Honours

From its very beginnings, biochemistry has been much more an experimental science than a theoretical one. Honours will expose you to biochemistry as an experimental research discipline. It is a very different course from undergraduate courses. You will be given a research problem — you might be seeking to test a theory or explain an unusual experimental observation. After some background reading based on a search of the scientific literature, you will design and carry out experiments to answer the research problem. Towards the end of the year you will tell us, using both written and oral presentations, something about the progress you have made towards answering the research problem.

Your research will be guided by a supervisor who will also assist you in developing the skills to carry out research. Your progress will also be monitored by two examiners who will provide additional advice on techniques and experimental planning. To further assist you in your research efforts, we offer a series of short courses at the beginning of the year in isotopes, statistics, safety, writing, oral presentations and library use.

Honours is often viewed as a training ground for scientific research, but it is much more than that. During the year you will be developing critical thinking skills, engaging in scientific problem solving, organising your time to meet deadlines for written reports and seminars, and communicating scientifically in both written and oral formats. These are valuable skills to further your scientific career. Even if you decide not to continue with a scientific career, these skills are valuable to you in the wider community.

About our Discipline

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, is a discipline of the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Science.

Both the school, and discipline are under the umbrella of The Faculty of Life & Physical Sciences.

We have many interesting research projects in a number of diverse fields in biochemistry / molecular biology and the related areas of nutrition and biomedical science.

Research interests here include oxygen sensing and cell function; evaluating signal transduction networks and their cellular effects; metabolic control of lactation (not available this year for honours); metabolic depression; mechanisms of action of pyruvate carboxylase; histidine kinases; regulation of gene expression during liver development; gene regulation in haemopoietic cells; expression of oncogenes; structural studies of protein : DNA interactions; delivery of bioactive molecules to intracellular targets; metabolism of steroidogenic tissues; site-directed mutagenesis of active site residues of cytochrome P-450; plant mitochondria and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Equipment

Experiments can only be performed if the necessary equipment and reagents are available. Fortunately we have a large range of equipment, such as a gene sequencer, protein sequencer, phosphoimager, a variety of cell incubators, centrifuges, gel spectrophotometers, luminometer, scintillation counters and fluorometer. If the equipment you need for a project is not available here, then collaborative arrangements can be made with other departments and institutions.

Course Information

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology offers an Honours programme in 2006 for students who have completed the third year of their degree course. The normal entry standard is an average mark of 65% or above in all units which qualify towards a Biochemistry major. These include BIOC3351 Molecular & Structural Biochemistry, SCIE3325 Molecular Biology, BIOC3352 Cellular & Metabolic Biochemistry, GENE3330 Molecular Genetics & Genomics and PHYL3300 Mammalian Cell Biology. The programme is completed in approximately nine months of study.

Assessment consists of :

• Mastery Assessment

• Graded Assessment

BIOC7407 Research Grant Writing Part 1
BIOC7408 Research Grant Writing Part 2 (6 Points - for completion of Parts 1 & 2)

BIOC7406 Research Seminar Presentation Part 1
BIOC7409 Research Seminar Presentation Part 2 (6 Points - for completion of Parts 1 & 2)

BIOC7405 Major Research Project Part 1
BIOC7410 Major Research Project Part 2 (36 Points - for completion of Parts 1 & 2)

SCIE7406 Specialist Programmes in Molecular Biology Part 1
SCIE7409 Specialist Programmes in Molecular Biology Part 2 (12 Points - for completion of Parts 1 & 2)

SCIE7400 Major Research Project Part 1
SCIE7410 Major Research Project Part 2 (30 Points - for completion of Parts 1 & 2)

SCIE7408 Molecular Cell Biology Project (6 Points)

An Honours degree provides training in research in biochemistry, with honours graduates from this discipline having an excellent record of achievement in employment and postgraduate studies.

Graduate Diploma

The Graduate Diploma course is designed for students who have already completed a Pass Degree and subsequently wish to extend their qualifications and research experience. It is also open to students from other Universities who may wish to enter the Discipline’s MSc or PhD programmes. The programme is substantially the same as the Honours course.

Higher Degree by Research Preliminary

The Higher Degree by Research Preliminary (previously known as the Master of Science (Preliminary)) is a qualifying period of study that gives eligibility to apply for entry to a Master of Science or PhD. It is not a qualification in its own right. Each Higher Degree by Research Preliminary course of study is individually designed with the purpose of enhancing previous studies and preparing for a specific area of science to be studied at master's level. The course normally extends over a period of not less than one year for a full-time student. Students are advised to speak with the relevant school before applying via the Faculty Office.

Bachelor of Medical Science

Undergraduates undertaking the MBBS degree in the Faculty of Medicine, who have shown special aptitude in their studies may be permitted to interrupt their studies to enrol for the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science. The Bachelor of Medical Science programme is substantially the same as the Honours course, however, the time for completion of the BMedSci course can exceed that for Honours.

Commencement Date

All UWA undergraduate courses will commence on Monday, February 26, 2007. HONOURS in Biochemistry will most likely commence three weeks prior to that, but successful applicants will be advised of a firm date by letter.

Midyear entry to Honours and some of the other courses is also possible. It is, however, necessary to discuss this with the Honours Coordinator and gain approval from The Faculty of Life & Physical Sciences.

Choosing a Research Project and Supervisor

Research activities of the academic staff in the Discipline of Biochemistry are outlined in this booklet. Discuss your interests with the staff whose projects appeal to you. They will be able to outline their specific projects and discuss them with you in relation to your own specific interests and academic background. We encourage you to contact several prospective supervisors before making this important decision. It is our experience that the best choice (from the perspective of you, the student) is reached in this way. Often there is competition for a specific project/supervisor, that’s why we ask you for 3 preferences. Draw up a shortlist of interesting projects, prioritise them as 1st, 2nd and 3rd then enter them on the form on page 5 of this book. We will try as far as possible to give each student their 1st preference or an acceptable alternative.  We do emphasise though, that final choices can only be made after consultation with the Course Coordinator.  (But students with a mark of 75% or above in any units qualifying towards a Biochemistry major, are assured of obtaining their 1st preference for a supervisor). Should you have any difficulty contacting any staff, please contact Ms Azalea Sudibyo on (08) 6488 4402, who will help arrange a meeting between you and the staff member of your choice.

What to do next ..

For the Discipline:

You need to let us know your preferences for projects and supervisors, by using the form in this booklet. Please complete and deliver the form to Ms Azalea Sudibyo (Ph: 6488 4402, Email: Biochemistry@uwa.edu.au) at Reception on the ground floor of the MCS Building by Friday, November 17, 2006 (the end of enrolment period). Please be advised that the sooner the Application and Project Supervisor Forms are lodged, the sooner a response will be received.

For UWA Enrolment:

At time of publishing, re-enrolment dates have not been finalised, however, as a guide, they have in past years been MID DECEMBER. (Please check with Student Administration on 6488 2826, closer to that time). (You are encouraged to enrol before the due date if possible .. late enrolments will incur fines !!! ) It will be necessary for you to discuss your enrolment with the Honours coordinator before the final enrolment date, to ensure the appropriate approval forms for Honours in Biochemistry have been forwarded to the Faculty of Life & Physical Science.