CHE2871 · Biochemistry for engineers

Overview

This unit focuses on the study of living cells and biological molecules with an emphasis on their applications in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Topics to be covered include cell biology and structure, fundamental biochemistry of proteins and enzymes, metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of metabolites, molecular biology including central dogma, genetic code, protein synthesis and practical examples of industrial applications.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 60% Final assessment: 40% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Relate the importance and applications of biochemistry in industry.
2. Design solutions based on principles of biochemistry for problems in sustainability and environmental contexts.
3. Describe the roles of water and cell components in the chemistry of life.
4. Describe nucleic acids and proteins in terms of biochemical properties and roles in storage and transmission of genetic information.
5. Relate the biochemical properties of carbohydrates and lipids to their industrial applications.
6. Relate the major metabolic pathway and the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites of economic importance.
7. Work effectively in teams on group assignments.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.