CHEM201 - Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

CHEM105 Foundations of Chemistry

Incompatible

CHEM104 Biochemistry, CHEM204 Biochemistry

Unit rationale, description and aim

A thorough knowledge and understanding of the specific role and importance of biological molecules, together with technical and communication skills is essential for the modern biomedical scientist. This unit will build on the foundations laid down in introductory biology and chemistry by focusing on the study of key biomolecules functioning in the modulation of cellular signalling and metabolism at the molecular-level. Students will investigate the biochemistry (a combination of biology and organic chemistry) underpinning important life processes relevant to the human biosciences. Key topics will include structure and function of organic biomolecules, enzyme production and control, and an introduction to metabolic processes. Students will develop their technical and communication skills through the use of instrumentation in practical settings and through the analysis of scientific findings and preparation of written reports.  

The aim of this unit is to provide students with a firm basis in the structure, function and integration of biological molecules and processes, together with basic technical and communication skills needed as a biomedical scientist. 

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Describe the structure and function of some key biomolecules (GA 4, 5); 

LO2 - State the importance of biological molecules to the function of life processes (GA 4, 5); 

LO3 - Explain how living cells obtain chemical energy from nutrients (GA 4, 5); 

LO4 - Demonstrate skills of manipulation of laboratory apparatus, careful and systematic observation, precise recording and communication of experimental data. (GA 4, 5, 7, 8). 

Graduate attributes

GA4 - think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA7 - work both autonomously and collaboratively 

GA8 - locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

Content

Topics will include: 

• Review of organic chemistry, including single and double bonds, straight chains and cyclic compounds, isomerism and structure and major reactions of biologically important functional groups: alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, amides, esters and ethers. 
• The structure and function of biologically important molecules: monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, carbohydrates, fatty acids, triglycerides, sphingolipids, glycolipids, steroids, amino acids, polypeptides, proteins. 
• Enzyme nomenclature and structure, coenzymes, enzyme action and regulation. 
• An introduction to metabolic pathways and their regulation 

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in their development of an increasingly complex and integrated understanding of biochemistry. Students are provided with two weekly lectures where their questions and active participation are encouraged; this will assist them in acquiring the essential knowledge to understand this diverse subject area.   

Students are required to attend and participate in weekly three hour practical classes. In these classes, group work is encouraged; peer learning is an essential component of assisting in the development of understanding. These classes provide students with valuable opportunities to have a ‘hands on’ participation in their learning. Tasks such as protein isolation and separation provide students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of the application of theory.   

Students are also required to attend and participate in weekly one hour tutorial classes. These classes also encourage group work and discussion. They reinforce key concepts first introduced in lectures, allowing students another, more intimate, opportunity to engage with the material.   

In addition to the formal face to face classes, this unit further supports student learning by providing extensive online material through LEO. This includes; relevant links to external material such as YouTube videos and additional useful material, catering to a variety of learning styles. 

Assessment strategy and rationale

This unit is generally taken as a second year unit. The assessment strategy is designed to assist students to reach their learning objectives in a step-wise fashion, so they are encouraged to work consistently through semester; they are provided with early feedback so that they can seek assistance if required. 

The mid-semester tests are closed book and assess different aspects of the course content. Feedback is provided quickly, allowing students to gauge their progress, and to seek assistance if they wish. These tests help prepare the students for the final exam, having questions of the same standard to those on the exam. 

The practical assessment allows students an opportunity to display their growing understanding, especially of the practical classes they have participated in.   

The final exam assesses material from all content areas. Having been provided with feedback from the earlier assessments, students are now able to address misunderstandings and conceptual difficulties identified from these earlier tasks, and show that they have now met these learning objectives. 

Overview of assessments

Representative texts and references

Bettelheim, F. A., Brown, W.H. Campbell M. K., Farrell S., and Torres O.J (2013) Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (8th Edition) Thomson Brook/Cole Publishers 

Nelson, D.L., Cox, M.M., (2013) Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry (6th ed.) MacMillan Education 

Voet, D., Voet, J.G., Pratt, C.W., (2012) Principles of Biochemistry, (4th ed International) Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons 

Breg J, Stryer, L. (2007) Biochemistry 6th edition, San Francisco Freeman Publications. 

Harvey, R.A., Ferrier, D.R., (2007) Biochemistry (Lippincott Illustrated Reviews Series) (5th ed.) Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins