Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Biochemistry II
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Questions will be answered in person with the teacher. In need, contact by email for a tutorship.
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
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE05 - To apply the principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry to the study of the structure and function of biomolecules and their metabolism.
- CG01 - To be aware of basic biological concepts and language specific to biomedical sciences and health status.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
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
Introduction to metabolism
Glucids metabolism
Lipids metabolism
Amino acids metabolism
Cholesterol metabolism
Hemo metabolism
Nucleotides metabolism
Metabolism's integration
Cancer metabolism
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: 90-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 in the last session of each group.
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 2nd, 4th and 6th sitting:
- Resolution of case methods: 15% (saved from the previous sitting)
- Lab practice exam: 10% (saved from the previous sitting)
- Final exam: 75%
3) Students in 3rd and 5th sitting: 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. Students can choose if the mid-term will be done again or not (in the later case, the final exam counts for 75% of the final grade)
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. It will also have a development part and the percentages of each part may vary.
2) In adition to (1), to pass the subject it is mandatory to get a minimal average of 5 from all the evaluation items.
3) Class participation and lab practice will be evaluated by short multiple-choice tests.
4) 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.
5) 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. Non justified absence will be evaluated as 0.
- 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, as well as not attending any of the determined sessions.
6) 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.
7) 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
- FERRIER. 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 08/01/2024 A09 16:00h
- R1 22/01/2024 A09 14:00h
- E2 14/06/2024 A09 11:00h