Faculty of Science Biochemistry and molecular biology

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Faculty of Science

Table of Contents

1. Biological science streams, suggested subjects
    1.1. 100-level subjects
    1.2. 200-level subjects
    1.3. 300-level subjects
2. Macromolecular structure and bioinformatics stream
3. Biotechnology
4. Bachelor of Science (Honours)
5. Further Information
Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions
        200-level subjects
        300-level subjects

A specialisation in biochemistry and molecular biology is an important requirement for employment in many biomedical, biotechnological and agricultural fields. The acquisition of basic knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology is also an important requirement for the training of specialist scientists in a broad range of biological fields. Consequently, biochemistry and molecular biology 521-211 and 521-212; and 521-220 have become central subjects in the BSc courses for many students seeking careers as botanists, geneticists, histologists, microbiologists, pharmacologists, pathologists, physiologists and zoologists. In addition, students specialising in chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science or chemical engineering with biological interests, also include biochemistry and molecular biology subjects in their studies. The combination of chemistry with biochemistry and molecular biology 521-211 and 521-212 is a particularly useful one; for students wishing to specialise in the field of macromolecular structure and bioinformatics, biochemistry and molecular biology 521-203 and 521-307, will be of special interest.

1. Biological science streams, suggested subjects

For students in the biological science streams planning to include biochemistry and molecular biology subjects in their studies:

1.1. 100-level subjects

• Biology 600-141 plus 600-142

• Chemistry 610-122, 610-142 or 610-162 plus their chemistry prerequisite

• 620-160 Experimental Design and Data Analysis

• 620-161 Introductory Mathematics A, 620-141 Mathematics A, or 620-121 Mathematics A (Advanced).

• Physics: 25 points at 100-level

1.2. 200-level subjects

Students intending to proceed to 300-level biochemistry and molecular biology should take biochemistry and molecular biology 521-211 plus 521-212 and 521-220 (or in special circumstances biochemistry and molecular biology 521-024 or 521-203). The most useful combinations of subjects from other disciplines with biochemistry and molecular biology are set out in Suggested 200-level subjects. Students are advised that 200-level chemistry is particularly useful for the study of biochemistry and molecular biology; if only two subjects of 200-level chemistry are to be taken, the preferred subjects are 610-210, 610-260 or 610-220, 610-260; if only one 200-level chemistry subject, it should be 610-260.

1.3. 300-level subjects

Students intending to specialise in biochemistry and molecular biology should enrol in at least three of the seven lecture subjects and in one or both of the practical subjects 521-321 and 521-322.

Note that students undertaking more than one 300-level practical subject must have passed 521-220, or both 521-221 and 521-222 (before 2001).

300-level subjects in other disciplines that are appropriate adjunct studies to a major in biochemistry and molecular biology are listed in Suggested 300-level subjects. For model enrolments satisfying the faculty requirements for a major see http://www.biochemistry.unimelb.edu.au/bch/teaching/advice.htm.

Students wishing to proceed to BSc Honours in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology should normally undertake at least 50 points of biochemistry and molecular biology at 300-level. Students wishing to proceed to a combined BSc Honours course in chemistry and biochemistry and molecular biology should seek advice from the individual departments on undergraduate course selections.

2. Macromolecular structure and bioinformatics stream

A macromolecular structure and bioinformatics stream exists within the BSc degree, commencing at 200-level. The key introductory subject is the biochemistry and molecular biology subject 521-203 Macromolecular Structure &Bioinformatics. This subject has been designed for students with a background in the physical sciences who are interested in extending the applications of these disciplines in the following areas: protein and nucleic acid structural analyses, computer graphics-based modelling of the three-dimensional structures of these macromolecules and related areas of bioinformatics; the investigation of the molecular dynamics of proteins and protein-protein, protein nucleic acid and protein-ligand interactions (e.g. pharmacological drug-protein receptor interactions); protein folding and the design and engineering of new protein structures. The 200-level subject leads to the 300-level biochemistry and molecular biology subject 521-307 3D-Macromolecular Structure and Dynamics. This subject has a corequisite for the 300-level subject, 521-301 Protein Structure, Design & Engineering. It is recommended that a selection of appropriate chemistry and physics and, where appropriate, mathematics subjects, should be taken in combination with 521-203, 521-301 and 521-307 for those students intending to specialise in the field of macromolecular biophysics. For students with the appropriate background in 200-level biochemistry, consideration should also be given to combining 521-307 with the subjects 521-302, 521-321 and 521-322. This combination will provide training in (i) the theoretical and practical aspects of recombinant DNA technology, protein expression and purification necessary for the preparation of many proteins for biophysical analyses, as well as, (ii) bioinformatics relating to the analysis of linear amino acid and nucleic acid sequences.

3. Biotechnology

The 300-level biochemistry and molecular biology lecture subjects 521-301, 521-302, 521-303, 521-306 and 521-307 are of particular relevance to those intending to pursue a career in the biotechnology field. Both practical subjects 521-321 and 521-322 are relevant, depending on the areas of specific interest. Students interested in subjects that emphasise biochemical aspects of biotechnology should consult the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology entry in the Postgraduate Handbook and seek further advice from the department.

4. Bachelor of Science (Honours)

For information about the faculty and departmental entry requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours). These requirements should be considered when planning your course.

5. Further Information

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 5911
Fax: +61 3 9347 7730
Web: http://www.biochemistry.unimelb.edu.au

Subject descriptions

200-level subjects

300-level subjects

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