Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit provides an introduction to the chemistry relevant to biological systems. Topics to be covered include the important classes of biomolecules: amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and oligonucleotides, addressing their stereochemistry, structure, synthesis, biosynthesis (including the function of selected coenzymes) and importance in living systems. The biological activity of important secondary metabolites along with their biosynthetic pathways will be highlighted. The role of metal ions in biology, with an emphasis on the fundamental transition metal chemistry relevant to the mechanisms of metalloenzymes and metal-based drugs, is also explored.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) describe key knowledge and concepts about organic and inorganic chemistry relevant to biological systems; (2) critically review basic facts, principles and theories of organic and inorganic chemistry; (3) solve problems at the biology/chemistry interface; (4) critically review chemical terminology, nomenclature and conventions associated with the classes of biomolecules; (5) critically review functional groups, their reactivity and interconversion; (6) acquire skills in performing standard laboratory procedures for simple synthetic organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry; (7) use instrumentation and interpretation of spectroscopic data for structure determination of inorganic and organic compounds; and (8) produce clear written communication of results of laboratory work and reading using correct scientific style.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) final examination; (2) quizzes; and (3) laboratories. Further information is available in the unit outline.
To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the laboratories component.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Gavin Flematti
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of CHEM1001 Chemistry—Properties and Energetics (ID 1188)andand CHEM2001 Core Chemical Concepts and Techniques
or CHEX1001 Chemistry—Properties and Energetics - Incompatibility
- Unit(s) CHEM3008 The Molecules of Life (ID 6085)
and CHEM2221 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (ID 6331) - Advisable prior study
- CHEM2003 Chemical Synthesis (ID 1363)
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
labs: 36 hours across the semester
tutorials: 1 per week - Texts
Clayden, J. et al. Organic Chemistry, 2nd edn: Oxford University Press 2001
Dewick, P. Medicinal Natural Products, John Wiley and Sons, 1997-2008, any edition
Weller, M. et al. Inorganic Chemistry, 6th edn: Oxford University Press 2014
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.