Students studying at Campbelltown campus should refer to 300555 - Proteins and Genes. This unit develops understanding of the structure, function and synthesis of proteins, principles of enzyme function and regulation, and the structures and roles of nucleic acids, chromosomes and genes. Topics include the characteristic features of the four levels of protein structure and their significance for protein function; protein denaturation; enzyme function, kinetics and inhibition, allosteric enzymes, and mechanisms of enzyme regulation; structure of DNA, RNA, chromosomes, genes; the molecular events in transcription and translation in bacteria and eukaryotes, and protein modification and targeting. Some campus specific topics, such as complex carbohydrate biochemistry and protein glycosylation at Parramatta may be included.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300219 - Biochemistry 1. This unit investigates protein structure, function, synthesis and degradation in both health and disease. Students will analyse how proteins fold and how this relates to function, illustrated by proteins such as oxygen carriers, enzymes, and gene regulators. The importance of bioinformatics for analysing protein structure, function and evolution will be emphasised. Discussion of enzyme structure and catalytic mechanisms will provide a deeper understanding of how catalytic proteins work. DNA, gene structure and gene expression (transcription and translation) will be investigated in some detail at the molecular level, including the impact of mutation on protein function. The relevance of post-translational modification, protein targeting and protein degradation for healthy cell function will also be discussed.

Students studying at Campbelltown campus should refer to 300548 - Human Metabolism and Disease. This unit develops understanding of the metabolic processes by which an organism degrades food molecules to generate energy and converts excess food molecules into internal fuel stores. Topics include: bioenergetics; structures of key molecules; glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis and breakdown; fatty acid oxidation and synthesis; amino acid catabolism; urea synthesis; citric acid cycle; electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Emphasis is on regulation and integration of the pathways, including their responses to hormonal regulation. The effects of altered dietary and hormonal status on metabolic pathways and their consequences for the organism will be discussed.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300220 - Biochemistry 2. Understanding human metabolism at a molecular level underpins our understanding of human health and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Kinetics and regulation of enzymes will be studied as a preliminary to learning how metabolic pathways work. The central pathways of energy metabolism, their control and inter-relationships will be analysed in detail, including carbohydrate and fat metabolism; ATP synthesis involving electron transport and ATP synthase; and nitrogen metabolism, including aspects of amino acid degradation and urea synthesis. Emphasis will be placed on enzyme and hormonal regulations, the roles of different tissues in metabolic homeostasis; and the consequences for human health when enzymes or their regulations are defective.

Students studying at Campbelltown campus should refer to 300549 - Human Molecular Biology. This unit studies gene regulation at an advanced level, leading into the processes and practical applications of DNA technology. Students gain a thorough grounding in major techniques such as restriction mapping, DNA sequencing, PCR, DNA fingerprinting, southern blotting and gene cloning. Cloning vectors, DNA libraries, genetic engineering in different types of cells and organisms and functional genomics are studied. Students are introduced to bioinformatics and issues in biosafety and ethics relating to gene technology.

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300234 - Molecular Biology. This unit concentrates on the Molecular Biology of eukaryotic cells (human) and studies gene regulation at an advanced level, leading into the processes and practical applications of DNA technology. Students gain a thorough grounding in major techniques involved in gene cloning, such as DNA manipulation using restriction enzymes, PCR, DNA fingerprinting. Cloning vectors, DNA libraries, genetic engineering in different types of eukaryotic cells and organisms and are studied. Students are introduced to functional genomics, bioinformatics and issues in biosafety and ethics relating to gene technology.

Cell signalling looks at the molecular mechanisms by which cells communicate and make responses to each other. Disorders of cell signalling have major impacts on human health and are involved in many metabolic disorders, brain function, the immune system, cancer and embryonic development. Knowledge of cell signalling pathways has important spin-offs for design of new drugs. This unit investigates the action of hormones, growth factors, cytokines and morphogens; their receptors and signalling pathways; and the cellular responses they trigger, such as altered metabolism, shape, differentiation, death. Students will expand their understanding of current developments by scientific reading and group discussion. Laboratory work will enable students to develop basic skills in cell culture techniques.

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of: self and non-self as it applies to the functioning of the immune system; the divisions of innate and specific immunity and their role(s) in determining the outcome of an immune assault; and the immune system in health and disease.

This unit deals with the molecular mechanisms within cells that co-operate to create a system that feeds, moves, responds to stimuli, grows and divides. The unit will initially build on existing knowledge of the properties that are common to most eukaryotic cells and that are necessary to an understanding of how any individual cells live, reproduce and form mammalian tissue.

This unit focuses on the science that is critical to our understanding of the basic biology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. This unit prepares students for future innovations in prevention, management and cure of catastrophic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, fatigue illnesses, rheumatic diseases, cancer and infectious and genetic diseases.

The immune system relies on a complex interplay between cells, receptors and signalling molecules for its effective operation. Antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses will be examined from a molecular and biochemical perspective. Topics include B- and T-cell receptor gene expression, antibody structure, function, maturation; MHC genes and proteins; differentiation and activation of B and T cells; antigen processing and presentation; the roles of cytokines. The relevance of this knowledge for understanding disorders of the immune system will be emphasised throughout. Medical and diagnostic applications of hybridoma technology, antibody engineering and advances in vaccine development will be discussed. The laboratory course will develop technical and interpretative skills in relevant techniques.