Course coordinator
Dr Simon Worrall
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
An overview of cellular biochemistry; structure and function of biologically important molecules & molecular assemblies (e.g. membranes) and metabolic processes with an emphasis on veterinary applications. Introduction to molecular biology.
Life, at its most basic level, is a biochemical phenomenon. A veterinary student striving to understand diseases and therapies for animals must therefore have a good understanding of biochemical principles. In this course we will describe the structure, organization, and functions of living matter in biochemical terms, emphasizing aspects related toﾠanimals and veterinary medicine.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Entry requirements as specified for the Veterinary Science program.
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to BVSc(Hons) students only.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Simon Worrall
Professor Lisbeth Grondahl
Associate Professor Scott Beatson
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
You will develop a broad and thorough understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules,ﾠhow they contribute to metabolic and regulatory events that control the functioning of normal cells, tissues and organs, and understand how these processes are altered by disease.ﾠﾠAs it will be the first exposure of many students to biological chemistry, the emphasis will be on providing factual knowledge that will form the basis for understanding how animals function at the molecular level, what can go wrong, and how a Veterinarian can treat diseases in animals.
Lectures begin with a revision of physical properties of molecules and solutions.ﾠMajor topics covered in subsequent lectures include: proteins (amino acids, protein structure and folding), enzymes (kinetics, mechanism of action, and coenzymes), carbohydrates, lipids, biomembranes,ﾠcellular biochemistry, metabolism (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, urea cycle, etc.), biosynthesis and molecular biology. Veterinary applications are emphasized.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the properties of covalent and noncovalent bonds, and understand how these properties affect the structure and function of biomolecules..
LO2.
Describe the principles of acids and bases, and then use this knowledge to develop a deep understanding of the importance of acids and bases in biological systems.
LO3.
Describe the principal classes of biological macromolecules, identify their components and explain their functions.
LO4.
Describe the principles that underpin the properties of enzymes, control of their activities and their inhibition by pharmacological agents.
LO5.
Describe the components of biological membranes, their properties and the structural/functional role(s) they play.
LO6.
Compare and contrast the different transport systems that exist in cells and explain the mechanisms responsible for their actions.
LO7.
Explain the differences between cell membranes and cell walls.
LO8.
Describe the steps by which cells break down biological molecules to extract energy for the performance of work.
LO9.
Explain metabolic pathways and how they are integrated.
LO10.
Describe the structure of DNA and RNA, and the then use this knowledge to gain a deep understanding of the pathways from gene sequences to active proteins.
LO11.
Explain the differences and similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes.
LO12.
Discuss the relevance of biochemical principles discussed in this course to veterinary science.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-semester examination on modules 1 and 2.
|
50% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025 |
| Examination |
End-of-Semester exam on modules 3 and 4.
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-semester examination on modules 1 and 2.
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
In-semester examination (90 mins) will test comprehension of the lecture material in the first 2 modules.
The exam will be an in-person, timed exam with specified materials permitted.
The exam will comprise true/false questions in which you will be asked to explain and justify your answer; and/or short answer; and/or multiple-choice questions
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Two A4 sheets of handwritten notes, double sided, are permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End-of-Semester exam on modules 3 and 4.
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L08, L09, L10, L11, L12
Task description
End-of-semester (final) examination (90 mins) will test comprehension of the lecture material in the second two modules.
This will be an in-person, invigilated exam with specified materials permitted.
The exam will comprise true/false questions in which you will be asked to explain and justify your answer; and/or short answer; and/or multiple-choice questions.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Two A4 sheets of handwritten notes, double sided, are permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student has made little attempt to address the requirements for this topic. Written submissions and performance are incomplete or unsatisfactory. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student fails to demonstrate relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts associated with this topic. The student shows little evidence of the skills and understanding expected of a graduate. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates a limited knowledge of the topics being assessed. The student shows little aptitude to continue in this area, but has benefited from the exercise and may be able to apply this knowledge for other purposes. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's answer to the topic is unambiguous and addresses the specific question(s) or issue(s) being examined. Performance in the assessment instrument(s) demonstrates basic knowledge and comprehension of the underlying concepts of the topic being examined. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 4, the student demonstrates in his or her assessment a superior understanding of some of the underlying concepts of the topic(s) being examined. The student has shown some competence in addressing the assessment criteria. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 5, the student demonstrates a higher level of understanding of the factual and conceptual information available from the literature or other appropriate sources (e.g. the student's own experimental data). A good attempt has been made to dissect and integrate different aspects of that knowledge, resulting in well-balanced and appropriate conclusions and a commendable attempt to synthesize ideas. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Reserved for an outstanding performance which demonstrates a level of achievement superior to a grade of 6, and includes a substantial and original synthesis of ideas based on a critical analysis of the subject matter available to the student. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles: In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:
1.ﾠ You must have an overall course mark of at least 50%.
Additional course requirements:
1.ﾠ To receive a grade above 4 you must achieve the required percentage for that grade, and you must score at least 40% in EACH of the two exams.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
A Blackboard site has been set up for the course at learn.uq.edu.au
It will be used to make announcements to the class and to deposit teaching material (e.g. pdfs of the lecture material presented in lectures).
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
This course will be using the Ed discussion board rather than the native Bb one.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures A full list of the topics is on Blackboard. Recordings of all of the lectures will available on Blackboard. The likely running order will be:
This order will be confirmed in the introductory lecture held in week 1. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Revision week |
Workshop |
Tutorials/workshops Tutorials and workshops associated with each module will be held throughout semester. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12 |
Additional learning activity information
Please refer to the detailed timetable available on the Blackboard course web site.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.