521-024 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Chemistry 610-121/122 or 141/142, or if an average mark of 60% or better is obtained for Chemistry 161/162. Biology 600-141/142 is not a prerequisite but is recommended.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the subject, students should have acquired knowledge of the fundamental areas of biochemistry and molecular biology relating to structure and function of biological molecules, metabolism, gene function, replication and regulation and develop an appreciation of the relevance of these areas to agriculture and related disciplines. For a complete description of the lecture content of the course, please refer to the entries under Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Part A (521-211) and Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Part B (521-212), which are listed under the Science Faculty entries of this handbook. The laboratory section of this course deals with biochemical analysis with an emphasis on metabolism, enzymes and regulation. The practical work for this subject is carried out within the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department.

Assessment

Theory: Computer-based tests on knowledge gained from computer tutorials (5%), progressive assessment during tutorial sessions (15%) and two 3-hour written examinations at the end of Semester 1 and Semester 2 (30% each). Practical work will be assessed by continuous assessment (15%) and written tests during practical session times (5%).

Prescribed Texts

• Mathews C. and van Holde K., Biochemistry. 2nd ed. Benjamin/Cummins, 1996.