Course syllabus for Biochemistry

Biokemi

Specific entry requirements

At least the grade Pass (G) on the course Introduction to Biomedical Science, at least grade Pass (G) on the part Organic-chemical laboratory work, (5 credits), in the course General and Organic Chemistry, and the part Laboratory practicals (4 credits) of the course Cell-, stem cell and developmental biology, at the Bachelor's programme in Biomedicine

Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
Regarding knowledge and understanding:

• describe the biochemical functions and regulation of metabolic processes of individual human cells and organs,
• describe connections between metabolic processes at the molecular level and between various organs during health and disease.

Regarding competence and skills:

• discuss selected effects of pharmaceuticals, lifestyle, and genetic variation on metabolic processes at the level of cell and organ,
• search for and select relevant literature for specific topics covered in the course,
• present his/her own results and summaries of literature within the field of biochemistry, both verbally and in writing,
• perform and evaluate biochemical experiments,
• perform biochemical laboratory work in a safe manner.

Regarding judgement and approach:

• evaluate relevant methods for biochemical laboratory work,
• assess selected effects of lifestyle, such as exercise and nutrition, on metabolism and disease risk or prevention.

Content

Catabolism and anabolism, and general principles for turnover of intermediates and energy in biochemistry. Regulation and mechanisms of enzyme activity. Specific signal transduction systems of the cell. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism - including energy conversions in the cell. Amino acid metabolism including urea cycle, one carbon pool and nucleotide metabolism. Adaptation of metabolism during physiological states or metabolic diseases, including the importance of oxidative stress and insulin resistance.

The course is divided into the following parts:

Biochemical laboratory methods, 3.0 credits

Grading scale: GU
Studies of cellular metabolism and the application of chromatographic methods in this field.

Metabolism in health and disease, 3.0 credits

Grading scale: GU
Integration of metabolism. Applying basic biochemical knowledge to various diseases and physiological conditions that demand different metabolic adaptations.

Integration of theory and practice, 6.0 credits

Grading scale: VU
Integration of theory and practice in biochemistry and metabolism.

Teaching methods

The teaching includes lectures, laboratory sessions, group tuition (seminars), and project works.The project works include peer feedback, group work, oral presentation, and discussion.

Examination

Voluntary intermediate tests. Passed intermediate tests can generate bonus points to be added to the points obtained in the final written exam (part 3), if the final exam is passed.

Part 1. Biochemical laboratory methods (3 credits). The examination consists of testing the student's laboratory skills and written laboratory reports. Graded Fail/Pass.

Part 2. Metabolism in health and disease (3 credits). The examination consists of oral presentations of project works, graded Fail/Pass.

Part 3. Integration of theory and practice (6 credits). The examination consists of a written examination. The written examination is graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

The course grade is based on the grade of the final written examination in part 3 combined with any bonus points earned from the voluntary intermediate tests. To pass the whole course, the grade Pass must have been obtained for all parts of the course.

Students that fail to submit compulsory assignments by the deadlines will lose the opportunity to be graded with pass with distinction for the course.

Compulsory participation
Laboratory sessions and project work are compulsory, as well as presentations, quizzes and lectures linked to these parts. The examiner assesses if and, in that case, how absence from compulsory components can be compensated. The student must participate in all compulsory parts or compensate for absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, in order to pass the course. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in the student not being able to compensate the absence until the next time the course is given.

Limited number of examinations or practical training sessions
A student who does not pass an examination at their first attempt is entitled to participate in five additional examination sessions. If the student does not pass after four examinations, he/she is recommended to retake the course at the next regular course occasion, and may, after that, participate in two more examination sessions. If the student has failed six examinations, no additional examination sessions are provided.

Physically attending or otherwise commencing an examination is regarded as an examination session. Handing in a blank exam is considered taking part in an examination session. An examination, for which the student registered but did not participate, is not counted as an examination session.

Adaption of examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Other directives

The course language is English.

Oral evaluation in the form of course council meetings will be carried out during the course.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Committee for Higher Education.