Biochemistry

Objectives

Information available soon.

Program

1. Biochemistry as a scientific field within Life Sciences. Impact of Biochemistry nowadays. History of Biochemistry

2. Chemical composition of living organisms

2.1. The main classes of biomolecules

2.2. Water as a fundamental constituent of living organisms

2.3. The major buffer systems in the body, acid/base balance and its disturbances

2.4. Biological ions and their importance in human body

3. Proteins – structure and functions

4. Enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Enzyme regulation. Enzyme inhibition

5. Carbohydrates – structure and functions

6. Lipids – structure and functions

7. Cell membranes – structure and functions

8. Nucleotides – structure and functions

9. Metabolism of the main biomolecules (main aspects): carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleotides – central metabolic pathways and their interrelationship

Teaching Methodologies

Theoretical lectures present the essential aspects of basic human biochemistry, along with their biomedical significance and relevance for the future professional. Students are challenged to participate during lectures and solve some exercises aiming the comprehension of central concepts. Discussion of some simple clinical cases allows to interpret them based on the knowledge provided by theoretical lectures and to understand the need of specific nursing care. Questionnaires are provided to help and monitor the student self study.

Bibliography

1. Berg, J.M., Tymozko, L. & Stryer, L. (2012). Biochemistry (7th Ed.). N. York: W.H. Freeman & Company.

2. Campos, L.S. (2005). Entender a Bioquímica (5ª Ed.). Lisboa: Escolar Editora.

3. Murray, R.K., Bender, D., Botham, K.M., Kennelly, P.J., Rodwell, V.W. & Weil, A. (2012). Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry (29th Ed). N. York: McGraw Hill.

4. Nelson, D.L. & Cox, M.M. (2008). Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (5th Ed.). N. York: W.H. Freeman & Company.

5. Koolman, J. & Roehm, K.H. (2005). Color Atlas of Biochemistry (2ª Ed.). N. York: Thieme.

6. Quintas, A., Freire, A.P. & Halpern, M.J. (2010). Bioquímica: Organização molecular da vida. Lisboa: Lidel.