Overall objectives:

1 - To know the molecular fundamentals, composition and structure of life, correlating them with their biological and physiological functions.
2 - To understand the organization and cellular metabolism characteristics.
3 - Skills and competences to be developed by students: Understand the principles governing the composition, organization, and function of biomolecules its role in metabolism and vital activity of living beings. Understand the molecular fundamentals, organization, mechanisms, homeostasis and cellular metabolism integrity. Deepen knowledge autonomously. Availability for continuous learning. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles and theories and apply them in solving quantitative and qualitative problems. Acquisition of study and work in the laboratory methods. Ability to obtain and interpret relevant scientific results. Critically evaluate materials science ­based and with ethical sense.

Syllabus:

1 - History of Biochemistry.
2 - Basics of molecular biochemistry. Mineral elements and simple organic molecules (alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, alkenes, alkanes, fatty acids and derivatives, amino acids and amines) functional groups, bio­organic reactions.
3 - Biochemistry of water and buffering systems.
4 - Basics of cellular bioenergetics. Principles of thermodynamics and bioenergetics.
5 - Diversity, structure and function of carbohydrates.
6 - Metabolism of carbohydrates. Introduction to Catabolism. Main metabolic pathways (glycolysis, Krebs cycle). Cellular respiration. Cellular energetic balance, energy synthesis and use. Anabolism (pentose monophosphate pathway, gluconeogenesis). Organization, integration and regulation.
7 - Diversity, structure and function of lipids.
8 - Lipid metabolism. Introduction to Catabolism. Main metabolic pathways (lipolysis). Anabolism (liponeogenesis and synthetic lipid derivatives). Cellular energetic balance, energy synthesis and use. Organization, integration and regulation.

Literature/Sources:

Kaplan Test Prep , 2017 , MCAT Biochemistry Review. , Kaplan Publishing, Ed. NY, USA
Rodwell, V.W., Bender, D.A., Botham, K.M., Kennely, P.J., Weil, P.A. , 2014 , Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry. 30th edition. , McGraw-Hill Education Europe
Nelson, D.L. e Cox, M.M. , 2017 , Lehninger. Principles of Biochemistry. 7th edition. , New York. W.H. Freeman and Company.
Hoffmann, A. and Clokie, S. Editors. , 2018 , Wilson and Walker's Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 8th edition. , Cambridge University Press

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The teaching/learning process focuses on autonomous work, supported by literature and individual survey. The theoretical lessons are based on expositive (interpretive/with dialogue) and interrogative methods, using the blackboard and computerized presentations (including multimedia techniques, such as video projections with animations of biomolecules and/or metabolic pathways). The theoretical­-practical classes are based on the interrogative method and exercises. The practical classes consist on planning and performance of laboratory work, based on specific bibliography. The assessment of student is as follows: Theoretical (average of 2 tests), corresponds to 50% of the final grade; Practice (rating of 3 reports), corresponds to 30% of final grade. Practical exam: 20% of the final grade. The minimum score for each evaluation is 9,5.