1. Home
  2. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry [SCI2112]

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

Please note that given the circumstances of COVID-19, there may be some modifications to the assessment schedule promoted in Handbook for Semester 1 2020 Units. Students will be notified of all approved modifications by Unit Coordinators via email and Unit Blackboard sites. Where changes have been made, these are designed to ensure that you still meet the unit learning outcomes in the context of our adjusted teaching and learning arrangements.

  • Unit Title

    Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

  • Unit Code

    SCI2112

  • Year

    2020

  • Enrolment Period

    1

  • Version

    4

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Annette Erika KOENDERS

Description

Genomics, proteomics and metabolomics are providing insights into the way living organisms function at an ever increasing level of detail. Students will develop an understanding of the "-omics" through exploring the genetic and metabolic processes common to all life as well as specialised processes that enable living organisms to function, survive and reproduce.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass SCI1183

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Discuss current theory and practice in molecular biology and biochemistry.
  2. Analyse, interpret and present results from a laboratory investigation.
  3. Work autonomously and in teams to carry out and present the results of experiments.

Unit Content

  1. Molecular structure of nuclear and organelle genomes, chromosomes, coding and non-coding DNA, genes.
  2. DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation, pre-, post-transcriptional and post-translational control mechanisms, protein structure and function.
  3. Subcellular organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  4. Biological membrane structure, semi-permeability, membrane transport, resting membrane potential, transport epithelia.
  5. Energy metabolism, carbohydrates and lipids as fuels, glycolysis and various fermentation processes, cellular respiration, oxidative phosphorylation.
  6. Carbon fixation and energy harnessing through photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.
  7. Energy flow and nutrient cycles from cells to ecosystems.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 213 x 3 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 213 x 2 hour lectureNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 22 x 3 hour workshopNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

The theory and practice of molecular biology & biochemistry are taught in lectures and practised in laboratories, from a biological rather than medical perspective, with examples introduced from conservation biology and biodiversity studies.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Research PaperInvestigation of a biological research question.20%
Reflective PracticePeer review and reflection20%
Laboratory WorkLaboratory and tutorial exercises20%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination40%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI2112|4|1

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

Please note that given the circumstances of COVID-19, there may be some modifications to the assessment schedule promoted in Handbook for this unit. All assessment changes will be published by 27 July 2020. All students are reminded to check handbook at the beginning of semester to ensure they have the correct outline.

  • Unit Title

    Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

  • Unit Code

    SCI2112

  • Year

    2020

  • Enrolment Period

    2

  • Version

    4

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Annette Erika KOENDERS

Description

Genomics, proteomics and metabolomics are providing insights into the way living organisms function at an ever increasing level of detail. Students will develop an understanding of the "-omics" through exploring the genetic and metabolic processes common to all life as well as specialised processes that enable living organisms to function, survive and reproduce.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass SCI1183

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Discuss current theory and practice in molecular biology and biochemistry.
  2. Analyse, interpret and present results from a laboratory investigation.
  3. Work autonomously and in teams to carry out and present the results of experiments.

Unit Content

  1. Molecular structure of nuclear and organelle genomes, chromosomes, coding and non-coding DNA, genes.
  2. DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation, pre-, post-transcriptional and post-translational control mechanisms, protein structure and function.
  3. Subcellular organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  4. Biological membrane structure, semi-permeability, membrane transport, resting membrane potential, transport epithelia.
  5. Energy metabolism, carbohydrates and lipids as fuels, glycolysis and various fermentation processes, cellular respiration, oxidative phosphorylation.
  6. Carbon fixation and energy harnessing through photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.
  7. Energy flow and nutrient cycles from cells to ecosystems.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 213 x 3 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 213 x 2 hour lectureNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 22 x 3 hour workshopNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

The theory and practice of molecular biology & biochemistry are taught in lectures and practised in laboratories, from a biological rather than medical perspective, with examples introduced from conservation biology and biodiversity studies.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Research PaperInvestigation of a biological research question.20%
Reflective PracticePeer review and reflection20%
Laboratory WorkLaboratory and tutorial exercises20%
AssignmentEnd of semester written assessment40%

Core Reading(s)

  • Moran, L. A., Horton, R. A., Scrimgeour, G., Perry, M., & Rawn, D. (2013). Principles of Biochemistry. (5th ed.). USA: Pearson Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/857878462?databaseList=638

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI2112|4|2