Many applications in modern chemistry and biochemistry depend on the ability to make, change and analyze proteins. After completion of the course, students will be familiar with all of the steps required for the production of proteins in bacteria, protein structural features and techniques for making, modifying (including the site-specific introduction of non-natural amino acids), and analyzing proteins. There is an emphasis on biophysical techniques to characterize biomolecules (e.g., SDS-PAGE, light scattering, circular dichroism spectroscopy, ultracentrifugation, mass spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance), including discussion of their physical basis. Advanced structural analysis techniques (X-ray crystallograhy, NMR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, solution scattering) are also discussed. An introduction to bioinformatics, i.e. protein sequence alignment, 3D structure analysis and modelling is also included.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand the necessary elements of protein over-expression systems in bacteria,
2. Make and purify proteins,
3. Understand elements of peptide and protein structure and function,
4. Understand techniques for modifying proteins,
5. Demonstrate familiarity with basic techniques for protein analysis,
6. Understand advanced biophysical techniques for protein analysis, including the capacity to discuss their relative merits and interpret data from those techniques,
7. Demonstrate familiarity with software for protein visualization, sequence alignment and modelling.

Research-Led Teaching

Chemistry is an experimental science. The laboratory program consists of a variety of experimental exercises designed to:

1. illustrate and develop competence in a range of chemical techniques and manipulative skills.

2. emphasise the importance of a quantitative analytical approach to chemical systems.

3. develop an awareness of the scope and limitation of experimental observation and accuracy.

4. illustrate chemical topics, principles and concepts.

The last three practicals are computer-based, on the topics of bioinformatics and X-ray crystallography.

Field Trips

None

Examination Material or equipment

http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examinationconduct

Required Resources

You must wear the appropriate protective clothing (laboratory coat, safety glasses and covered, non-absorbant shoes) to participate in a practical class. Students who do not comply will not be permitted to work in the laboratory.

You need to purchase your own laboratory coat, your own safety glasses and a notebook to record data in for laboratory classes. Writing data on bits of paper is not good scientific practice.

Recommended Resources

Course Website – online resources

Login using your student ID and password at http://wattle.anu.edu.au to find the course websites for CHEM2208. You will be automatically added to these websites the evening after you have enrolled in the courses via ISIS. If you cannot see the online site/s, please contact the RSC Teaching Administrator on rsc.teaching@anu.edu.au.

These course websites will contain lecture material, extra resources, self-test questions and discussion board postings. Please check these sites at least once per week for important notices.

The recommended textbook is:

Selected chapters from Biochemistry by Voet & Voet, along with material from other textbooks as recommended by the lecturers.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course: laboratory reports, homeworks and the mid-semester exam. Students are encouraged to go through their marked exam and discuss the feedback in tutorials and with the Convenor.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Summary of penalties for exceeding word limits. Some assessed items in this class may have a maximum word limit. If submissions exceed these maximum lengths then the following penalties will apply: (a) a 5% penalty if word limit exceeded by up to 5%; (b) 10% penalty if word limit exceeded by between 5% and 10%; (c) 10% penalty if word limit exceeded by >10%, and material beyond the 10% word limit will not be marked. 

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	2 lectures, 1 tutorial
2	2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 1 laboratory practical
3	2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 1 laboratory practical
4	2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 1 laboratory practical
5	2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 1 laboratory practical
6	2 lectures, 1 tutorial
7	2 lectures, 1 tutorial
8	2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 1 computer-based practical
9	2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 1 computer-based practical
10	2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 1 computer-based practical
11	2 lectures, 1 tutorial
12	2 lectures, 1 tutorial

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Mid-semester Exam	33 %	1,2,4,6,7
End of Semester Exam	33 %	1,2,4,6,7
Laboratory Reports	35 %	3,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

To ensure a passing grade (or better), students are required to pass both theory and laboratory components of the course.

Laboratory attendance rule

The Research School of Chemistry considers the laboratory component of all courses to be an integral part of each course and as such all laboratory sessions are compulsory. It is therefore the policy of the Research School of Chemistry that students will attend all laboratory classes scheduled for any course. Absences must be notified (in advance, if possible) to the course convenor, and accompanied by adequate and appropriate documentation justifying the absence.

Laboratory classes (4 hr sessions) will run for most of the semester, beginning in the second week.

The submission of all laboratory reports is compulsory. There is a penalty of 5% per working day for the late submission of laboratory reports.

A pass in the prescribed laboratory work is required in order to gain a pass in this course.

Safety

You must wear the appropriate protective clothing (laboratory coat, safety glasses and covered, non-absorbent shoes) to participate in a practical class. Students who do not comply will not be permitted to work in the laboratory. Please refer to the Chemistry 1 lab manual for information on the Research School of Chemistry’s policy on wearing contact lenses in the laboratory.

PLEASE NOTE: A student who consumes any laboratory chemicals or compounds that have been prepared in the laboratory will be excluded from the course.

Examination(s)

1 x mid-semester exam

1 x end of semester exam

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and results returned to the student (official end of Semester results released on ISIS). Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Supplementary Assessment

You will be formally advised after the end of semester examination whether you need to undertake supplementary assessment.

Assessment Task 1

Mid-semester Exam

Two-hour exam held in the group 2 (Friday) practical session in week 6 of semester.

The mid-semester exam will assess lecture material covered in the first term's lectures, tutorials and practicals. It is hoped that the mid-semester exam will alert students to the standards expected and give valuable early feedback on progress.

The date range is a general indication of when the mid-semester exam will be held. Please check the course Wattle site and lecture material to confirm the date, time and location of the mid semester exam.

Value: 32.5%

Assessment Task 2

End of Semester Exam

Two-hour exam held in the end of semester exam period.

The end of semester exam will assess lecture material from the remaining set of lectures, tutorials and practicals and will be held in the end of semester exam period.

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU Final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/programadministration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Value: 32.5%

Assessment Task 3

Laboratory Reports

Seven reports for four laboratory-based and three computer-based practicals are to be submitted via the course Wattle site. Submission date will be at the end of the week following each practical. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a hard copy of the laboratory report for your records.

Value: 7 x 5% = 35%

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the course convenor submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the course convenor. Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Marked laboratory reports will be available via Wattle two weeks after submission.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

If the standard of a lab report is deemed unsatisfactory by the course convenor (on advice from the laboratory demonstrator) you may be asked to resubmit the report.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students