This syllabus is valid: 2024-11-04
and until further notice
Course code: 5KE213
Credit points: 15
Education level: First cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Chemistry: First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass with merit, Pass, Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Chemistry
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2024-11-08
Contents
Chemical processes occur continuously within all cells of living organisms. They form a complex network of reactions that allow the extraction of usable energy from food, the synthesis of cellular building blocks, and the storage and retrieval of genetic information. This course covers the structure and function of the most important classes of biological molecules: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. The course places special emphasis on proteins as the "workers of the cell", and covers enzymatic reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and bioenergetics. Further, central metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, will be investigated. We will contrast pathways in which nutrients are degraded with those in which biological molecules are synthesized. In this context, cellular organelles will be discussed as the compartments of biochemical reactions. Finally, the course will also cover the role of biomolecules in the use and storage of genetic information. The experimental part of the course includes hands-on training in biochemical techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
The student should be able to
1. Describe the molecular and chemical environments in the cell and in cell organelles.
2. Understand the structure and properties of biochemical building blocks, such as nitrogen bases, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids and carbohydrates.
3. Explain the relationship between structure and function of biological macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids.
4. Describe functions, mechanisms, kinetics, and regulation of enzymes.
5. Describe anabolic and catabolic pathways and their connection to energy production and consumption.
6. Describe biochemical information transmission in DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
Skills and Abilities:
The student should be able to
1. Use basic biochemical laboratory equipment and techniques.
2. Use enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics to gain insight into protein function.
3. Compile and evaluate obtained experimental results and present them in both writing and verbally.
Evaluative Ability and Approach:
The student should be able to
1. Reason about biochemical reactions and their importance for cellular function, and to some extent critically evaluate biochemical data and concepts.
Required Knowledge
Fundamentals of Chemistry 15 hp, or the equivlent. English proficiency equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish Upper secondary education. Basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency is also required if the course is taught in Swedish.
Form of instruction
The course is divided into two modules:
Module 1 (Theory), 10 ECTS
Lectures introducing theoretical concepts and principles.
Problem solving and tutorials.
Module 2 (Laboratory), 5 ECTS
Laboratory experiments which are performed in groups or individually and summarized in written reports
Participation in laboratory moments, including written reports, is mandatory.
Examination modes
Examination will consist of an individual written exam (Module 1), as well as written presentations of laboratory work (Module 2). For the written exam, engineering students receive one of the following grades: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5). All other students receive one of these grades: Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). Laboratory work is graded as either Pass (G) or Fail (U). To pass the course, the examination and obligatory elements must have been passed. The grade constitutes an overall assessment of the results of the different parts of the examination and is not allocated until all mandatory elements are complete. The final grade is based on the results of the written exam. Those who pass an examination may not take the same examination again with the aim of achieving a higher grade. In cases of absence from any compulsory modules, the examiner will determine whether the student must complete compensation assignments or redo the missing parts at a later date.
Other regulations
In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
