Chemistry has changed rapidly over the past decades and techniques that were once exclusively applied to small molecules are now routinely used with larger molecules, such as proteins. This course will be the first introduction of students to the field of chemical biology, which spans chemistry, biology and physics. Biological molecules and systems are analysed and modified using chemical principles and techniques.
Note: This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the physical and chemical principles that underpin biology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical basis for how and why molecules interact, including drugs.
- Evaluate enzyme kinetics and receptor binding parameters.
- Apply advanced biophysical techniques in protein analysis, including evaluating their relative merits and analyzing data from those techniques.
- Examine of the role of chemical biology in industry and commerce.
- Utilize tools to visualise, predict and compare protein structures, including molecular interactions.
Other Information
A pass in the laboratory work is required in order to gain a pass in CHEM6211. To pass the laboratory, you must complete all laboratory sessions and submit reasonable attempts of all laboratory reports.
Indicative Assessment
- Mid-semester written examination (35) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Assessments of laboratories and workshops (6 in total, 5% each) (30) [LO 3,4,6]
- End of semester written examination (35) [LO 1,2,3,5]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
• Face-to face component which consists of 3 x 1 hours of lectures per week, 1 hour of tutorials per week, and 6 x 3 hours of labs throughout the semester.
• Approximately 70 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops, report writing and preparation for other assessment tasks e.g., examinations.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
The molecules of Life (Kuriyan, Konforti, Wemmer). Garland Science, 2012.Assumed Knowledge
This course requires first year (1000 level) knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry i.e. equivalent to the ANU courses CHEM1201 and BIOL1004/6036
Second year (2000 level) training in synthetic chemistry and biological chemistry/biochemistry is strongly recommended i.e. equivalent to the ANU courses BIOL2171/6171 and CHEM2202.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3632 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |