ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 99 Hours of tutorials: 3 Expository Class: 24 Interactive Classroom: 24 Total: 150
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Areas: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Center Faculty of Chemistry
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable
Knowing the structure, organization, properties and activities of the molecular components of living matter and the transformations undergone in the organisms to try to understand life processes at the molecular level.
Structure and function of macromolecules and biological membranes. Catalysis and control of biochemical reactions. The role of metals in biological processes. Bioenergetics. Metabolism. Genetic information. Structure, properties and chemical reactivity of biomolecules. Methodology in Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry.
THEORETICAL CONTENT: (28 hours)
Unit 1. Introduction to Biochemistry.(1 hour)
Characteristics that define living matter. Biological organisms. Concept, objectives and scope of Biochemical Science. Chemical and physical fundamentals.
SECTION I (13 hours): STRUCTURE AND CATALYSIS. PATHWAYS OF INFORMATION.
Unit 2. Structure and properties of proteins. (2,5 h)
Introduction to proteins. Three-dimensional structure of proteins. Denaturation of proteins. Working with proteins.
Unit 3. Function of proteins. (1,5 h)
Some examples of protein functions. Hemoproteins: transport and storage of oxygen. Introduction to the immune system and immunoglobulins. Immunologic techniques.
Unit 4. Enzymes and catalysis. (2 h)
Introduction: characteristics and properties of enzymes. Nomenclature and classification. Chemical logic and common biochemical reactions. Catalysis mechanisms. Coenzymes
Unit 5. Kinetics and enzymatic regulation. (2 h)
Michelis-Menten enzymes and allosteric enzymes. Variation and regulation of enzymatic activity.
Unit 6. Nucleic acids (2 h)
Structure of DNA and RNA. Nucleic acid chemistry. Introduction to DNA recombinant technology: DNA amplification.
Unit 7. Synthesis of nucleic acids. (1,5 h)
Storage and transmission of genetic information. Biosynthesis of RNA. Principles of regulation of gene expression.
Unit 8. Protein metabolism. (1,5 h)
Protein biosynthesis. Fate and degradation of proteins. Introduction to protein engineering.
SECTION II. METABOLISM (14 h)
Unit 9. Citric acid cycle. (2 h)
Introduction to metabolism. Acetyl-CoA production. Reactions of the citric acid cycle. Regulation of the citric acid cycle. Glyoxylate cycle.
Unit 10. Oxidative phosphorylation. (2 h)
Introduction. Electron transfer reactions in the mitochondria. Biosynthesis of ATP. Regulation of oxidative phosphorylation.
Unit 11. Carbohydrate metabolism. (4 h)
Introduction to carbohydrate metabolism. Glycolysis and feeder routes. Pyruvate destinations. Gluconeogenesis. Coordinated regulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Pentose phosphate pathway. Glycogen metabolism in animals and its regulation.
Unit 12. Lipid metabolism. (4 h)
Introduction to lipid metabolism. Oxidation of fatty acids and ketone bodies. Biosynthesis of fatty acids and triacylglycerols. Membrane lipid biosynthesis.
Unit 13. Metabolism of nitrogen compounds. (2 h)
Introduction to lipid metabolism. Degradation and biosynthesis of amino acids and derived molecules. DNA degradation and biosynthesis and degradation of nucleotides.
INTERACTIVE CLASSES/SEMINARS (10 hours):
Resolution in the classroom, either individually or in groups, of exercises, questions or problems on the theoretical contents, to deepen the knowledge of the subject.
INTERACTIVE CLASSES/LABORATORY (8 hours)
Experience 1 (Day 1) - Observation of eukaryotic cells in culture and preparation of a cell extract. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Experience 2 (Day 1) - Transformation of competent bacteria with an ampicillin-resistant plasmid.
Experiment 3 (Day 2) – Plasmid digestion with restriction enzymes. Analysis by agarose electrophoresis.
Experience 4 (Day 2) - Chain Reaction (PCR).
Basic bibliography:
-McKee, T. and McKee, J. R. 2020. Bioquímica. Las bases moleculares de la vida. 7ª ed. McGRAW-HILL Interamericana Editores. [on-line] https://accessmedicina-mhmedical-com.ezbusc.usc.gal/book.aspx?bookid=29…
-Nelson, David L. and Cox, Michael M. 2018. Lehninger Principios de Bioquímica. 7ª ed. Barcelona: Editorial Omega. 2021. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 8ª ed. New York: Macmillan International.
Further reading
- Berg, Tymoczko & Stryer. 2015. Bioquímica. 7ª ed. Barcelona: Editorial Reverté.
- Feduchi, Blasco, Romero & Yañez. 2015. Bioquímica. Conceptos esenciales. 2ª ed. México: Editorial Médica Panamericana.
- Mathews, C.K., Van Holde, K.E. & Ahern, K.G. 2013. Bioquímica. 4ª ed. Addison Wesley.
- Rodwell, V.W., Bender, D.A., Botham, K.M., Kennelly, P.J. y Weil, P.A. 2018. Harper Bioquímica ilustrada. 31ª ed. México: McGraw-Hill/Interamericana. [on-line]:
https://accessmedicina-mhmedical-com.ezbusc.usc.gal/Book.aspx?bookid=27….
- Voet, D., Voet, J.G. y Pratt, C.W. 2016. Fundamentos de Bioquímica. 4ª ed. Ed. Médica Panamericana.
GENERAL
CG2 - To be able to gather and interpret relevant data, information and results, obtain conclusions and issue reasoned reports on scientific, technological or other problems that require the use of Chemistry knowledge.
CG3 - To be able to apply both acquired theoretical and practical knowledge as well as the capacity for analysis and abstraction in the definition and presentation of problems and in the search for solutions in both academic and professional contexts.
CG4 - That they have the ability to communicate, both in written and oral form, knowledge, procedures, results and ideas in Chemistry to both a specialized and non-specialized public.
CG5 - To be able to study and learn independently, with organization of time and resources, new knowledge and techniques in any scientific or technological discipline.
SPECIFIC
CE13 - Be able to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories related to the areas of Chemistry.
CE15 - Be able to recognize and analyze new problems and plan strategies to solve them.
CE20 - Be able to interpret data from observations and measurements in the laboratory in terms of their significance and the theories that support it.
CE22 - Understand the relationship between theory and experimentation.
CE25 - Being able to relate chemistry to other disciplines.
TRANSVERSE
CT10 - Acquiring critical reasoning.
CT11 - Achieving ethical commitment.
CT12 - Acquiring autonomous learning
CT13 - Ability to adapt to new situations.
CT14 - Develop creativity.
- MASTER LECTURES face-to-face with computer projections. The teacher will explain in these classes the theoretical contents of the subject, with the help of audiovisual and computer support. These classes are further supported by the USC VIRTUAL network, containing the slides projected in the classroom and additional support material.
- SEMINARS face-to-face in small groups. Interactive theoretical and practical classes dedicated to solve problems and doubts related to the subject and where issues and problems raised by the teacher and performed by students will be discussed. The students will also be able to prepare and discuss topics related to the subject.
- TUTORIALS face-to-face in small groups for the clarification of doubts about the theory or practices.
- LABORATORY PRACTICAL CLASSES, face-to-face (in small groups). Experimental classes performed in a laboratory where students, under the supervision and guidance of the teacher, will conduct experimental tests and calculations to consolidate the knowledge acquired in the classroom and to become familiar with the management of biochemical techniques and methods.
The distribution by students of teaching material (both written and audiovisual) to people outside the course is expressly prohibited.
Evaluation will consist of two parts:
1. Continuous evaluation (CE; 35%), which will comprise:
i. Solving exercises and problems in seminars (the tests may be oral, written or carried out electronically) (Ej_entr = 10%).
ii. On-line questionnaries (Quest= 15%). There will be tests corresponding to Sections I and II of the subject.
iii. Laboratory practicals (Pract = 10%). Some questions will be scored at the end of the practices. Students must earn a grade of suitable (greater than 4) in practices to pass the subject. Unexcused absences will mean a rating of unfit.
2. Final test (FE = 65%). It will consist of exercises and questions related to the theoretical and practical contents of the subject.
Final note= FE note x 0,65 + CE note x 0,35. The final note will not be less than the note of the final exam or to the one combined with the continuous evaluation. It will be necessary to achieve a minimum grade of 4 in the final exam for the continuous assessment grade to be taken into account; otherwise, the final grade will be exclusively that of the exam. It will be necessary to have at least a 5/10 to pass this subject.
Students who do not pass a subject in the ordinary opportunity (January) must attend the final test to the chance of recovery (July). The note of the continuous assessment will remain with the exception of those students who fail the practical subject: they must deliver a new memory, and a review of practices in order to recover.
Students who fail only theoretical part of the subject will be kept the note of the approved practical course (as long as they are the same ones) for the next 2 courses. The repeaters have the same system of assistance to interactive classes and the same evaluation system for students enrolled for the first time.
Throughout the course the following competencies are evaluated:
Interactive classes: CG2, CG3, CG4, CT10, CT12, CT14, CE13, CE15 and CE25.
Laboratory practices: CG3, CT11, CT12, CT13, CT14, CE15, CE20, CE22 and CE25.
Exam: CG4, CG5, CT12, CT14, CE13, CE22 and CE25.
-In cases of fraudulent carrying out of exercises or tests, the provisions of the "Student Assessment and Academic Performance Assessment Regulations" of the USC will apply.
Classroom hours:
- 28 hours of theory.
- 10 hours of seminars in small groups.
- 2 hours of tutoring in small groups.
- 8 hours of laboratory practice.
Personal hours:
-102 hours
Total: 150 hours
Assistance and participation to the proposed activities, bringing the subject up to date and discussing the doubts with the teacher during the tutorial hours.
There will be an operational virtual classroom in the Moodle platform with material related to classes, seminars and practices. Announcements will also be made through this platform, so students should check their institutional e-mail frequently.
The preferred channel of communication will be e-mail. If necessary, communication can be established through MS-Teams.
Jose Manuel Martinez Costas
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Phone
- 881815734
- jose.martinez.costas [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Cristina Diaz Jullien
Coordinador/a- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Phone
- 881816932
- cristina.diaz [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
Guillermo Covelo Artos
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Phone
- 881816930
- guillermo.covelo [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
Daniel Abella López
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- daniel.abella [at] rai.usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
Adrián López Teijeiro
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- adrianlopez.teijeiro [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
Laura Rivadulla Costa
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- laura.rivadulla.costa [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
Paula Sanchez Gascon
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- paulasanchez.gascon [at] usc.es
- Category
- USC Pre-doctoral Contract
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Biology Classroom (3rd floor) |
| Tuesday | |||
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Biology Classroom (3rd floor) |
| Thursday | |||
| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Spanish | Classroom 2.14 |
| Friday | |||
| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLIS_03 | Spanish | Technical Chemistry Classroom (ground floor) |
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Spanish | Physics Classroom (3rd floor) |
| 01.13.2025 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Analytical Chemistry Classroom (2nd floor) |
| 01.13.2025 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | General Chemistry Classroom (2nd floor) |
| 01.13.2025 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Mathematics Classroom (3rd floor) |
| 06.10.2025 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Inorganic Chemistry Classroom (1st floor) |
| 06.10.2025 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Organic Chemistry Classroom (1st floor) |