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    Overview

    An introduction to the structure and function of proteins as essential elements of life processes; principles of enzymology; introductory bioenergetics; conservation of the energy of food for body processes; digestion and catabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates; terminal pathways of oxidation, anaerobic and aerobic metabolism, mitochondrial metabolism; energy storage and utilisation; the molecular basis of disease; illustrative topics in metabolism.

    If you've ever wondered how living things work, where they get their energy from, how they make the components they need or what it is that your genes do, then biochemistry is for you. Biochemists describe life by applying the molecular approach of chemistry to the study of biological molecules. Biochemists also explore the molecular basis of disease, generating insights into how disease can be managed and treated. Biochemistry occupies a central place in the life sciences. It is fundamental to our understanding of the structure, function and development of all life. It doesn't matter which area of biology you are interested in, biochemistry will enhance your understanding of life.

    About this paper

    Paper title Foundations of Biochemistry
    Subject Biochemistry
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    CHEM 191
    Schedule C
    Science
    Notes
    Students who in the first semester of the same year have failed CHEM191 with a mark of 45 - 49, have passed all other papers and require BIOC192 for timely progression will be considered for entry to BIOC192 by special permission.
    Eligibility
    BIOC 192 is suitable for a broad range of life science students. It is a prerequisite for entry into health professional programmes and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. A variety of Bachelor of Science (and other degree) major/minor subjects will include BIOC 192 in their requirements, including those intending to major/minor in Biochemistry.
    Contact

    bioc192@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Dr Nicole Power
    Tel 03 479 5628

    Lecturers from the Departments of Biochemistry, Human Nutrition and Pharmacology & Toxicology.

    Textbooks

    A variety of textbooks are suitable for BIOC 192. We recommend: Papachristodoulou, D., Snape, A., Elliot, W. H., and Elliot, D. C. (2018). Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 6th Edition. Oxford UP: Oxford.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    • Gain an understanding of the major paradigms in protein biochemistry, molecular genetics, biotechnology and human carbon metabolism
    • Gain recognition of the relationship between molecular structure/function and human health
    • Gain familiarity with the language of biochemistry
    • Develop the ability to integrate material across the discipline
    • Appreciate the relationship between biochemistry and other pre-clinical sciences
    • Recognise that biochemical knowledge is evidence-based
    • Appreciate the principles of scientific method and how they can be applied to the design and interpretation of experiments
    • Gain exposure to and competence in a variety of techniques for analysing biological molecules
    • Develop and appreciate the value of intellectual independence
    • Encourage students to be enthusiastic about biochemistry
    • Ensure students are adequately prepared for advancement to both clinical and non-clinical 200-level papers

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Tuesday 08:00-08:50 29-35, 37-42
    Wednesday 08:00-08:50 29-35, 37-42
    Thursday 08:00-08:50 29-35, 37-42
    A2 Tuesday 08:00-08:50 29-35, 37-42
    Wednesday 08:00-08:50 29-35, 37-42
    Thursday 08:00-08:50 29-35, 37-42
    A3 Tuesday 11:00-11:50 29-35, 37-42
    Wednesday 11:00-11:50 29-35, 37-42
    Thursday 11:00-11:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    P1 Monday 09:00-11:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P2 Monday 14:00-16:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P3 Monday 14:00-16:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P4 Monday 18:00-20:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P5 Monday 18:00-20:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P6 Tuesday 09:00-11:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P7 Tuesday 09:00-11:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P8 Tuesday 14:00-16:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P9 Tuesday 14:00-16:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P10 Tuesday 18:00-20:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P11 Tuesday 18:00-20:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P12 Wednesday 09:00-11:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P13 Wednesday 09:00-11:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P14 Wednesday 14:00-16:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P15 Wednesday 14:00-16:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P16 Wednesday 18:00-20:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P17 Thursday 09:00-11:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P18 Thursday 09:00-11:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P19 Thursday 14:00-16:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P20 Thursday 14:00-16:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P21 Friday 09:00-11:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P22 Wednesday 18:00-20:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P23 Thursday 18:00-20:50 31, 33, 35, 38, 40
    P24 Thursday 18:00-20:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41
    P25 Friday 09:00-11:50 32, 34, 37, 39, 41

    Terms Test (Streamed)

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A2 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A3 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A4 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A5 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A6 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A7 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A8 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A9 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A10 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A11 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A12 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A13 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A14 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
    A15 Saturday 10:30-11:35 35
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