Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course focuses on the application of principles of inorganic & organic chemistry to the understanding of biological function at the molecular level. Topics covered will include functional group chemistry in a biological setting, mechanistic enzymology, chemistry of coenzymes & vitamins, computational & spectroscopic methods in chemical biology, metal ion acquisition & speciation in biological systems, metallo-proteins, role of metal ions in disease states. This is a key course for Masters students who have not previously studied chemical biology or biochemistry.
CHEM6520 has been created in response to the changing face of research and its increasing multidisciplinary nature.ﾠBiological research is becoming increasingly molecular and a working knowledge of the chemical processes and their mechanisms is essential in the interpretation of data generated by biological experiments.ﾠLikewise, chemical research is rarely done in isolation from other fields and chemists are often required to use their chemical skills to investigate, manipulate and affect biological systems; especially in growth research areas such as pharmaceutical science and molecular engineering.ﾠChemical Biology provides a knowledge and skill set to students who will work at the interface between chemistry and biology.ﾠAn understanding of the reactions and mechanisms involved in the major biological pathways and processes and the chemical characteristics of the important biological molecules as well as knowledge of techniques used to investigate biological molecules are essential tools in the repertoire of any scientific researcher in the 21st century.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students should have already completed the equivalent of first year University Chemistry and will require a knowledge of organic chemistry (substitution and elimnation reactions, reactions of carbonyl-containing compounds) and transition metal / coordination chemistry (crystal field theory, concepts such as oxidation state, denticity, stability or formation constants).
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Introductory level tertiary Chemistry
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Introductory level tertiary Biology
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOC2052(co-taught), CHEM2052
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in the Masters of Molecular Biology, Masters of Biotechnology or Masters of Bioinformatics programs.
Course contact
Course staff
Course coordinator
Professor Megan O'Mara
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly.
Students are reminded that the workshopsﾠare an integral part of the course and your attendance is expected. Recordings of workshops are not possible, due to the interactive nature of the activities. Studentsﾠare asked to always bring their student cards to the workshops for identification during assessment items performed during workshops. THE MOLECULAR MODEL KIT REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO EVERY WORKSHOP.ﾠﾠ
Aims and outcomes
1)ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠTo provide students with the fundamental chemical knowledge required to fully understand the mechanisms operating in biological systems.
2)ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠTo provide students with the ability to appreciate chemical reactions and theories within a biological context.
3)ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠTo provide students with a knowledge and skill set that will equip them to study and perform research in biological and/or chemical sciences.ﾠ ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Use knowledge of fundamental chemistry to investigate and understand complex biological systems and processes.
LO2.
Evaluate and interpret information from various sources, distilling the essential and accurate facts and communicating these concisely and accurately to an audience.
LO3.
Investigate and evaluate the chemical processes which occur in biological systems using a molecular mechanistic strategy and thus recognise the interconnected nature of these processes.
LO4.
Understand the structure and electronic configuration of the major functional groups present in biological molecules and how these characteristics dictate their reactivity.
LO5.
Understand the chemical processes occurring in the major metabolic and catabolic pathways and the role of chemical species such as cofactors and vitamins.
LO6.
Understand the essential role transition metals play in biological systems.
LO7.
Recognise and predict mechanisms by which enzymes catalyse chemical reactions including the path of electron flow in the reactions and recognise the multi-step processes that occur in an active site to achieve an overall transformation.
LO8.
Understand the various spectroscopic techniques used to investigate biological molecules and reactions. Appreciate where and how the different techniques might be used.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-semester exam
|
20% |
In-semester Saturday 6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Science communication Assignment: Article & Video
|
25% 12.5% for article, 12.5% for video. |
News article due 2pm 16 September Video due 2pm 23 September |
| Quiz |
Workshop Quizzes
|
10% Lowest quiz of the 7 will be disregarded. |
11/08/2025 5:00 pm 18/08/2025 5:00 pm 25/08/2025 5:00 pm 22/09/2025 5:00 pm 13/10/2025 5:00 pm 20/10/2025 5:00 pm 27/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of semester exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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 exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L07, L08
Task description
This is an in-semester exam covering all the lecture and workshop material presented by Prof. Blanchfield and Dr Kartsonaki (Module 1). More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools
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 | 60 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 | A commercial molecular modelling kit, with no instruction booklet. Structures may be brought in assembled, but cannot be labelled. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Science communication Assignment: Article & Video
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 25% 12.5% for article, 12.5% for video.
- Due date
News article due 2pm 16 September
Video due 2pm 23 September
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will work individually on this assignment. Each student is required to choose a primary research article relevant to Chemical biology published in the last 24 months by a researcher in SCMB (NOT a review).
Once the article is selected, then the selected article details should be submitted for approval in the Assessment folder on Blackboard. If this is not done before 2 p.m. 19th August, then an article will be assigned. Students will be asked to select another article if another group has already chosen that article or more than 4 students have chosen articles written by the same author.
Students may NOT use AI-generated voices or avatars to present their video. Students must appear in their video and speak.
Students are required to write a 4 page "New Scientist" style news article detailing the journal article they have chosen. It should accurately and concisely summarise the science for an educated, non-expert audience. This "New Scientist" style news article is due for upload by 2 pm Tuesday 16th September.
A five minute video recording of a "Catalyst" style TV segment reporting on the findings in the scientific paper will be uploaded onto BlackBoard by 2 pm on Tuesday 23rd September. It should clearly and concisely explain the science of the article chosen for your assignment. Full instructions on how this should be performed and suggestions on how to tackle this assignment will be provided in the workshop in the second week of semester.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students are NOT permitted to use AI-generated voices or AI-generated avatars to present their video.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Details of the proposed article will be submitted electronically using the link provided in the Assessment folder on BlackBoard and then reviewed for suitability. The video and written article will be submitted electronically also on BlackBoard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
Workshop Quizzes
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10% Lowest quiz of the 7 will be disregarded.
- Due date
11/08/2025 5:00 pm
18/08/2025 5:00 pm
25/08/2025 5:00 pm
22/09/2025 5:00 pm
13/10/2025 5:00 pm
20/10/2025 5:00 pm
27/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Workshop quizzes will be held throughout semester, commencing in Week 3 of semester.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and 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.Submission guidelines
Workshop assessment is submitted before leaving the workshop session. You should therefore bring a device with you to the workshop capable of connecting to the internet (e.g. laptop or tablet).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
End of semester exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
This exam will cover all workshop and lecture material presented by Profs. O'Mara & Robertson and Dr Sharpe (Modules 2 and 3). It will be held in the end of semester examination block.
This will be an on-campus, invigilated closed-book exam. No notes allowed.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools
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 hurdles relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | A commercial molecular modelling kit (disassembled, no instruction booklet) |
| 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: The grade will be assigned according to the aggregate score obtained over all pieces of assessment. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade will be assigned according to the aggregate score obtained over all pieces of assessment. 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 grade will be assigned according to the aggregate score obtained over all pieces of assessment. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade will be assigned according to the aggregate score obtained over all pieces of assessment. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade will be assigned according to the aggregate score obtained over all pieces of assessment. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade will be assigned according to the aggregate score obtained over all pieces of assessment. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade will be assigned according to the aggregate score obtained over all pieces of assessment. 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 (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
1. You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components.
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.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial molecular modelling kit | Commercial molecular modelling kits are available for purchase on campus. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
The texts listed in the Library resources section are alternative texts which may be helpful with various sections of the course.ﾠ A student should not buy all those listed.ﾠ Which sections of the course relate to which specific books will be made clear in lectures.ﾠ The molecular model kit is available from the School Locker shop on campus, but any molecular modelling kit will be helpful to students both as a study aid and in Workshop activities.
Blackboard
Additional supplementary material may be posted on the Blackboard site for BIOC2052/CHEM6520 at learn.uq.edu.au
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
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 5 |
Lecture |
Lectures - Prof Blanchfield and Dr Kartsonaki Principles of organic chemistry applied to biological molecules. The structure and reactivity of functional groups in biological molecules will be reviewed. Revision of basic stereochemistry of organic molecules (R/S configurations) as well as new material on stereochemistry of larger organic molecules with multiple chiral centers and the importance of chirality in biological systems. Biology and chemistry of carbohydrates from simple monosaccharides to polysaccharides (Dr Kartsonaki). Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Workshops Chemistry Problem Solving Week 1 Communicating Science - Assignment Preparation Week 2 Cyclic Structures and models Week 3 (Public holiday Week 4) Carbohydrates Week 5 In-semester exam revision Week 6 (In-semester exam Week 7) Enzymes in Drug Discovery (I) Week 8 Enzymes in Drug Discovery (II) Week 9 Enzymes in Drug Discovery (III) Week 10 Introduction to bio-inorganic structures Week 11 Applying spectroscopy to bioinorganic structures Week 12 End of semester exam revision session Week 13 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Lectures-Profs O'Mara & Robertson-Enzyme chemistry The importance of enzymes in biological chemistry will be discussed as well as details of the mechanisms of some important enzymes and the methods of how inhibitors for these enzymes have been developed. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures Dr Sharpe Survey of bioinorganic chemistry. Why metals? Controlling the properties of metal centres. Medicinal inorganic chemistry. Iron acquisition. Representative bioinorganic enzyme mechanisms. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06, L07, L08 |
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.