| Credit |
12 points |
| Availability |
Semester 1 |
| Old unit code |
920.351 |
| Outcomes |
Students gain an understanding of cellular function from the perspective of the cellular macromolecules—DNA, RNA and protein. Students are able to carry out a range of modern biochemical techniques used with macromolecules. |
| Content |
This unit represents one half of a Biochemistry major: the molecular and structural component. It builds on what is taught at Level 2 in BIOC2201 Biochemistry of the Cell, BIOC2202 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function and SCIE2225 Molecular Biology, and addresses cellular function from the perspective of the cellular macromolecules—DNA, RNA and protein. The relationship between structure and function is emphasised throughout the unit. Accordingly, how transcription and differential gene expression are accomplished in terms of the structure of DNA and RNA is addressed. How protein structure is studied, the established structural features of simple and complex proteins and how these relate to protein and enzyme function form a major component of the unit.
The unit does not aim to be comprehensive in its coverage, but to select areas in these fields that are currently making an impact on biomedical science. Recent advances are highlighted and publications are discussed in the tutorials. Accordingly, it provides the biochemical basis for advanced units in molecular biology and cell biology. It does not duplicate, but complements, the content of SCIE3325 Molecular Biology and PHYL3300 Mammalian Cell Biology.
Laboratory work comprises experiments designed to teach the major biochemical techniques: protein and nucleic acid separation, electrophoresis, protein mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction and enzyme and metabolite assays. The design, logistics and analysis of experiments are also emphasised. |
| Assessment |
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course. |
| Unit Co-ordinator(s) |
Associate Professor Robert Tuckey (laboratory) and Winthrop Professor Alice Vrielink (theory) |
| Location |
UWA (Crawley) |
| Mode |
on-campus |
| Unit Rules |
| Prerequisites: BIOC2201 Biochemistry of the Cell and BIOC2202 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function; TEE Applicable Mathematics or (MATH1050 Calculus C and STAT1530 Statistics B) |
| Advisable prior study: SCIE2225 Molecular Biology and a Level 2 chemistry unit |
| Incompatibility: BIOC3371 Molecular and Structural Biochemistry |
Contact hours—lectures: 3 hrs per week; tutorials: 1 hr per week; labs: 9 hrs per week (for 9 weeks)
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| Note |
This unit is offered offshore in two parts, i.e. BIOC3353/BIOC3354 Molecular and Structural Biochemistry Part 1/Part 2. |
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- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
- Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
- Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
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