91320 Metabolic Biochemistry
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): (91161 Cell Biology and Genetics AND (65212 Chemistry 2 OR 65213 Chemistry 2 (Advanced)))
Description
This subject introduces students to cellular metabolism and energy transfer mechanisms. It provides an overview of the main carbohydrate catabolic and anabolic pathways including glycolysis, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism. It provides an understanding of nitrogen and fatty acid metabolism, and the metabolic specialisation of tissues and the relationships between tissues. Cell signalling and the role of signals/hormones in maintaining homeostasis is also explored.
This understanding of cell function provides a foundation for many subjects in biological and biomedical sciences. Emphasis is placed on mastering and understanding the principles of cellular reactions and their application to diverse cell types. The subject also introduces the basic tools and methods of biochemical experimentation, the application of biochemical reasoning, and the presentation of results in the written format.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain the major biochemical pathways in nature whereby organisms store and use energy. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically analyse and report on laboratory data. |
| 3. | Apply logical thought, critical thinking and problem solving skills in a scientific context. |
| 4. | Demonstrate excellence in written scientific communication. |
| 5. | Evaluate and use information from different sources such as research and review articles, textbooks, catalogues and technical references. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design and/or mathematical reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking to apply science and/or mathematic methodologies to real world problems. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, with consideration to safety requirements and ethical guidelines. (3.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has determined that our subjects will aim to develop the following attributes in students at the completion of their course of study. Each subject will contribute to the development of these attributes in ways appropriate to the subject and the stage of progression, thus not all attributes are expected to be addressed in all subjects. This subject addresses the following Graduate Attributes:
1. Disciplinary knowledge.
From the lecture material you will be provided with an understanding of the fundamental metabolic biochemical processes that underpin complex life on our planet. The practical component of the course will then give you hands-on experience with how these biochemical processes came to be understood by scientists in the field. This knowledge will then assist you in being able to formulate rational judgements as to the quality and robustness of the scientific data that underpins our present understanding in this field.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking.
Searching the scientific literature to discover what is known or understood is a fundamental component to you being a successful scientist or science reporter. In 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your inquisitiveness by writing a report based on your and your peers' in-practical data. By searching the scientific literature you will then be able to critically compare your data with that of others in the field.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility.
You will develop personal organisation skills, teamwork skills, laboratory skills, data handling and graphical literacy skills. You can obtain these skills through the practical and tutorial components of the course where the experimental results need to be documented and written up according to correct scientific style. These tasks will assist you in further developing skills in data recording and the documentation of experimental results as would occur in the scientific sector.
5. Communication skills
Communication skills are fostered through the practical program where the communication of laboratory results in written format, as a formal laboratory reports is required. From this you will learn how to communicate results effectively in written and graphical format.
Teaching and learning strategies
- 6 x 3 hour lectures
The lectures will provide you with the background knowledge necessary for understanding the biochemistry that underpins how our bodies convert the food we eat into energy and chemical compounds to maintain the thousands of processes that keep our bodies working.
All lectures will be online. For lectures that are live/recorded, students will need to use their UTS login to access the Zoom lecture.
All lectures will be recorded and posted on Canvas.
- 8 x 3-hour face to face laboratory practicals
Practicals give you a chance to learn many of the techniques used that have helped us discover what we know of our bodies' chemistry. The techniques you will learn are commonly used in laboratories around the world, so it is important to get a good understanding through hands-on experience and practice. Practical demonstrators are available to provide feedback and to assist with laboratory skill development.
All practical sessions will be held in the HIVE Building 2.
Content (topics)
At the completion of Metabolic Biochemistry students will have a knowledge and understanding of:
- The biochemical properties of enzymes and the regulation of enzyme activity
- Bioenergetics, including the thermodynamic constraints on living organisms, the role of energy in determining metabolic pathways and the major energy-donating compounds used in metabolic reactions
- The major metabolic pathways regulating the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, amino acids and nucleic acids.
- The mechanisms that compartmentalise metabolic activity and integrate fuel metabolism
- Metabolic adaptations that result from different dietary regimens such as starvation, diabetes, and endurance sport
- Genetic defects that disrupt pathways to cause metabolic disease
- The basic techniques and methods of experimentation used for enzyme analysis.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical Assessment
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research Inquiry and Critical Thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Guidelines and information regarding marking are available on Canvas |
Assessment task 2: Practical Report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking. 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility. 5. Communication. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Guidelines and information regarding marking are available on Canvas |
Assessment task 3: Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.Disciplinary knowledge. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | Guidelines and information regarding marking are available on Canvas |
Minimum requirements
A minimum of 50% overall is required to pass 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry
Recommended texts
David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox, ‘Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry’ 9th, 7th or 6th Edition.
References
Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko and Lubert Stryer, ‘Biochemistry’ Sixth Edition (2007).
David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox, ‘Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry’ 5th Edition (2008).