergetics. The practical applications of these themes in terms of molecular biology techniques (including DNA purification, restriction digestion, PCR, analysis of recombinant DNA and techniques in expression of proteins in heterologous hosts), spectrophotometric methods and enzyme kinetics will also be investigated.
This subject lays the foundations for the study of Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology in BCM202 and similar subjects.
- Video, 7.5 mins/750 word (20%)
- 4 x 10% ea, 1600 words (40%)
- 2 x 5% ea, 400 words (10%)
- 1200 words scientific report (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-2019 - 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
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).
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
This subject is offered via Open Universities Australia. La Trobe University students can undertake this subject as part of a cross institutional enrolment under certain circumstances, and must seek approval from the Bachelor of Food and Nutrition course coordinator for eligibility. Due to the nature of the subject content and online delivery, enrolments are generally not permitted past the published OUA enrolment date for the study period.
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
6 student respondents between 25 Aug 2023 - 11 Mar 2024.
100%of students felt the study load was manageable
83%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
Undergraduate
LAT-HUN-DEG