General learning outcome: be able to apply the knowledge acquired in the interpretation and solving of problems in the field of biochemistry, and develop good laboratory practice.
Specific learning outcomes:
- Understand the molecular logic of life through the study of biomolecules and metabolic pathways that are common to all living beings. By studying the basic groups that constitute all life forms, linking them to their functions, students will understand the importance of the structure of molecules in determining their properties, their reactivity and their biological functions. At the cellular metabolism level, students will gain knowledge of the central metabolic pathway, its regulation points and its link to the respiratory chain.
- Be aware of the importance of Biochemistry in the world and in every day life.
- Practice important laboratory techniques for Biochemistry.
- Plan and carry out experiments responsibly.
- Present and critically discuss the results of experiments
The Chemistry of Life
Biochemistry as a scientific field within Life Sciences. Impact of Biochemistry nowadays. History. Biological importance of H20. Acids, bases and buffer. The importance of the regulation of cell pH. Chemical bonds in living beings
Biological Molecules
Carbohydrates, lipids, a.a., peptides and proteins: classification, structure, nomenclature, properties and biological functions; nutritional, biological and medical aspects. Supramolecular structures. Enzymes and enzyme catalysis; exercises on enzyme kinetics. Nucleotides and nucleic acids; replication, transcription and translation of genetic information. Genetic code. Mutations and evolution
Impact of Biochemistry in the World
Cloning, PCR and sequencing; transgenic organisms; gene therapy; viruses, HIV and AIDS
Metabolism
Generality. Bioenergetics. Glycolysis and glycogenesis. Krebs cycle. Electron transport. Interrelationship of the metabolic pathways and their regulation Methods and Techniques of Biochemistry
1.Teaching Methodologies
Theoretical sessions supported by images. Student participation is encouraged through explanations interpolated with guided discussions and the use of PBL methodologies at key points of the classes.
Practical classes organised so that students are faced with the need to use theoretical concepts when analysing the results of experiments.
2. Learning Activities
Combination of classroom activities with activities supported by the Moodle platform.
-Researching information in scientific literature and on the internet.
-Planning and carrying out laboratory experiments using the protocols made available.
-Preparing a laboratory notebook.
-Preparing a monograph.
-Practicing written communication (in other formats, such as posters and PowerPoint presentations), oral communication and communication during the evaluation process (peer evaluation).
- Nelson, D.L. & Cox, M.M. 2008. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 5th Edition. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.
- Quintas, A., Freire, A.P & Halpern, M.J. 2008. Bioquímica – Organização Molecular da Vida. Lidel, Lisboa.
- Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. & Stryer, L. 2006. Biochemistry. 6th Edition. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.
- Simões, J.A.M., et al., 2008. Guia do Laboratório de Química e Bioquímica. 2ª Edição. Lidel, Lisboa.
- Boyer, R.F. 2000. Modern Experimental Biochemistry. 3rd Edition. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Menlo Park.
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