Protein Structure and Function (BCMB30001)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will describe the wide range of structures, functions and interactions of proteins and their importance in biological processes, biomedicine and biotechnology. Emphasis will be on the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their interactions with biological molecules. We will describe experimental and computational techniques and how they help in determining and predicting protein structure and function and aid in the development of new drugs. The subject matter addresses the general properties of protein structure; the major classes and topologies of proteins; evolution of sequence, structure and function; protein synthesis, folding, misfolding, targeting and trafficking; bioinformatics analysis of protein sequence and structure; binding of small molecules to proteins and drug design; protein-protein interactions; effects of mutations on tertiary structure, protein stability and biological functions; enzyme reaction kinetics and mechanisms; motor proteins; transporters.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Describe the molecular basis of the evolution of protein sequence and structure.
- Explain the theory behind and practical considerations of experimental techniques used to study protein structure and function.
- Devise experiments to analyse protein structure and function using the techniques studied.
- Perform computational analysis of protein sequence and structure using bioinformatics and molecular graphics tools.
- Critically analyse of the current scientific literature on protein structure and function.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- the ability to interpret scientific literature and interpret data from electronic databases.
- the capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
- the ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Other combinations that provide similar background will be considered by the coordinator.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject if previously obtained credit for pre-2009 subject (521-301) Protein Structure, Design and Engineering.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
5-10 written assessments (approx. 1,600 words and prepared figures)
| Throughout the teaching period | 35% |
Mid Semester Test 1
| Around week 5 | 10% |
Mid Semester Test 2
| Around week 10 | 10% |
Written exam
| During the examination period | 45% |
Attendance at 70% of workshops Hurdle requirement: Attendance at 70% of workshops i.e. 10-11 x 2 hour workshops. | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Isabelle Rouiller Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hour in total including 2 hours face-to-face workshops per week and 2 hours of recorded videos each week
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Genetics Major Genetics Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Informal specialisation Biomedical Biotechnology specialisation Major Immunology Informal specialisation Genetics Major Immunology - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 4 March 2025