6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Department of Chemical Engineering
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit focuses on the study of living cells and biological molecules with an emphasis on their applications in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Topics to be covered include cell biology and structure, fundamental biochemistry of proteins and enzymes, metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of metabolites, molecular biology including central dogma, genetic code, protein synthesis and practical examples of industrial applications.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able:
- Relate the importance of biochemistry in industry.
- Describe the role of basic cell components, the physical and biochemical properties of proteins especially in their roles as enzymes.
- Relate the major metabolic pathway and the biosynthesis of economic importance of primary and secondary metabolites.
- Relate the principles of storage and transmission of genetic information; the control mechanisms which operate at the level of gene expression; and their applications in industry.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills, including basic cell culture technique; spectophotometric methods to assay proteins; gel electrophoresis analysis for proteins and DNA.
Assessment
Laboratory work: 20%
Assignments/Tests: 20%
Examination (2 hours): 60%
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.
Workload requirements
2 hours lectures, 2 hours of tutorials, 2 hours of laboratories and 6 hours of private study per week.
See also Unit timetable information