Key facts
UNE unit code: BCHM240
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Keep pace with rapid changes in science and technology with up-to-date skills and an understanding of biochemistry and microbiology concepts that are important in agriculture and rural science settings.
Studying this unit, you will be introduced to the central dogma of molecular biology (the ways in which genetic information is encoded and used to make functional proteins).
With this as a foundation, you will explore soil and plant microbiology, and photosynthetic and metabolic plant biochemistry. You will also learn about key features of energy and synthetic metabolism in livestock species.
You will have opportunities to put your knowledge to the test in practical exercises. Laboratory work is designed to develop your ability to use microbiological and biochemical techniques which are invaluable in a range of scientific disciplines.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand the broad theoretical scientific knowledge of agricultural biochemistry and microbiology, specifically: (a) major principles governing biochemical reactions; (b) major aspects of plant and animal metabolism and microbiology; (c) the inter-dependent relationship of microbes, plants and production animals and (d) the composition of livestock products;
- conduct scientific literature research and laboratory-based investigations to effectively synthesize and communicate biochemical and microbiological scientific concepts; and
- apply biochemical and microbiological knowledge, cognitive and laboratory skills to demonstrate autonomous thought, judgement and defined responsibility within the dynamics of a biochemical/microbiological laboratory environment and to interpret and transmit biochemical knowledge to others.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay Assignment | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Mid-trimester quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Practical Attendance | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
Practical Quizzes | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Assessment broken into parts. No. Words: 1000 |
Final Examination | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students must achieve a passing grade in the final examination in order to pass the unit |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry
ISBN: 9781319381493
Nelson, D.L. and Cox, M.M., Worth 8th Edition 2021
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Brock Biology of Microorganisms
ISBN: 9781292404790
Madigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M., Bender, K.S., Buckley, D.H. and Stahl, D., Pearson 16th ED 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.