Biochemistry

Objectives

• Contemplate a living being as a cluster of totally coherent, spontaneous processes and understand the internal logic that governs them.
• Introduce students to the molecular mechanisms of life and have them observe how their manifestations have a simple and understandable basis.
• Understand the structure of macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) and the impact on their function.
• Acquire the necessary knowledge to understand the functioning of enzymes.
• Discover how living things obtain and use energy, which molecules are involved and how they are related.
• Allow students to discover or verify for themselves fundamental concepts of biochemistry.

Learning outcomes

• RA1. Become familiar with the structure of biomolecules.
• LO2. Understands the biochemical organization of the cell and its thermodynamic basis.
• LO3. Evaluates globally the learning processes carried out in accordance with the plans and objectives set and establishes individual improvement measures.
• LO4. Understands oral and written messages of different types in a complete manner expressed in their own languages and in English.
• LO5. Uses language that is respectful of gender issues in both oral and written or audiovisual productions.
• LO6. Moves with ease in complex situations or those that require the development of new solutions.
• LO7. Collects and interprets data and information on which to base their conclusions, which include reflections on social, scientific or ethical issues in the field of biomedicine.
• LO8. Acquires and demonstrates advanced knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects and work methodology in the field of biomedicine.
• LO9. Apply their knowledge to solve problems in complex or professional and specialized work areas that require the use of creative and innovative ideas.

Competencies

General skills

• Formulate hypotheses following the scientific method, with an ability to summarize and analyze information in a critical way in order to be able to solve problems.

Specific skills

• Describe the relationship between the biology of the nucleus and the metabolism of the main cell types.
• Recognize the organization, structure and function of cells and their components in different tissues.

Basic skills

• Students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competencies typically demonstrated through drafting and defending arguments and solving problems in their field of study.
• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.
• Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific and ethical issues.

Core skills

• Communicate orally, in writing and audiovisually, in one's own language and in foreign languages, with proficiency in form, content and use.
• Reflect critically on knowledge of all kinds, with a commitment to professional rigor and quality.

Content

1. Composition of organic matter
2. Proteins: structure and relationship to their function
3. Enzymology: catalytic activity and enzymatic kinetics
4. Carbohydrates, lipids and vitamins
5. Metabolism, bioenergetics and photosynthesis

Evaluation

The evaluation of the subject is based on continuous monitoring of students' academic work throughout the course.

The final grade for the subject (NF) is the weighted average of the grades for the following assessable activities:

• Activity 1. Midterm exams. Weight: 45% (22.5% and 22.5%); make-up activity; minimum grade: 4; RAs assessed: 1-3, 7-9
• Activity 2. Exercises. Weight: 25% of NF; non-recoverable activity; RA evaluated: 2, 7
• Activity 3. Questionnaires. Weight: 30% of the NF (15% each); recoverable activity; RA evaluated: 2, 7

The total weight of the assessment activities represents 100% of the final grade for the subject.

Students have the option of retaking the retaken exams. The retake exam is given during the last weeks of the semester, designated for this purpose. If you choose to retake the exam, the final grade is the last, whether lower or higher.

Important

Plagiarism or copying someone else's work is penalized in all universities and, according to the UVic-UCC coexistence rules, constitute serious or very serious faults. Therefore, during the course of this subject, plagiarism or the improper appropriation of texts or ideas from other people (see What is considered plagiarism?) and the improper or undeclared use of artificial intelligence in an activity automatically result in a suspension or other disciplinary measures.

To cite texts and materials appropriately, you must consult the academic citation guidelines and guidelines available on the UVic Library website.

Methodology

• The theoretical sessions They are carried out by the teachers with the help of the blackboard and an image projector; during these sessions the teachers continuously challenge the students to deduce possible explanations for the experimental facts based on the knowledge taught. Each theoretical session involves, at least, the same dedication of time for personal work during which it is necessary to read chapters of recommended books, do complementary exercises or search for information on the Internet using keywords.
• In the exercise sessions and quizzes The teachers propose exercises to be solved individually or collectively and questionnaires that can be evaluated.

Bibliography

Key references

• Nelson, David L and Cox, Michael M (2017). Lehninger principles of biochemistry (7 ed.). New York : W.H. Freeman.
• Richard A. Harvey; Denise R. Ferrier (2010). Bioquímica. Retrieved from https://elibro.net/es/ereader/bibliouvic/124797
• Stryer, L., Berg, J. M., & Tymoczko, J. L. (2007). Bioquímica (6 ed.). Reverté.
• Voet, D., & Voet, J. G. (2006). Bioquímica (3 ed.). Médica paramericana.

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.