Introduction to Biochemistry

Aims and objectives

This unit of study aims:

• To provide an introduction to the basic concepts of biochemistry necessary for biochemical and biotechnology studies.
• To provide an understanding of the basic structure and behaviour of biochemicals.
• To introduce students to biochemical structures and the relationship of structure to function.
• To provide an understanding of the structure, function and kinetic properties of enzymes and their role in metabolism in the living cell.
• To examine the main catabolic pathways of the cell and how they are integrated with other pathways within the cell.
• To establish an understanding of the quantitative aspects of biochemical analyses.
• To establish the importance of chemical safety and precautions in the biochemical laboratory.
• To develop basic practical biochemical skills for the handling and analysis of biomolecules.
• To develop report writing skills.

At the end of this unit of study students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the properties of biomolecules and be able to predict behaviour of molecules from structures.
• Transform and interpret kinetic data and make predictions based on a simple model of enzyme kinetics.
• Design protocols for biochemical assays.
• Acquire and interpret data in the laboratory.
• Write a scientific report.
• Demonstrate an ability to name and write structures for representative molecules of the major classes of biochemicals.
• Calculate masses/moles of substances in aqueous solutions and find their concentration.
• Perform calculations associated with practical work, e.g. dilutions, unit conversions etc.
• Understand and use buffers and be able to calculate the pH of a buffer.
• Understand the concept of pH and calculate the pH of a weak acid or base of given concentration.
• Calculate the pH of a weak acid or base of given concentration and determine the concentration of all species present.

Teaching methods

Assessment

Generic skills outcomes

Students are expected to enhance several of their graduate attributes during this unit of study and should consult with your lecturer if not clear as to how this unit of study achieves this. The graduate attributes which relate to this unit of study help to produce students who are:

Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.

• Have a basic understanding of the theoretical principles involved in the study area.
• Have an in-depth technical competence in the specific (core) discipline.
• Can apply specific knowledge of the (core) discipline to real situations.

Can operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations.

• Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Can effectively communicate within the subject discipline.

Aware of environments in which they will be contributing.

• Have a broad understanding of the need for sustainability and sustainable development.
• Have a basic understanding of the need to carry out work in an ethical and socially responsible fashion.

IEAust Generic Attributes
In addition to the Swinburne generic attributes, this unit is also expected to enhance skills recognised by the Institution of Engineers (Australia), specifically:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
• Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large;
• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline;
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance;
• Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.
• Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development.

Content

• Structure, chemical properties and function of the main classes of biomolecules including monosaccharides, polysaccharides, amino acids, peptides and proteins, fatty acids, triacylglycerols and related lipids, nucleotides and nucleic acids.
• Protein architecture and its relationship to protein function.
• Enzyme kinetics, reaction mechanisms, methods for enzyme assay and analysis, inhibition of enzyme activity.
• Principles of bioenergetics, strategies of metabolism, types of metabolic reactions.
• Reactions of glycogenolysis, glycolysis, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
• Overview of nitrogen catabolism and lipid catabolism and their integration with carbohydrate catabolic pathways.
• Practical program to support the above theory including spectrophotometry, quantitative and qualitative analysis of carbohydrates and proteins, handling of enzymes and determination of their kinetic properties.
• Safety in the laboratory.