This unit will enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of biomolecules and cell function, including the structure and biological role of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. They will develop a basic understanding of how these biomolecules are synthesised, catabolised and interconverted through key biochemical pathways to meet the needs of the cell and organism, and will provide the necessary knowledge to begin to study disease and drug treatment at the cellular level. Students will also develop a theoretical understanding of methods used in biochemical analysis and develop literature searching skills in the recognition and use of primary sources of scientific information.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student feedback

Some lectures too long and concerns about the amount of content each week.

Several weeks' content has already been broken into smaller lectures. Re-organise the remaining lectures to be shorter during unit refresh. Consideration given to streamlining some of the content.

Feedback from Student feedback, Self reflection

"What have we learned" slides very helpful, but missing from some lectures.

Ensure that these are included for every lecture.

Feedback from Student feedback

Some content irrelevant to future career

Long-term: Consider creating a unit tailored to paramedicine, chiropractic and other courses not requiring such in-depth biochemistry knowledge. Short-term: Provide further context for students to understand importance of context to future careers.