Biochemistry

• Acquire general knowledge of the constituents of living matter and the molecular logic of life.
• Acquire general knowledge of the structure / function relationship of the main biomolecules
• Get an overview of metabolism (including energy metabolism) and the importance of their regulation in the homeostasis of the cell and organism, from the perspective of the dichotomy health / disease
• Recognizing that the base pathological processes are deviations, at the molecular level of physiological processes
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the fundamental constituents of living matter, its functions and major changes in order to provide better care in its various areas.
• Enjoy the relevant biochemical data for the design and safe provision of nursing care
• To become aware of the importance of continuous training and updating of knowledge throughout their career

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

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.

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.