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Principles of Chemical Biology (CHEM20026)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces the chemical logic of cellular processes, and the chemical methods used to probe and perturb them. Coverage includes: the major classes of biomolecules and their biosynthesis with a focus on molecular structure; biological catalysis (enzymes, enzyme kinetics and the roles of trace metals and co-factors); and chemical methods for studying interactions and deconvoluting biological systems.
Also covered are chemical techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis of cellular processes and biomolecular interactions; imaging techniques for non-invasive analysis; analytical techniques and equipment for biomolecular studies; and common molecular tools.
A key aspect of this subject will be the use of case studies to explore how chemical approaches can be applied to illuminate the molecular features of biological systems. This will be covered in a small-group learning mode and involve both a written report and oral presentation.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Critically analyse problems at the interface of chemistry and biology
- Explain the molecular basis of a range of biological processes
- Interpret biological data by applying diverse chemical principles
- Explain the principles of the key analytical methods used in chemical biology
Generic skills
This subject will provide students with opportunities to develop the following generic skills:
- The ability to comprehend complex concepts and effectively communicate this understanding to scientists within and outside of the chemistry discipline
- The ability to critically analyse and solve abstract technical problems using data acquired through a range of technologies
- The ability to assimilate and apply the learnt concepts to a broad range of scientific problems within a scientific paradigm
- The ability to use conceptual models to rationalise observations
- Project planning and delivery skills including: planning and time-management; report-writing and oral presentation; working in collaborative groups
- Work effectively in small teams
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM10004 | Chemistry 2 |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
CHEM10006 | Chemistry for Biomedicine |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
CHEM10009 | Chemistry for BioSciences | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
Students entering the subject through CHEM10006 Chemistry for Biomedicine or CHEM10009 Chemistry for BioSciences are strongly advised to contact the coordinator to discuss the subject and the background knowledge required.
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
A written assignment not exceeding 1000 words and oral presentation as part of the small-group based, case-study learning component of the subject
| During the teaching period | 20% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 70% |
A series of 3 online assessment tasks throughout the semester (weeks 4, 8, 11)
| From Week 4 to Week 11 | 10% |
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Paul Donnelly Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week for 12 weeks; 1 x one hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks. Total contact hours – 48 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022 Semester 1 contact information
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
D. Van Vranken, G.A. Weiss, Introduction to Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Garland Science, 2012.
Recommended texts and other resources
H. Waldmann, P. Janning, Chemical Biology: Learning Through Case Studies, Wiley, 2009.
J. Kuriyan, B. Konforti, D. Wemmer A. Burrows, J., The Molecules of Life, Garland Science, 2012.
A. Burrows, J. Holman, A. Parsons, G. Pilling and G. Price, Chemistry3 2nd Ed, Oxford University Press, 2013.
Blackman, S. Bottle, S. Schmid, M. Mocerino and U. Wille, Chemistry 3rd edition, Wiley, 2015.
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 15 February 2024