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Unit description

Introduces basic chemical and biochemical concepts focused on providing students with an understanding of the molecular basis of physiological processes. The unit covers the basics of carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism in the human body. The regulation of these metabolic pathways and the role of selected nutrients in metabolism will be presented.

Unit content

  • Introduction to atomic and molecular structure and chemical properties and bonding
  • Overview of functional groups in organic chemistry, the properties of water and acid/base equilibria
  • Amino acids, protein structure, and functions 
  • Enzymes, coenzymes, cofactors
  • Metabolism and Cellular Bioenergetics
  • Structure, function and metabolism of carbohydrates
  • Structure, functions and metabolism of lipids

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1outline fundamental chemical and biochemical concepts
2describe the physical and chemical characteristics of major classes of biological molecules
3summarise the core metabolic pathways
4explain the regulation of the core metabolic pathways in the human body
5analyse findings from laboratory experimental and clinical data

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. outline fundamental chemical and biochemical concepts
  2. describe the physical and chemical characteristics of major classes of biological molecules
  3. summarise the core metabolic pathways
  4. explain the regulation of the core metabolic pathways in the human body
  5. analyse findings from laboratory experimental and clinical data

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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