Introduction to Biological Processes

Recommended Prerequisites

Appropriate chemistry and biology knowledge at undergraduate level.

Teaching Methods

In the lectures the presentation of the program using computational means will be done. It will be encouraged student participation through questions in classes. In practical classes, laboratory work will be done for students to gain practice and enjoy the activities of biochemistry and microbiology. Students will be introduced in the context of scientific research underway in biological processes. In class tracking (OT) exercises will be discussed to a better understanding of the concepts under study, but they may also be used to prepare practical work, as well as to discuss the results.

Learning Outcomes

- Introduce the basic principles of biochemistry and microbiology as support of biochemical engineering in building a sustainable future.

- To provide the fundamentals for understanding the structure / function relationships of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

- Understanding the mechanisms of enzymatic reactions and quantify the kinetics, taking into account environmental factors.

- Analyze key aspects of microbiology such as cell structure, microbial nutrition, and dynamic models of growth and energy.

- Formulation of culture broths from laboratory or industrial use and sterilization methods.

- Introduce the fundamentals of molecular genetics and heredity, gene structure, the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein, regulation of gene expression.

- The student develops skills to work in interdisciplinary teams and to be aware of and concerned with sustainable development.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

- The Chemistry of Life. Structure and function of biological macromolecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic acids.

- Enzyme kinetics: nomenclature of enzymes; Michaelis-Menten kinetics; determination of kinetic parameters; denaturation of enzymes.

- The cell as the basic unit of life. Brief notions of classification and nomenclature of cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their internal organization, cell growth; formulation of culture media, cell growth dynamics, Monod model.

- Metabolism and transfer processes and accumulation of Energy. Cellular respiration, chemical energy storage; Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Photosynthesis. Concept fermentation versus respiration.

- Information and heredity: organization of the genome: DNA, genes and chromosomes, DNA replication and repair; flow of genetic information from DNA to protein, regulation of gene expression.

Head Lecturer(s)

Jorge Manuel dos Santos Rocha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 20.0%
Exam: 80.0%

Bibliography

- Leninger, A.L., Principles of Biochemistry, Worth Publishers Inc, N.Y., 1984

- Stryer, L., Biochemistry, 3rd ed., Witt. Freeman & Co, Deford, 1988

- Stanier, R. Y. et al., General Microbiology , 4th ed., Macmillan Publishers, London, 1985

- Pelczar Jr, M. J. et al., Microbiology, 5th ed.,  McGraw-Hill, N.Y., 1986

- Atkinson, B. & Mavituna, F., Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology Handbook, 2nd ed., Stockton Press, N.Y., 1991

- Doran, P. M., Bioprocess Engineering Principles, Academic Press, 1995

- Lima, N. e Mota, M., Biotecnologia. Fundamentos e Aplicações, Lidel, edições técnicas, 2003

- Bailey, J. e Ollis, D., Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill Int. Ed., 1986