Unit Overview
- Description
This unit provides a foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics for students entering postgraduate study. It develops the core concepts required to understand how genetic information is stored, expressed, and translated into cellular function.
Across six integrated themes, students examine genomes and DNA, patterns of inheritance and genetic variation, transcription and RNA biology, and the processes of translation and protein structure. Building on this, the unit explores protein function, regulation, targeting, and turnover, before integrating these concepts within cellular metabolism and bioenergetics.
Emphasis is placed on connecting molecular mechanisms across scales—from DNA to proteins to metabolic systems—and on developing the skills needed to interpret biological data and research. Through concise lectures and interactive workshops, students will strengthen their understanding of key principles, apply quantitative and conceptual reasoning, and build the scientific literacy required for advanced study in molecular sciences, biotechnology, and biomedical research.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode First year of offer Not available in 2026 UWA (Perth) On-campus - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) analyse relationships between genome structure, accessibility, replication, inheritance, variation, genotype and phenotype; (2) describe the role of different RNA types, how their transcription and processing is regulated and their impact on cellular function; (3) integrate principles of translation, protein structure and protein regulation with metabolism and bioenergetics in the context of cellular function; and (4) evaluate evidence, analyses and conclusions presented in scientific literature.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) theme tests; (2) group assignment; and (3) participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Luke Smithers
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in
- Contact hours
- Lectures: 36 x 30 minute lectures
Workshops: 7 x 1.5 hour
Test sessions: 3 x 1.5 hour
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.