Biochemistry

Objectives

• Contemplating a living being as a cluster of totally coherent, spontaneous processes and understanding the internal logic that governs them.
• Introduce students to the molecular mechanisms of life and make them observe how their manifestations have a simple and comprehensible basis.
• Understand well 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 get and use energy, which molecules are involved and how they are related.
• Allow students to discover or check for themselves fundamental concepts of biochemistry.

Learning outcomes

• RA1. Become familiar with the structure of biomolecules.
• LO2. It includes the biochemical organization of the cell and its thermodynamic basis.
• LO3. Globally evaluates the learning processes carried out in accordance with the plans and objectives set and establishes measures for individual improvement.
• LO4. It includes oral and written messages of different types fully expressed in their own languages and in English.
• LO5. Use language that is respectful of the issue of gender in both oral and written or audiovisual productions.
• LO6. Moves with ease in complex situations or situations that require the development of new solutions.
• LO7. It collects and interprets data and information on which it can base its conclusions, which include reflections on matters of a social, scientific or ethical nature in the field of biomedicine.
• LO8. Acquire and demonstrate advanced knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects and work methodology in the field of biomedicine.
• RA9. Apply your knowledge to solve problems in complex or professional and specialized work areas that require the use of creative and innovative ideas.

Skills

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 with their function
3. Enzymology: catalytic activity and enzyme kinetics
4. Carbohydrates, lipids and vitamins
5. Metabolism, bioenergetics and photosynthesis

Evaluation

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

The final mark of the subject (NF) is the weighted average of the marks of the following assessable activities:

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

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

Students have the option of re-examining the retrievable tests. The recovery test is done during the last weeks of the semester, intended for this function. If you choose to retake the exam, the final grade is the last grade, whether it is lower or higher.

important

Plagiarism or copying someone else's work is penalized at all universities and, according to the UVic-UCC Coexistence Rules , constitutes serious or very serious offences. Therefore, in the course of this subject, plagiarism or the misappropriation of other people's texts or ideas (see what is considered plagiarism ) and the improper or undeclared use of artificial intelligence in an activity are translated automatically in suspension or other disciplinary measures.

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

Methodology

• The theoretical sessions are done by the teaching staff with the help of the blackboard and an image projector; during these sessions, the teachers continuously ask the students to deduce possible explanations for the experimental facts based on the knowledge imparted. Each theoretical session involves, at least, the same dedication of personal work time during which you need to read chapters of recommended books, do supplementary exercises or search for information on the Internet based on key words.
• In the exercise and quiz sessions, the teaching staff proposes exercises to solve individually or collectively and quizzes 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.