Provides students with a broad introduction to metabolic and nutritional aspects of biochemistry, and laboratory techniques in biochemical analysis of tissues and enzymes. Major topics include structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids; the integration and control of metabolism, by hormonal and other means in health and disease; roles of selected nutrients in health and disease.  The role of metabolism in major human diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer) is emphasised.

Biochemistry is not taught at first-year level. Entry to CBA260 depends on appropriate choice of first-year units.

BSc students (and students doing combined degrees that include a BSc)

If your career aspirations are in the biomedical area, your first-year choices should include the following prerequisite units: KPZ164 Cell Biology Genetics and Evolution, KZA161 Biology of Animals, KRA113 Chemistry 1A, KRA114 Chemistry 1B. You are also encouraged to include CZZ101 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1A and CZZ102 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1B.

If your career aspirations are in the life sciences area, your first-year choices should include the following prerequisite units: KPA161 Biology of Plants, KPZ164 Cell Biology Genetics and Evolution, KZA161 Biology of Animals, KRA113 Chemistry 1A, KRA114 Chemistry 1B.

BSc students who do not have these prerequisites MAY be accepted after consultation with the unit coordinator, for example, a student who has not done a first-year chemistry unit will be considered if they have good marks in HSC Chemistry 12C, and have done one of the prerequisite first-year biology units.