2025
Human Biochemistry I
Name: Human Biochemistry I
Code: QUI13699L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry, Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
Basic Curricular Unit.
Human Biochemistry I provides an integrated overview of Human Biochemistry, focusing on the structure and function of Biomolecules in the human body. It should be followed by Human Biochemistry II, of which it is complementary.
Human Biochemistry I provides an integrated overview of Human Biochemistry, focusing on the structure and function of Biomolecules in the human body. It should be followed by Human Biochemistry II, of which it is complementary.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The general objective of this curricular unit is to provide students with a set of knowledge in the field of Integrative Human Biochemistry. Specifically, it is intended that the students acquired knowledge allowing them to understand the structure and function of the main biomolecules, the role of inorganic elements in the chemistry of life, as well as to evaluate the importance of these for cells and organisms.
Students should be able to identify the different types of biomolecules, macromolecules, biopolymers and macromolecular aggregates, to know their properties and functions in cells and organisms, to relate molecular changes with cellular and body dysfunctions, and apply acquired knowledge to new situations in this or other scientific area. The development of an analytical and research attitude will be emphasized, valuing the exploration of information, the interpretation of results of experimental work and the development of a scientific rigor and a scientific attitude.
Students should be able to identify the different types of biomolecules, macromolecules, biopolymers and macromolecular aggregates, to know their properties and functions in cells and organisms, to relate molecular changes with cellular and body dysfunctions, and apply acquired knowledge to new situations in this or other scientific area. The development of an analytical and research attitude will be emphasized, valuing the exploration of information, the interpretation of results of experimental work and the development of a scientific rigor and a scientific attitude.
Contents
Introduction: Life Is Made of Molecules: Selected Illustrative Examples: 1-The Molecular Origin of Life; 2-Viruses; 3-Molecules as Tools, Drug Discovery, and Development.
The Chemistry and Physics of Life: The Basics of Chemistry and Physics in Cells and Tissues.
The Families of Biological Molecules: Lipids and their Supramolecular Assemblies. Saccharides, their Polymers and Derivatives: Mono- and Polysaccharides; Molecular Conjugates of mono- and of oligosaccharides. Nucleic Acids. Amino acids and their polymers: Peptides and proteins; Structure and function in proteins; Cooperative Interplay between tertiary- and quaternary-Level structure; Proteinopathies. Enzymes.
Introduction to Metabolism: Consecutive reactions Without and With enzymes; The basis of enzymatic catalysis and its impact in Metabolism.
The Regulation of Metabolisms: Inhibition and Activation of Enzymes by Ligands. The Availability of primary precursors in a Metabolic Pathway; Key molecules in energy Metabolism.
The Chemistry and Physics of Life: The Basics of Chemistry and Physics in Cells and Tissues.
The Families of Biological Molecules: Lipids and their Supramolecular Assemblies. Saccharides, their Polymers and Derivatives: Mono- and Polysaccharides; Molecular Conjugates of mono- and of oligosaccharides. Nucleic Acids. Amino acids and their polymers: Peptides and proteins; Structure and function in proteins; Cooperative Interplay between tertiary- and quaternary-Level structure; Proteinopathies. Enzymes.
Introduction to Metabolism: Consecutive reactions Without and With enzymes; The basis of enzymatic catalysis and its impact in Metabolism.
The Regulation of Metabolisms: Inhibition and Activation of Enzymes by Ligands. The Availability of primary precursors in a Metabolic Pathway; Key molecules in energy Metabolism.
Teaching Methods
The teaching and learning process in this curricular unit combines a structured theoretical component with a practical laboratory component, ensuring a balanced acquisition of fundamental knowledge and applied skills in Human Biochemistry.
The theoretical classes, with an expository and interactive character, make use of audiovisual resources and guided bibliographic research, providing students with essential concepts regarding the chemical composition, structure, and function of biomolecules, their integration into cells and tissues, as well as the principles governing metabolism and its regulation. These sessions aim to stimulate critical analysis and the application of concepts to biomedical situations, strengthening the link between theory and clinical practice.
The practical laboratory component, central to this curricular unit, is developed in small groups, enabling students to apply methodologies for the identification, separation, and characterization of biomolecules. The execution of experimental protocols, some provided by the instructor and others designed through autonomous research, promotes the acquisition of technical skills, methodological rigor, teamwork, and scientific autonomy. Practical activities are complemented by critical analysis of results, report writing, and guided discussions, encouraging scientific reflection and structured communication.
In parallel, tutorial sessions, either individually or in small groups, provide a privileged space to deepen concepts, carry out critical readings of current scientific articles, and prepare experimental work. This personalized guidance reinforces the integration between theory, laboratory practice, and applied research.
The use of the Moodle platform ensures continuous digital support, allowing access to teaching materials, completion of preparatory activities, participation in discussion forums, and monitoring of progress. This tool facilitates the articulation between face-to-face and online learning, fostering the development of digital skills and autonomy in study.
The theoretical classes, with an expository and interactive character, make use of audiovisual resources and guided bibliographic research, providing students with essential concepts regarding the chemical composition, structure, and function of biomolecules, their integration into cells and tissues, as well as the principles governing metabolism and its regulation. These sessions aim to stimulate critical analysis and the application of concepts to biomedical situations, strengthening the link between theory and clinical practice.
The practical laboratory component, central to this curricular unit, is developed in small groups, enabling students to apply methodologies for the identification, separation, and characterization of biomolecules. The execution of experimental protocols, some provided by the instructor and others designed through autonomous research, promotes the acquisition of technical skills, methodological rigor, teamwork, and scientific autonomy. Practical activities are complemented by critical analysis of results, report writing, and guided discussions, encouraging scientific reflection and structured communication.
In parallel, tutorial sessions, either individually or in small groups, provide a privileged space to deepen concepts, carry out critical readings of current scientific articles, and prepare experimental work. This personalized guidance reinforces the integration between theory, laboratory practice, and applied research.
The use of the Moodle platform ensures continuous digital support, allowing access to teaching materials, completion of preparatory activities, participation in discussion forums, and monitoring of progress. This tool facilitates the articulation between face-to-face and online learning, fostering the development of digital skills and autonomy in study.
Assessment
The assessment of this Course Unit will be carried out through continuous and diversified evaluation, including theoretical and practical components that ensure a comprehensive and balanced analysis of students? performance, as well as the development of their scientific, laboratory, digital, and communication skills.
Theoretical and theoretical?practical component (70%)
Assessment is individual and may be carried out through two modalities: continuous assessment (two written tests) or final examination (regular or resit period).
This component focuses on the understanding, critical analysis, and application of the knowledge acquired, integrating concepts related to the chemical constitution, structure, function, and metabolism of biomolecules, as well as their biomedical relevance.
To pass this component, each test must have a minimum grade of 8/20, and the final average or exam grade must be at least 10/20.
Laboratory practical component (30%)
The practical component focuses on experimental performance and the consolidation of laboratory skills, and is distributed as follows:
Continuous assessment modality:
? Preparation of practical classes and laboratory execution (10%) ? evaluates preparation tasks, laboratory execution, rigour, autonomy, and teamwork in laboratory methodologies, also considering attendance.
? Scientific report writing (50%) ? evaluates the structured written presentation of objectives, methodologies, results, and critical discussion, valuing clarity, scientific justification, and the ability for critical reflection.
? Completion of mini-quizzes (10%)
? Final written practical exam (30%)
Passing this component requires a minimum attendance of 75% of practical classes, in accordance with the RAUE, and a final average grade of at least 10/20.
Final assessment modality:
Students who do not successfully complete the continuous assessment or who are exempt from attending practical classes may undertake the final assessment of the practical component (30%), which consists of a written practical exam (30%), and the completion of a practical assignment including a report and an individual oral discussion of results during the resit period (70%). To pass, the final grade must be at least 10/20, with a mandatory minimum grade of 10/20 in the written practical exam.
Final grade calculation
The final grade (FG) will be calculated according to the following weighting:
FG = 0.3 × PG + 0.7 × TG
where: PG corresponds to the grade obtained in the practical component, and TG corresponds to the average grade of the written tests or the grade obtained in the written exam
Any omitted or exceptional cases will be regulated by the RAUE.
Formative assessment
Throughout the semester, formative assessment will be promoted, including continuous feedback from the lecturer, monitoring participation in preparatory tasks, guidance in the preparation of reports, support for workload management, and the encouragement of critical reflection.
Theoretical and theoretical?practical component (70%)
Assessment is individual and may be carried out through two modalities: continuous assessment (two written tests) or final examination (regular or resit period).
This component focuses on the understanding, critical analysis, and application of the knowledge acquired, integrating concepts related to the chemical constitution, structure, function, and metabolism of biomolecules, as well as their biomedical relevance.
To pass this component, each test must have a minimum grade of 8/20, and the final average or exam grade must be at least 10/20.
Laboratory practical component (30%)
The practical component focuses on experimental performance and the consolidation of laboratory skills, and is distributed as follows:
Continuous assessment modality:
? Preparation of practical classes and laboratory execution (10%) ? evaluates preparation tasks, laboratory execution, rigour, autonomy, and teamwork in laboratory methodologies, also considering attendance.
? Scientific report writing (50%) ? evaluates the structured written presentation of objectives, methodologies, results, and critical discussion, valuing clarity, scientific justification, and the ability for critical reflection.
? Completion of mini-quizzes (10%)
? Final written practical exam (30%)
Passing this component requires a minimum attendance of 75% of practical classes, in accordance with the RAUE, and a final average grade of at least 10/20.
Final assessment modality:
Students who do not successfully complete the continuous assessment or who are exempt from attending practical classes may undertake the final assessment of the practical component (30%), which consists of a written practical exam (30%), and the completion of a practical assignment including a report and an individual oral discussion of results during the resit period (70%). To pass, the final grade must be at least 10/20, with a mandatory minimum grade of 10/20 in the written practical exam.
Final grade calculation
The final grade (FG) will be calculated according to the following weighting:
FG = 0.3 × PG + 0.7 × TG
where: PG corresponds to the grade obtained in the practical component, and TG corresponds to the average grade of the written tests or the grade obtained in the written exam
Any omitted or exceptional cases will be regulated by the RAUE.
Formative assessment
Throughout the semester, formative assessment will be promoted, including continuous feedback from the lecturer, monitoring participation in preparatory tasks, guidance in the preparation of reports, support for workload management, and the encouragement of critical reflection.
Accreditations and Certifications
