Biochemistry II

Recommended Prerequisites

A. Knowledge:

Before beginning the study of this curricular unit, students should have acquired a set of basic knowledge in Biochemistry I and Cellular and Molecular Biology I

Precedence: Biochemistry I (1st semester). In order to attend this curricular unit, it is mandatory that students have a successful assessment in Biochemistry I.

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 theoretical-practical classes are planned with the aim of developing learning by means of the method of problem analysis. They are aimed at small groups of students. According to this methodology students will be encouraged to interpret a clinical problem based on biochemical knowledge that was previously acquired in the theoretical classes.

Teachers work to encourage and guide the discussion in oriented seminar.

Learning Outcomes

Biochemistry II  main objective is to understand the integrated nature of cellular signaling and metabolic pathways with impact in the function and homeostasis of cells, tissues and the whole human body, and how  a change in a selective biochemical process  is directly related to an alteration  in the structure of a  molecule or in the metabolic pathway in which that molecule is involved.

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

- Understand the signaling and metabolic specificity of main tissues and organs and how they interplay;

- Explain the biochemical mechanisms involved in cell and organism homeostasis;

- Understand the mechanisms that govern changes in metabolism along life;

- Describe the molecular mechan isms  of disease, including metabolic diseases;

- Understand the role of  Biomedical research in tackling the normal versus diseased condition.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Hormonal regulation and metabolic inter-relashionships.

2. Metabolic characterization of different cells and tissues.

3. Metabolic changes along life:

4. Biochemical mechanisms of cell death and proliferation.

5. Pathological alterations associated to proteins and aminoacids

6. Pathologiacl alterations of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotids metabolism.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 25.0%
Frequency: 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.