General Information
Medical Biochemistry 2 has been designed to develop students' knowledge acquired in Medical Biochemistry 1 in the area of human metabolism through the key catabolic and anabolic metabolic pathways. Students will gain insight into the principles of bioenergetics and regulatory aspects of integrated metabolism. Students will also apply their knowledge in a technology-enhanced learning environment as well as small group case studies to examine how metabolism changes in the transition from healthy to diseased states and the body's response to exercise and trauma. Students will enhance their practical and in modern biochemical techniques (chromatography, spectrophotometric kit assays). Students will work in small groups using higher order critical thinking skills to solve case studies.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Subject code: BMED12-209 Subject title: Medical Biochemistry 2 Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Mixed (Face-to-Face) Workload items: - Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Tutorial
- Science Lab: x5 (Total hours: 15) - Science Lab
- Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Online Forums and Activities
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 57) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance at all tutorials and practical laboratory sessions is expected. Attendance in tutorials and labs will be recorded and monitored. Students who are unable to attend due to illness must provide a valid medical certificate. This subject is designed to integrate forums (2 hours per week), tutorials (2 hours per week), and practical laboratory sessions. Content delivered in these sessions builds on (& complements) the work from previous sessions and it is difficult to recover if you miss a session. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Nelson, D.L., Lehninger, A.L, & Cox, M. M. (2021). Leininger principles of biochemistry. 8th, Macmillian
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | BMED12-209 |
| Subject title: | Medical Biochemistry 2 |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Mixed (Face-to-Face) |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance at all tutorials and practical laboratory sessions is expected. Attendance in tutorials and labs will be recorded and monitored. Students who are unable to attend due to illness must provide a valid medical certificate. This subject is designed to integrate forums (2 hours per week), tutorials (2 hours per week), and practical laboratory sessions. Content delivered in these sessions builds on (& complements) the work from previous sessions and it is difficult to recover if you miss a session. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Pre-requisites:Co-requisites:There are no co-requisites |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the key metabolic pathways relating to carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in health and disease.
- Describe and explain in detail how the metabolic pathways are regulated and how these pathways integrate into other metabolic pathways to maintain the organism as a whole
- Understand the consequences of metabolic disturbances in terms of patient symptoms in a number of key disease states.
- Locate information relating to various biochemical topics and interpret appropriate data.
- Present and interpret scientific data that is conducted from experiments
- Develop teamwork and leadership skills in a small group environment
- Demonstrate competencies in advanced biochemical techniques using higher order analytical skills to solve case studies in a problem-based learning environment
- Understand key metabolic pathways and biomedical processes that support health and reduce preventable deaths and diseases.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) Final exam - MCQs and short answer questions 30.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3,5,7,8 Computer-aided Test (Closed) iLearn test 15.00% Week 4 1,2,3 Computer-aided Test (Closed) iLearn test 15.00% Week 9 1,2,3 Oral Pitch§ A group assignment on the metabolic pathway-based theme 10.00% Week 11 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 Activity Laboratory Activity - Assessments include 2 x in-class lab worksheets (4% and 5%), 2 mini lab reports (7% and 10%) participation and skills-based assessment (4%) 30.00% To Be Negotiated 1,3,4,5,6,7 - § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) | Final exam - MCQs and short answer questions | 30.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3,5,7,8 |
| Computer-aided Test (Closed) | iLearn test | 15.00% | Week 4 | 1,2,3 |
| Computer-aided Test (Closed) | iLearn test | 15.00% | Week 9 | 1,2,3 |
| Oral Pitch§ | A group assignment on the metabolic pathway-based theme | 10.00% | Week 11 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 |
| Activity | Laboratory Activity - Assessments include 2 x in-class lab worksheets (4% and 5%), 2 mini lab reports (7% and 10%) participation and skills-based assessment (4%) | 30.00% | To Be Negotiated | 1,3,4,5,6,7 |
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
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1 Introduction to Metabolism and Bioenergetics
During the 1st week we provide an overview of metabolism using a state of the art lightboard video presentation which sets the scene for a more detailed treatment of the various pathways for carbohydrates, proteins, lipids.and nitrogen metabolism. Importantly we provide a sound introduction to bioenergetics which helps us understand the flow of energy through the pathways.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the key metabolic pathways relating to carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in health and disease.
- Describe and explain in detail how the metabolic pathways are regulated and how these pathways integrate into other metabolic pathways to maintain the organism as a whole
- Understand the consequences of metabolic disturbances in terms of patient symptoms in a number of key disease states.
- Locate information relating to various biochemical topics and interpret appropriate data.
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2. Carbohydrate Metabolism
In this Topic we cover, in detail, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen breakdown and synthesis, pentose phosphate pathway as well as some systemic pathways such as Cori Cycle. Anaerobic and aerobic respiration will be dealt with. There is an emphasis on understanding biochemical redox reactions and the role of the redox cofactors. Throughout the course we focus on molecular level understanding of the pathways/enzyme function and regulation as well as the impact of systemic hormonal regulation. Students should strive to understand the role and key site of regulation in each pathway.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the key metabolic pathways relating to carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in health and disease.
- Describe and explain in detail how the metabolic pathways are regulated and how these pathways integrate into other metabolic pathways to maintain the organism as a whole
- Understand the consequences of metabolic disturbances in terms of patient symptoms in a number of key disease states.
- Locate information relating to various biochemical topics and interpret appropriate data.
- Present and interpret scientific data that is conducted from experiments
- Demonstrate competencies in advanced biochemical techniques using higher order analytical skills to solve case studies in a problem-based learning environment
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3. TCA Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation
In this Topic we examine the TCA Cycle as the hub of intermediary metabolism. Under aerobic conditions this Cycle will be most active and facilitate production of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. Students should be able to draw the Cycle and components of the ETC; identify how these systems are regulated and explain oxidative phosphorylation and the chemiosmotic theory. Medical scenarios and pathologies will be mentioned where relevant.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the key metabolic pathways relating to carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in health and disease.
- Describe and explain in detail how the metabolic pathways are regulated and how these pathways integrate into other metabolic pathways to maintain the organism as a whole
- Understand the consequences of metabolic disturbances in terms of patient symptoms in a number of key disease states.
- Locate information relating to various biochemical topics and interpret appropriate data.
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4. Lipid Metabolism
Here we delve into the details of beta-oxidation of fatty acids and fatty acid synthesis. Students should highlight how these processes are regulated and link the overall chemical logic to other pathways examined in the course. We also cover how lipids are transported & stored through the body and hormonal regulation thereof. Medical applications, relevant pathologies and biochemical basis of their treatment is provided.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the key metabolic pathways relating to carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in health and disease.
- Describe and explain in detail how the metabolic pathways are regulated and how these pathways integrate into other metabolic pathways to maintain the organism as a whole
- Understand the consequences of metabolic disturbances in terms of patient symptoms in a number of key disease states.
- Locate information relating to various biochemical topics and interpret appropriate data.
- Present and interpret scientific data that is conducted from experiments
- Develop teamwork and leadership skills in a small group environment
- Demonstrate competencies in advanced biochemical techniques using higher order analytical skills to solve case studies in a problem-based learning environment
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5. Nitrogen Metabolism
This broad topic covers amino acid metabolism (link to TCA Cycle), purine and pyrimidine metabolism. Since we cover a number of pathways in this topic for which the key focus should be on the overall role of each pathway, key points of regulation and mechanisms of regulation, key enzymes & intermediates. Sites of action & mechanism of relevant pharmaceutical inteventions should be noted.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the key metabolic pathways relating to carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in health and disease.
- Describe and explain in detail how the metabolic pathways are regulated and how these pathways integrate into other metabolic pathways to maintain the organism as a whole
- Understand the consequences of metabolic disturbances in terms of patient symptoms in a number of key disease states.
- Locate information relating to various biochemical topics and interpret appropriate data.
- Present and interpret scientific data that is conducted from experiments
- Develop teamwork and leadership skills in a small group environment
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6. Integrated Metabolism
At this stage we take a broad systemic view of metabolism in terms of the fed, fasted and starvation states examining which pathways will be active or inhibited and the mechanisms by which that occurs through hormonal regulation (& subsequent covalent or allosteric modification). It is important to identify the key sites of regulation in the main pathways and provide examples of reciprocal regulation.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the key metabolic pathways relating to carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in health and disease.
- Describe and explain in detail how the metabolic pathways are regulated and how these pathways integrate into other metabolic pathways to maintain the organism as a whole
- Understand the consequences of metabolic disturbances in terms of patient symptoms in a number of key disease states.
- Locate information relating to various biochemical topics and interpret appropriate data.
- Present and interpret scientific data that is conducted from experiments
- Develop teamwork and leadership skills in a small group environment