Course overview
This course provides an advanced introduction to the fundamental processes of plant, animal and microbial metabolism. Topics will include protein structure and function, mechanisms and control of enzyme action, the biochemistry of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, energy generation, and the fundamentals of amino acid biochemistry. Examples of the application and context of key biochemical concepts to areas of science including plant and animal science, viticulture and oenology, veterinary medicine and food technology will be used to highlight the importance of biochemistry to all sectors of these sciences.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the role of thermodynamics in the determination of biochemical reactivity and differentiate between the kinetic and thermodynamic factors influencing biochemical reactions.
- Explain how protein structure and function is derived from the constituent amino acids, and compare the features of structural and globular proteins.
- Describe the basic principles governing the rate of enzyme catalysed reactions and the forms of inhibition of enzyme-catalysed reactions.
- Describe the major pathways of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and demonstrate how energy is stored and released through them.
- Demonstrate familiarity and competance with the practica skills and techniques used in biochemisal research and analysis. This will include experimental planning, the preparation of reagents and use of basic instrumentation (spectrophotmeters, centrifuges, chromatographic apparatus etc, the collection of biochemical data and its presentation, and most importantly the analysis and interpretation of the outcomes of biochemical investigations.
Availability
Class details
Waite Campus
Class number 24683
Section LE01
Size 120
Available 120
Class number 24685
Section PR01
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 24684
Section PR02
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 25984
Section PR03
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 25983
Section PR04
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 24689
Section TU01
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 24688
Section TU02
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 24687
Section TU03
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 24686
Section TU04
Size 30
Available 30
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.