2023
Introduction to Biochemistry
Name: Introduction to Biochemistry
Code: QUI14194L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The main purpose of this Course is to provide students with knowledge and skills in the field of basic Biochemistry. Specifically, it is intended that students understand the fundamental theoretical concepts about the structure and metabolism of Biomolecules and about their importance in the area of Agronomic Sciences. Students must also acquire knowledge about the analytical techniques used in Biochemistry.
Specific skills:
Scientific: scientific knowledge in general Biochemistry and its application to new situations in their field training.
Technical: knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures for identification, separation and quantification of biomolecules, data analysis, rigor and critical thinking
Personal organization: activities planning and proper management of study time
Inter-personal: teamwork skills, sharing knowledge;
Speaking and writing skills: ability to use new information technologies, capacity to elaborate laboratory reports and to response to written questions
Specific skills:
Scientific: scientific knowledge in general Biochemistry and its application to new situations in their field training.
Technical: knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures for identification, separation and quantification of biomolecules, data analysis, rigor and critical thinking
Personal organization: activities planning and proper management of study time
Inter-personal: teamwork skills, sharing knowledge;
Speaking and writing skills: ability to use new information technologies, capacity to elaborate laboratory reports and to response to written questions
Contents
Module 1- General Concepts: Biochemistry, the Chemistry of living systems. Water and inorganic ions and their importance in biosystems. Biological buffer systems. Methods and techniques used in biochemistry.
Module 2- Structural and Functional Biochemistry: Nomenclature, structure and properties of the main biomolecules. Carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, peptides, proteins and nucleic acids. Plasmatic lipoproteins. Biomembranes. Enzymes and enzymatic kinetics.
Module 3- Introduction to Metabolism: Bioenergetics and bioelectrochemistry. The importance of ATP in metabolism. Anabolism and catabolism. The main metabolic pathways. Introduction to glucidic, lipid and protein metabolism. Metabolic integration and regulation.
Module 2- Structural and Functional Biochemistry: Nomenclature, structure and properties of the main biomolecules. Carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, peptides, proteins and nucleic acids. Plasmatic lipoproteins. Biomembranes. Enzymes and enzymatic kinetics.
Module 3- Introduction to Metabolism: Bioenergetics and bioelectrochemistry. The importance of ATP in metabolism. Anabolism and catabolism. The main metabolic pathways. Introduction to glucidic, lipid and protein metabolism. Metabolic integration and regulation.
Teaching Methods
The teaching / learning process will be based on active participation of students in the classroom and in their complementary work of research and study, through the guidance provided by the teacher. In the teaching of the syllabus, will be used interactive teaching methods and laboratory activities, able to motivate and encourage critical participation (individual / group) of students. The practical laboratory component of the course is evaluated on a continuous basis, based on attendance and performance observed during the execution of the work, the preparation of reports and the ability to respond to questions about the work performed. The theoretical and theoretical-practical components are evaluated individually in two optional modes: continuous assessment (two tests) or the final exam. The final grade will be calculated, given the following weights: 30% for the practical laboratory component and 70% of the grade obtained in the theoretical and theoretical-practical components.
