Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Biochemistry II
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Questions will be answered in person or through videocall with the teacher. Questions will not be answered by email.
Introduction
After having seen the structure and function of the molecules in Biochemistry I, this subject examines the metabolic processes that affect the maintenance of homeostasis in living organisms, studying both the energetic as well as the non-energetic metabolism.
Pre-course requirements
Knowledge of the structure and function of molecules, genetics, cell biology and molecular biology.
Objectives
- To know the metabolic pathways that lead to the use of the energy potential of the molecules.
- To understand the variations of metabolic pathways in a disease state.
- To know the metabolic pathways that give rise to important molecules of the physiology of the organism, such as cholesterol, heme group or nucleotides.
- To know the metabolic modifications of tumour cells.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- To apply the principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry in the study of the structure and function of biomolecules and their metabolism.
- To recognize the basic biological concepts and the language of biomedical sciences in the state of health.
- To develop the appropriate organizational and planning capacity at the moment.
- To develop the ability to solve problems.
- To develop the capacity for analysis and synthesis.
- To know how to communicate, make presentations and write scientific papers.
- Tp be able to carry out autonomous learning.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student:
- Knows the basic bioenergetic fundamentals applied to metabolism.
- Knows the functioning of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
- Knows the mechanisms of the synthesis and degradation of biomolecules, their regulation and bioenergetic.
- Identifies the connection that exists between different metabolic pathways and their alteration in various physiological situations.
- Knows the main metabolic pathologies.
- Knows the scientific basis and fundamental mechanisms of nutrient metabolism.
- Knows the routes of synthesis and degradation of molecules that are not directly involved in energy metabolism, such as the heme group, cholesterol or nucleotides.
- Knows the metabolic changes of tumour cells.
Syllabus
Unit 1. Introduction to metabolism
ENERGETIC METABOLISM
Unit 2. Electron chain transport
Unit 3: Glycolysis
Unit 4. Glucose absorption and transportation
Unit 5. TCA cycle
Unit 6: Glycogen metabolism
Unit 7. Gluconeogenesis
Unit 8: Fatty acid absorption and mitochondrial transportation
Unit 9. Synthesis and degradation of fatty acids
Unit 10. Ketonic bodies
Unit 11. Metabolism's integration
Unit 12. Pentose phosphate pathway
NON-ENERGETIC METABOLISM
Unit 13: Metabolism of amino acids and urea's cycle
Unit 14: Metabolism of cholesterol and lipoproteins
Unit 15: Heme group metabolism
Unit 16: Nucleotide metabolism
Unit 17: Cancer metabolism
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: 50-minute presentation on a theoretical topic by the teacher. Visual support is used in power point format to help to understand the explanations.
Clinical cases or case methods (CM): statement of a real or imaginary situation. Students work in small groups on the questions posed by the teacher (or in interaction with the teacher) and the answers are discussed. The teacher interacts with the students and, if necessary, explains new concepts. In these classes, discussions will include content that examines the topics covered in lectures in greater depth or explores new topics. The CMs have the same importance and the same weight as questions in the final exam.
Virtual education (VE): online material available on Moodle, that the student can access from any computer, at any time, and that will contribute to the self-learning of concepts related to the subject. The virtual material is part of the content of the subject and will be evaluated in the final exam.
Laboratory practice (PL): Practical sessions where experimental techniques related to the syllabus covered in lectures are developed. Familiarisation with the most common experimental resources in a Biochemistry laboratory. Attendance is mandatory and the content of the practical sessions will be assessed directly in the final exam.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Students in first sitting:
- Mid-term exam: 20%
- Resolution of case methods: 15%
- Lab practice exam: 10%
- Final exam: 55%
Teachers reserve 10% of the mark to be granted on subjective items such as: involvement, participation, respect for basic standards, etc.
2) Students in second sitting: same criteria as in the first sitting.
3) Students repeating the subject: marks from continuous assessment (class participation, case methods, lab practices) will be kept in their profiles, although, whenever they wish, students will be able to attend the class again and obtain a new mark. The mark for the mid-term test will not be saved.
General points to consider about the assessment system:
1) In the final exam, a minimum mark of 5 must be obtained in order to be able to average the marks of continuous assessment (case, attitude and partial methods). The exams will be multiple choice with 4 options, counting +1 for the correct answers and -0.33 for the errors.
2) Class participation and lab practice will be evaluated by short multiple-choice tests.
3) 10% of the questions in the test may be related to concepts that have not been explained directly in the sessions but are present in the recommended bibliography as well as in articles, the press or recommended virtual material.
4) Attendance:
- Regular attendance at lectures and case methods is recommended. Attendance at lectures is not mandatory but students will have to meet the standards indicated by the teachers. The expulsion of a student from lectures or case methods will have a negative impact on the assessments.
- Attendance at case methods is optional. The mark will be calculated proportionally to the cases evaluated.
- Attendance at practical lessons is mandatory and students must attend in the assigned groups. The expulsion of a student from the laboratory classroom will mean the automatic failure in the subject.
5) To decide to give an Honours mark, candidates will be given special consideration for their participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as respect for the subject’s basic standards.
6) The improper use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or laptops may result in expulsion from the class. The recording and dissemination of either students or teachers during the different lessons is regarded as improper use, as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes.
Bibliography and resources
- HARVEY. Bioquímica. Ed. Wolters Kluwer.
- MATHEWS. Bioquímica. Ed. Addison Wesley.
- LEHNINGER. Principios de Bioquímica. Ed. Reverté.
- DEVLIN. Bioquímica. Ed. Reverté.
- STRYER. Bioquímica I i II. Ed. Reverté.
Evaluation period
- E1 13/01/2021 I3 14:00h
- E2 18/06/2021 11:00h