Outline

Overview

The importance of chemistry to understand the inner workings of biology has led to the emergence of the field of chemical biology. In recent years, the development of cutting-edge synthetic methods, as well as analytical and imaging technologies, have underpinned advances in drug discovery, diagnostics, genome sequencing and biocatalysis. In this unit, you will learn how chemical structure and reactivity underpins the function of all nature's biomolecules, from the enzymes that enable chemical reactions to occur inside cells, to the DNA featuring chemical modifications that affect how the genetic code is read. You will also learn how the development and application of modern synthetic chemistry can be used to generate designer biomolecules to perturb, manipulate and visualise cellular processes. Key examples include how we can synthesise an entire protein using synthetic chemistry alone, and how we can use fluorescent dyes to observe what is happening in live cells as a result of disease. You will gain insight into the rapidly advancing field of chemical biology, and how new chemistry-based technologies are being used to solve major problems in biology and medicine.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[(CHEM2401 or CHEM2911 or CHEM2915) and (CHEM2402 or CHEM2524 or CHEM2912 or CHEM2916 or CHEM2924)] or (CHEM2521 or CHEM2921 or CHEM2991)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CHEM3110 or CHEM3910 or CHEM3921
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Constance Bailey, constance.bailey@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Yu Heng Lau, yuheng.lau@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Richard Payne, richard.payne@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 This assessment item is compulsory; the combined theory components must be passed to pass the unit.	38%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Laboratory poster presentation - Part 2 Q & A following presentation part 1. Questions may be directed at individuals. Further details on Canvas.	4.5%	Multiple weeks	10-12 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Laboratory Report Investigative report on project part 3. See Canvas for details.	14.2%	Multiple weeks	Up to 10 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Laboratory Poster Presentation - Part 1 Poster presentation of results and discussion.	5%	Multiple weeks	One A1 page presented for 8 minutes.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	In-Laboratory Safety Assessment Working safely and cleanly. See Laboratory Canvas site for details.	2%	Ongoing	Continuous through laboratory sessions	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	In-Laboratory Assessment Use of ELN, HIRACS and introductory manual. See Canvas for details.	14.3%	Ongoing	Continuous throughout laboratory session	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Written assignment Written assignment. See canvas for details.	12%	Week 10 Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Nov 2025	Approx 1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly Quizzes Multiple choice quizzes on Canvas based on the lecture and tutorial content. Lowest 3 scoring quizzes will be dropped.	10%	Weekly	25 minutes x10	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Theory: The theory component represents 60% of the unit mark. The theory component of the course must be passed for the unit for the unit to be passed. This component comprises of online weekly quizzes, a written assignment and a final examination. The final examination covers the whole of the lecture course and is made up of short answer questions. Questions from past exam papers will be available on the Canvas site for this unit.
Laboratory: The laboratory course represents 40% of the unit mark. It is assessed through in-laboratory assessment, a laboratory report, and a poster presentation.The laboratory course must be passed for the unit to be passed.
Final exam: 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.
Compulsory Assessment: Failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks will result in an Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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 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:

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.

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
Multiple weeks	Beyond the basic building blocks: Introduction to modified biomolecules, Bio-orthogonal chemistry, Modified nucleobases, Modified amino acids and peptides, Chemistry of modern sequencing technologies, Expanding the genetic code, Peptide display technologies	Lecture (8 hr)
	Chemical biology for drug discovery: Biosynthetic pathways, Glycosyltrasferases, Thioesters, Protein/enzyme-based peptide synthesis and modification, Biological redox reactions	Lecture (10 hr)
	Imaging, sensing and diagnostics: Fluorescence, markers and bioorthogonal labelling, Responsive sensors, Metals in biology, imaging techniques, Chemical concepts in clinical diagnostics	Lecture (8 hr)
	13 x 4 hr laboratory classes	Science laboratory (52 hr)

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

See canvas for details

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. Explain the molecular detail for reactions and interactions that occur in biology and discuss the key methods used to synthesise and chemically modify biological molecules
LO2. Apply your knowledge of biological molecules to recognise how the roles and functions of these molecules are determined by their underlying chemical structure
LO3. Interpret biological experimental data by applying fundamental chemical principles
LO4. Evaluate the chemical basis of modern experimental techniques that answer important questions in biology and medicine.
LO5. Carry out experimental work safely and competently in a chemical laboratory
LO6. Develop skills to work collaboratively in responsible data collection, analysis and communication and advance chemical enquiry.
LO7. Evaluate and interpret scientific information and experimental data and judge their reliability and significance
LO8. Communicate scientific information and laboratory findings appropriately both orally and through written work.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

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.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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

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

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

CHEM3121: Chemical Biology

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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