Biochemistry for Engineering and Physical Sciences
Code
11260
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Química
Credits
6.0
Teacher in charge
Maria Alice Santos Pereira
Weekly hours
2
Total hours
47
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
The aims of this curricular unit are:
- To acquire knowledge and skills in the field of Biochemistry and Analytical Biochemistry;
- To comprehend the structure-function relationship of proteins and other biomolecules;
- To understand the role of biomolecules in different biological systems;
- To know the methods used in the production and purification of proteins; to monitor the efficiency of the purification process and assess its efficiency;
- To know the main modern biochemical methods and techniques used in biochemical, structural and functional characterization of biomolecules;
- To search and interpret critically the scientific literature.
Subject matter
- The foundations of Biochemistry
- Biological structures
- Physical and chemical properties of biomolecules
- From DNA to proteins: DNA replication and transcription, translation of RNA
- Introduction to recombinant DNA technology
- Methods of analysis and quantification of biomolecules
- Experimental strategies used in the isolation and purification of proteins
- Methods and techniques used in characterization of biomolecules
- Case studies
Bibliography
LEHNINGER PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMISTRY
Nelson, D.L., & Cox, M.M.
W.H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, 5th ed. 2008
PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMISTRY
Voet, D., Voet, J.G. & Pratt, C.W.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 3rd ed. 2008
BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Andear Manz, Nicole Pamme and Dimitri Iossifidis
Imperial College Press, 2004
PHYSICAL BIOCHEMISTRY. PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS
David Sheehan
Wiley-Blackwell, Second edition, 2009
Teaching method
The curricular unit includes problem-solving and laboratory classes, . The problem-solving classes will be taught using a "data show", accompanied by supplementary bibliography previously available on the dedicated website, on the site of the doctoral program. In the first class a diagnostic evaluation teste will be passed to assess students knowledge and for optimization and selection of the concepts to be presented. In the context of this classes students will present a seminar focusing on the strategies and experimental techniques commonly used in the characterization of biomolecules.
In practical classes students will conduct experimental work following laboratory protocols previously distributed to all students.
Evaluation method
All students have to compulsorily carry out all practical work and a presentation of a seminar. The assessment of knowledge includes the oral presentation of a seminar and writing of a report on one of the practical work.