Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOC1600 Perspectives in biochemistry (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof J Tanner, Biomedical Sciences < jatanner@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr B H B Yuen,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr W C W Chan,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr. J W Y Ho,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof J Tanner,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof M S Y Huen,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof. Y S Chan,Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine)
Course Objectives [This is a certified Communication-intensive (CI) Course which meets all of the requirements endorsed by HKU's Senate, including (i) the teaching and assessment of written and visual communication 'literacies'; and (ii) at least 40% of the course grade assigned to communication-rich assessment tasks.]

- Teach students a biochemical perspective on each of the Basic Sciences focusing on concepts fundamental to the learning of Biochemistry.
- Promote deep learning of course material through an integrated programme of practical and collaborative tasks.
- Inspire students with a view of the great discoveries and future challenges for Biochemistry.
- Help students make the transition from school to university by developing their teamwork, independent study skills and confidence to communicate within a Biochemistry learning environment.
Course Contents & Topics A Biochemical Perspective on the Basic Sciences

A. Chemistry for Biochemistry
The elements and bonding (from carbon to Coenzyme A); Resonance and orbital theory (a focus on the electron); Structure and conformation (thinking in 3 dimensions); Isomerism (from mirrors to thalidomide); Water (the universal biochemical solvent) & buffer; Quantitation in chemistry (who was Avogadro anyway?).

B. Biology for Biochemistry
The basic building blocks of life (proteins, DNA, lipids, carbohydrate); The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology; Evolution (considering molecular evolution); Origins of life (the chicken-egg paradox of proteins and DNA)

C. Physics and Mathematics for Biochemistry
Thermodynamics from a Biological Perspective; Introduction to molecular recognition and binding (DNA melting); Statistics for biochemistry (applied statistics for what you really need to know); Thinking numbers (exponentials, logs and the limits of life).

D. Inspiring Biochemistry
The protein; The gene; Vitamins and disease;  Synthetic biology; The challenges of modern-day genetics Drugs-successes and failures.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe the basics of biomolecular structure from a chemical perspective, using texts and diagrams, thereby integrating the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics into a biochemical perspective
CLO 2 apply knowledge of biomolecular structure to review major discoveries and contemporary issues in molecular biology
CLO 3 interpret scientific data and discuss major issues in biochemistry, using the scientific literature
CLO 4 demonstrate communication skills and the ability to collaborate with colleagues in practicals and in presentation of scientific ideas via written and oral proficiencies
CLO 5 relate how biochemistry intersects with the three basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, and recognize the transition from school to university level study
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Level 3 or above in HKDSE Biology, Chemistry, or Combined Science with Biology or Chemistry component, or equivalent

Not for students who have passed in BIOL1110, or have already enrolled in this course
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2021 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Exceptionally good performance demonstrating comprehensive understanding of the subject matter; critical insight into use of scientific data and the scientific literature; superior presentation and group collaboration skills.
B Good performance demonstrating full understanding of the subject matter; coherent insight into use of scientific data and the scientific literature; good presentation and group collaboration skills.
C Satisfactory performance demonstrating adequate understanding of the subject matter; some insight into use of scientific data and the scientific literature; some presentation and group collaboration skills.
D Limited performance demonstrating some understanding of basic subject matter; some ability to use scientific data and the scientific literature; limited presentation and group collaboration skills.
Fail Poor understanding of subject matter; with little to no insight into use of scientific data; no understanding of the scientific literature and unable to present or collaborate.
Communication-intensive Course Y
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Group work Practical classess 12.0
Lectures or workshops 36.0
Assessment Tasks and preparation 30.0
Reading / Self study 50.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments including practical writeups 20.0 1,2,3,4,5
Examination 50.0 1,2,3
Project reports group communication project 30.0 2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 TBC
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information


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