Undergraduate - Area of Study Biochemistry and molecular biology

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 two

• BCH2011 Structure and function of cellular biomolecules
• BCH2022 Metabolic basis of human diseases
• MOL2011 Molecular biology: Genes and their expression
• MOL2022 Molecular biology: Gene technology and its application

Level three

• BCH3021 Cell organisation: Organelle structure and function in health and disease
• BCH3031 Advanced molecular biology: Modern concepts and applications
• BCH3042 Cell signal transduction: Role in cancer and human disease
• BCH3052 Protein biology: From sequence to structure and disease
• BCH3990 Action in biochemistry research project

Minor sequence in biochemistry (24 points)

• BIO1011 and BIO1022, or CHM1011 and CHM1022, or CHM1031 and CHM1042
• BCH2011 and BCH2022

VCE Chemistry or at least a level-one unit in chemistry is recommended for level-two units.

Minor sequence in molecular biology (24 points)

• BIO1011 and BIO1022
• MOL2011 and MOL2022

Major sequence in biochemistry (48 points)

• a minor sequence in biochemistry
• four of BCH3021, BCH3031, BCH3042, BCH3052, or BCH3990

Major sequence in biochemistry and molecular biology (48 points)

• a minor sequence in molecular biology
• BCH3031 and BCH3052, and two of BCH3021, BCH3042, or BCH3990

Double major sequence in biochemistry and molecular biology (72 points)

• a minor sequence in molecular biology
• BCH2011 and BCH2022
• one of MIC3011, MIC3022, MIC3032, or MIC3990
• 30 additional points from the BCH units at level three

Details of the MIC units and sequences are described in the 'microbiology ' entry in the Science areas of study section of the Handbook.

Requirements for honours in biochemistry and molecular biology

• 24 points of relevant level-three units, of which normally 18 points are biochemistry units.

Additional information

Level two

Biochemistry and molecular biology are first offered as units at level two. For students who wish to complete a minor or major sequence in biochemistry and molecular biology the level-two unit combinations BCH2011 and BCH2022, together with MOL2011 and MOL2022 are highly recommended.

Level three

Students who have completed BCH2011/BCH2022 and MOL2011/MOL2022 will have gained a firm foundation for studying any combination of the following 6-point units: BCH3021 and BCH3031 in first semester, and BCH3042 and BCH3052 in second semester, in addition to BCH3990 (either semester). Completion of at least four 6-point BCH units at level three offers maximum flexibility in choice for future studies in biochemistry. Students should discuss their interests and career plans with level-three unit coordinators to facilitate a choice of units that best suits their interests.

Honours

In addition to the requirements listed above, students must meet the entry requirements for the Science honours program relevant to their course of enrolment. See the entries for:

• 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
• 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
• 2188 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)

Full details regarding the course structure for honours in this area of study are outlined in course 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science.

Single degrees

• 0050 Bachelor of Science
• 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
• 1120 Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)

Double degrees

• 0530 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
• 3537 Bachelor of Arts (Global) and Bachelor of Science
• 1469 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
• 3517 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science
• 3711 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
• 1633 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
• 3278 Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 3282 Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 0085 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering
• 0086 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws

Honours degrees

• 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
• 2188 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)