Go to Courses and units

Biochemistry of Disease and Therapeutics unit (CSA208)

eStudent Enquire

Unit year 2026

View 2025 unit information

View previous years unit information

Quick Help

2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

CSA208 provides you with foundational understanding of biochemistry within normal physiological processes and during disease states. Specifically, you will learn about the: (a) structure and function of important biological macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins; (b) structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids; (c) integration and control of metabolism, by hormones and other means; (d) differences in human molecular biology in health and disease and (e) common laboratory tests.  Additionally, you will learn about how the pharmacological action of medications relate to the biochemical pathways of common diseases.

Summary

Unit name Biochemistry of Disease and Therapeutics
Unit code CSA208
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Discipline Medicine|Pharmacy
Coordinator Miss Georgina Northedge Wright
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Cradle Coast Spring This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Spring This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Spring This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Spring 1/11/2026 16/11/2026 2/12/2026 2/1/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe key areas of nutrition and basic molecular biology, and the control of metabolism in normal physiological states.
  • Explain changes in metabolism, nutrition and basic molecular biological pathways in the pathogenesis of common diseases.
  • Relate the pharmacological actions of medications to the biochemical pathways of common diseases.
  • Explain common laboratory tests and results in the context of acute and chronic disease

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010901 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,862.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CSA116 and ((CZZ101 and CZZ102) OR (CXA137 and CXA144)) and CSA230

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Independent Learning (online modules) – 4 hrs weekly

Workshop – 3hrs weekly

2hr weekly online seminar

2hr online seminar - once

Test - 2 x 1 hour and Test 1 x 2 hours

AssessmentTest 1 (30%)|Test 2 (30%)|Test 3 (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.