Outline

Overview

A single human cell contains billions of protein molecules that are constantly in motion. Why so many? What are they doing? And, how are they doing it? In simple terms, proteins define the function of and drive almost every process within cells. In this unit of study you will learn about the biochemistry of proteins in their natural environment - within cells - with a focus on eukaryotes including plant and other cell types. You will discover the dynamic interplay within and between proteins and other cellular components and how the physical properties of proteins dictate function. You will discover how proteins are compartmentalized, modified, folded, transported in and between cells, the mechanisms by which proteins regulate biological activities, interact and transport molecules across membranes, and how mutations in proteins can lead to pathological consequences. Our practicals, other guided and online learning sessions will introduce you to a wide range of currently utilised techniques for protein biochemistry ranging from protein visualization, quantification, purification and enzymatic activity, to in silico studies and cellular targeting experiments. By the end of this unit you will be equipped with foundational skills and knowledge to support your studies in the cellular and molecular biosciences.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points of (BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XXX) and 6 credit points of (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BCHM2071 or BCHM2971 or BCMB2902
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	James Tsatsaronis, james.tsatsaronis@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sandro Fernandes Ataide, sandro.ataide@sydney.edu.au
	Thomas Roberts, thomas.roberts@sydney.edu.au
	Stuart Cordwell, stuart.cordwell@sydney.edu.au
	James Tsatsaronis, james.tsatsaronis@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Final exam covering all lecture and practical content. MCQ and SAQs.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Pre-lab Quiz Short MCQ quiz to prepare for lab classes #earlyfeedbacktask	2%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Aug 2025	15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Project 1: Bioinformatics Analysis Analysis of unknown protein sequence	5%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59	Tables, figures & 500 word discussion	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 1 MCQ Quiz on lecture content weeks 1 - 6	5%	Week 07	30 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Project 2: Virtual experiment Simulated lab experiment	5%	Week 10 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Oct 2025	Approx. 2 hour simulated experiment	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 2 MCQ quiz on lecture content weeks 7 - 11	5%	Week 12	30 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab Reports Six post-lab reports: 1-Peptide modelling; 2-TLC; 3-protein purification; 4-protein quantification; 5-enzyme kinetics; 6-enzyme mechanisms.	28%	Weekly	Electronic lab notebook submissions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Lab reports: Reports generated from the results that you obtain in practical classes; including data analysis, calculations and interpretations of the data. Reports will vary slightly in length and scope depending on the prac. All pracs have a pre-prac quiz consisting of MCQ questions to be completed before the class.

Quizzes 1&2: Consists of MCQs covering the material from lectures and practical classes. Quiz 1 will be held in the week 7 lab class and Quiz 2 will be held in the week 12 lab class.

Project 1: Bioinformatic analyses and writing a brief report with your findings, integrating information from Lectures and Practical classes.

Project 2: Simulated lab experiment with an embedded quiz

Final exam:The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions from lectures and practical classes) and short answer questions from lectures.

Final exam: This assessment is a hurdle. Failure to achieve the threshold standard will result in the award of an AF grade.

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

deduction of 5% per day for late submission

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Lecture 1: Proteins, Introduction to structure and function	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Lecture 2: Protein structure continued	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Lecture 3: Introduction to protein folding	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 4: Protein synthesis and sorting	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry lab 1: Protein visualisation and modeling -	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Lecture 5: Cell membranes 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 6: Cell membranes 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry lab 2: Pigment extraction and identification	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Lecture 7: Membrane transport	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 8: Membrane channels	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry lab 3: Principles of protein purification & Introduction to Bioinformatics Report (Project 1)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Lecture 9: Protein modulation of membranes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 10: Stages of secretory pathways and cell compartments	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wet lab 1: Protein purification and SDS-PAGE (Part 1)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Lecture 11: Nuclear transport	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 12: Cytoskeleton and molecular machines	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wet lab 2 - Protein purification and native gel (Part 2)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Lecture 13: Enzymes are catalysts	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 14: The enzyme-substrate (ES) complex	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry lab 4: Quiz 1 & Introduction to the virtual experiment (Project 2)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Lecture 15: Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the MM equation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 16: Reversible & irreversible inhibitors and kinetics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wet lab 3: Methods of protein determination and quantification	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Lecture 17: Introduction to post-translational modifications	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 18: Signalling and GPCRs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wet lab 4: Enzyme kinetics and analysis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Lecture 19: Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) and Insulin Signalling	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 20: Bacterial Two-Component regulatory systems	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry lab 5: Enzyme kinetics calculations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Lecture 21: Light Reactions of photosynthesis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 22: Photosynthesis – the dark cycle	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wet lab 5: Mechanism of enzymes	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Lecture 23: Nutrient assimilation – nitrogen sulfur	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 24: Secondary metabolites & Plant hormones	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry lab 6: Quiz 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Review lecture	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance for all practicals is compulsory. All lectures and practicals are delivered face-to-face. All lecture sessions will be recorded and available through the Recorded Lectures tab on Canvas.

Unless otherwise stated, students must attend a minimum of 80% of the practicals as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry 7th edition, by Nelson & Cox
Molecular Cell Biology 8th edition, by Lodish
Any other Biochemistry and Molecular Biology textbook can be referred to in the course.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Outline the basic principles and describe in detail the constituent elements of protein structure; attribute these properties to protein and cellular function.
LO2. Identify the different types of compartments and other types of organisation within cells and describe the intrinsic properties and specific functions of these organelles and other compartments.
LO3. Discuss the movement of proteins inside the cell. Evaluate how these dynamics are achieved and why they are important for cellular function.
LO4. Identify the various ways in which proteins can be modified after translation, describe how these modifications are achieved and evaluate how they affect the physical properties of proteins.
LO5. Classify the types of communication necessary for cells; differentiate the different ways by which molecules are transported within and between cells.
LO6. Compare and evaluate the similarities and differences in biochemical processes between plants and other eukaryotes.
LO7. Explain, with examples, the difference between a qualitative and a quantitative measurement; determine which of the different technique should be used, and implement methods to visualize and analyse the structure and function of proteins, in an accurate and reproducible manner.
LO8. Adapt, develop and trouble-shoot experimental procedures for novel contexts and requirements.
LO9. Assess the quality of data, interpret and draw conclusions from data obtained in the laboratory.
LO10. Summarise and identify the key points from topical biochemical data from a number of published sources; synthesise and communicate the findings.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback, the unit Canvas site and LabArchives notebooks have been refreshed and the lectures order and dates of assessments have been changed to not overlap.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BCMB2002: Proteins in Cells

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links