Biochemistry I

Recommended Prerequisites

A. Knowledge:

Before beginning the study of this curricular unit, students should already have acquired a set of basic knowledge in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

B. Skills and attitudes:

Languages: Students should have the ability to read, understand, write and speak, not only in Portuguese but also in English, which allows them to understand the bibliography and develop their communication abilities.

Information Technologies: ability to use the information technologies for internet access, bibliography research and preparation of oral and panel communications.

Attitudes: Students should demonstrate motivation and ability to self-study. It is also important that students demonstrate that they have critical thinking, openness to continuous and integrated learning and ability to work in group.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical teaching  promotes the understandig and the integration of knowledge and its application in the answer to questions raised in the medical practice.

The practical classes are planned to develop the capacity to identify questions through the observation during the different phases of the experimental work, to improve the understanding of the methodologies under use and to promote  team work Students have the opportunity to put the scientific method into practice and be aware of experimental work with application in Medicine. Discussion is promoted in oriented seminar.

Learning Outcomes

The objective of this curricular unit is:

- to provide students with the opportunity to acquire a basic training in Biochemistry allowing them to understand the molecular rationale of life and the mechanisms that are responsible for homeostasis of the cell and organism.

-to drive the students’ curiosity for Biomedical Research and help them to develop the ability to do research and integrate knowledge by applying it to the discussion of specific issues which are relevant to clinical practice.

This general knowledge will allow to understand  the relevance of structural and molecular biochemistry for Medicine.

At the end of this curricular unit, students should be able to:

1) Identify the general principles and terminology of Biochemistry;

2) Describe the structure and function of the main biomolecules;

3) Distinguish the main metabolic pathways and explain their interrelationship and regulatory mechanisms;

4) Interpret some analysis techniques in the clinics

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Chemical composition of living beings:

- The main classes of biomolecules.

- The importance of water in the chemical reactivity of biomolecules

- The major buffer systems in the body and acid/base balance

2. Structural properties of cellular membranes: 

- Lipids and proteins as major constituents of biological membranes

- Membrane transporters

- Structure of cellular membranes

3. Structural and functional proteins

- Proteins' structural organization

- Hemoglobin and Mioglobin

- Collagen and Elastin

- Enzymes

- Enzymes  regulation and control  as therapeutical targets

4. Metabolism of the main biomolecules carbohydrates,proteins, lipids and nucleic acids

- Vitamines and modulation of metabolism

- Cell signaling and integration of metabolism

Head Lecturer(s)

Catarina Isabel Neno Resende Oliveira

Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment
Frequency: 25.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 25.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

- Berg, J. M. Tymozko, J. L.; Stryer, L.  (2012) –Biochemistry. 7ª Ed. W. H. Freeman & Company.

- Murray, R. K., Granner, D. K., Mayes, [et.al.] (2006)- Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry 27ª Ed., McGraw-Hill.

- Nelson, D.L. & Cox, M. M.- Lehninger (2009) Principles of Biochemistry. 5ª Ed., W. H. Freeman & Company.

- Quintas, A, Freire, A.P., Halpern, M.J. (2010) Bioquímica - Organização Molecular da Vida, Lidel, Lisboa

- Koolman, J. & Roehm, K. H. (2005) Color Atlas of Biochemistry, 2nd Edition, 2005, Thieme