Medical Biochemistry, 12 credits

At least the grade Pass at the course Introduction to Biomedical Science or the equivalent knowledge.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• account for the biochemical function of individual cells and the entire human body, including regulation of metabolic processes,
• predict the metabolic effects following influence on individual reaction steps by pharmaceuticals or genetic variation,
• describe and explain connections between molecular changes and changes in the metabolism for common diseases,
• search for and evaluate literature in medical biochemistry and from this retrieve information for problem-solving, experimental design and compilations,
• orally and in written form present own results and compilations of published results within medical biochemistry,
• evaluate different choices of methods for biochemical laboratory work, and to plan, carry through and evaluate experiments,
• understand ethical and security issues in biomedical work.

The course is divided into the following parts:

Overview of the course and it's content.

Catabolism and anabolism, and general principles for turnover of intermediates and energy. Special focus on regulation of enzyme activity, the signal transduction system of the cell, digestion and absorption of nutrients, carbohydrate metabolism – including energy conversions in the cell, lipid metabolism, ketone bodies and oxidative stress. The functions of enzymes in an organic chemical perspective.

Studies of cellular metabolism and in connection with this, application of chromatographic methods.

Amino acid metabolism including urea, one carbon pool and creatine phosphate, nucleotide metabolism and alcohol metabolism. Integration of metabolism and hormonal regulation.

The teaching includes lectures, laboratory sessions, group tuition (seminars) and project works. It is to a large extent directed towards the understanding of biochemical contexts and aims to give the student an analytical and reflective approach to the subject.
Project work implies advanced studies in a group with an emphasis on own work, group cooperation and literature studies.

Introduction to Medical Biochemistry (2 credits). The examination consists of a written assignment graded Fail/Pass.

Basal metabolism (3 credits). The examination consists of a test and an oral presentation of a project work. Graded Fail/Pass. For the test, two make-up sessions are provided before the written final examination.

Biochemical laboratory methods (2 credits). The examination consists of observations of the student's laboratory skills and written laboratory reports. Graded Fail/Pass.

Integrated metabolism (5 credits). The examination consists of a written and oral presentation of an integrated project work, graded Fail/Pass, and a written final examination. The written examination is graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction. To be permitted to participate in the final examination, the test during Basal metabolism must be approved.

The course grade is based on the grade of the final written examination. To pass the whole course, the grade Pass must have been obtained for all parts of the course.

Compulsory participation
Laboratory sessions and project works are compulsory, as well as presentations and lectures linked to these parts. The course director assesses if and, in that case, how absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for respective part will not be registered in LADOK.

Limited number of examinations or practical training sessions
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examination or new admission is provided.

The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination, for which the student registered but not participated in, will not be counted as an examination.

The course is cancelled and was offered for the last time VT17. Examination according to this syllabus will be offered for the last time VT21 for students who have not completed the course with a passing grade.

The course language is English.

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

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