Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Area of Study

Biochemistry deals with the chemical components and genetic material of living cells in order to understand the molecular events that underlie all biological processes. These are important in human and animal biology, medicine, agriculture, forensic science and biotechnology. Biochemistry opens up our understanding of the causes of disease and provides the basis of the development of effective treatments.

Objectives

On completion of a major sequence in biochemistry students will:

• have a broad understanding of the biomolecules, machinery and information flow within living cells, and an appreciation of how these underpin all biological processes, in both normal and diseased states
• have developed a deep understanding of key facets of modern biochemistry including: proteins and structural biology; bioinformatics; advanced molecular biology; signal transduction and its role in diseases such as cancer; cell organisation and the roles of organelles in health and disease
• be proficient in core biochemical laboratory techniques, understanding both the principles and applications of these methods within the molecular biosciences
• be able to critically evaluate scientific data and literature
• be familiar with the nature and scope of the scientific literature in biochemistry and related areas, using both the library and electronic resources to seek scientific information
• have developed, in the context of the discipline, the graduate attributes of effective communication, quantitative literacy, information and communication literacy, inquiry and critical thinking, and ethical, social and international understanding.
• be prepared for further learning or training in biochemistry or related areas, such as honours studies with a research focus
• be suitable for employment in occupations and organisations that include research, teaching, the biotechnology industry, diagnostic and analytical laboratories, biomedical sales and marketing, legal and commercial firms, media and government bodies.

Level one

• BIO1722 Cell biology
• CHM1011 Chemistry

Level two

• BTH2732 Recombinant DNA technology
• BTH2741 Biochemistry
• BTH2752 Cellular metabolism

Level three

• BTH3741 Medical cell biology
• BTH3752 Molecular biology and biotechnology
• BTH3990 Biotechnology in action research project
• CHM3730 Bioactive chemistry

Minor sequence in applied biochemistry (24 points)

• CHM1011 and BIO1722
• BTH2741 and one of BTH2752 or BTH2732

Major sequence in applied biochemistry (48 points)

• CHM1011 and BIO1722
• BTH2741 and BTH2732 and BTH2752
• BTH3741, BTH3752 and one of CHM3730 or BTH3990

Requirements for honours in biochemistry

• 24 points of relevant level-three units, of which 18 points are normally from units listed above.

Additional information

Honours

In addition to the requirements listed above, students must meet the entry requirements for the Science honours program relevant to the course of enrolment. See the entry for 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science for full details regarding the course structure for honours in biochemistry.

First level units provide essential foundation knowledge in chemistry and cell biology. Second level units introduce in depth investigations of cellular biochemistry, cell metabolism and recombinant DNA technology which are extended at level three. The incorporation of project work at levels two and three enables students to develop key research skills.

+ 0050 Bachelor of Science