UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This is an introductory unit that explores the molecular basis of life at the cellular level through a flipped classroom, active learning experience. Students will engage with learning materials; e.g. videos (i.e. recorded lectures) and readings, in preparation for activities in workshops and laboratories, which will be continuously assessed throughout semester. The theoretical content of the unit is divided into four major themes: (1) DNA, with a focus on recombinant DNA technology; (2) information flow from DNA to RNA, with an emphasis on how this is regulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels; (3) the protein life cycle, involving an examination of protein synthesis and catabolism pathways; and (4) proteins as functional molecules, where the fundamentals of enzyme action are highlighted.

Detailed content includes (1) role of DNA polymerases in DNA replication, tools of the molecular biologist, cloning, genetic recombination and DNA sequencing; (2) transcriptional regulation of genes, post-transcriptional processing and methods to quantify mRNA transcripts; (3) protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, control of protein synthesis, post-translational modifications, protein targeting, protein catabolism and antibodies as tools of discovery; and (4) proteins as enzymes, enzyme kinetics, proteolytic enzymes, and enzymes as tools of discovery. The laboratories introduce students to modern technologies used in commercial and research laboratories, which include fundamental techniques of homogenisation, centrifugation, spectrophotometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme kinetics.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 1	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 2 core unit in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Molecular Life Sciences; Biochemistry of Nutrition; Plant Biology major sequences
• Level 2 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) develop a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of biochemistry and molecular biology; (2) develop an understanding of the 'language' of biochemistry and molecular biology; (3) develop knowledge of the chemistry, structures and functions of biological molecules in a cellular context; and (4) in the laboratory class: (i) acquire in-depth knowledge about key techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology; (ii) develop laboratory skills required for scientific problem solving; (iii) further develop quantitative reasoning skills; (iv) develop skills to communicate scientific information in written and oral forms; and (v) develop collaborative skills.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) continuous assessment of engagement with theory component learning materials and participation in workshop activities using online quizzes; (2) an end-of-semester examination; and (3) continuous assessment of laboratory component using online quizzes and marked reports. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Luke Smithers

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

IMED1001 Form and Function
and IMED1002 The Facts of Life

or Successful completion of two Unit(s)

SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
or SCIX1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell

and CHEM1004 Biological Chemistry
or BIOC1001 Introductory Cellular Biochemistry
or CHEM1002 Chemistry—Structure and Reactivity
or CHEX1002 Chemistry Structure and Reactivity

Incompatibility

Unit(s) BIOC2201 Biochemistry of the Cell
and Unit(s) SCIE2225 Molecular Biology

Contact hours

Workshops: 12x 90 minutes

Laboratories: 6x 3 hours

Post-laboratory sessions: 4x 90 minutes