Biochemistry

The course is classified on the level 30-60 credits for Degree of Bachelor and can also be read as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Bachelor's Programme in Biology (N1BIO), 2) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (N1MVN), 3) Bachelor's Programme in Molecular Biology (N1MB1), 4) Bachelor of Science Programme in Medicinal Chemistry (N1LMK) and 5) Bachelor of Science Programme in Chemistry (N1KEM)

For admission to course, approved result on course KEM011, Basic chemistry 1 (15 credits), KEM022, Basic Chemistry 2A Organic Chemistry (7.5 credits) and KEM023, Basic Chemistry 2B Biochemistry (7.5 credits) or equivalent knowledge, is required.

Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course is divided into five sub-courses according to the following. Sub-courses 1 and 3 comprise teaching sessions that provide an advanced treatment of the subjects presented at the lectures. Take-home problems solved of students are treated and discussed in detail.

Sub-courses

1. Biochemistry of Metabolism, Theory, 5 credits

• Metabolic processes to trap, convert and store energy
• The use of stored metabolic energy at biosynthetic processes
• The regulation of metabolic processes and metabolic signal systems.

2. Biochemistry of Metabolism, Lab Exercises, 2 credits

The laboratory exercises illustrate important issues from the theoretical part and give the student practical experiences of biochemical and molecular biological work in laboratory, e.g. use of commonly occurring methods and equipment, management of biological material and application of good laboratory practice.

3. Genetic Information, Theory, 5 credits

• Molecular structures and processes for storing, transfer and expression of genetic information.
• Modern molecular biological/gene technological methodology and its application.

4. Genetic Information, Lab Exercises, 2.5 credits

The laboratory exercises illustrate important issues from the theoretical part and give the student practical experiences of biochemical and molecular biological work in laboratory, e.g. use of commonly occurring methods and equipment, management of biological material and application of good laboratory practice.

5. Generic Skills, 0.5 credits

The students are to perform a literature search assignment and present result in the form of a poster. The chosen subject is to be combined with a biochemical/molecular biological aspect with emphasis on a molecular understanding for the function of proteins. In addition, a sustainability perspective should be included for the chosen subject.

The aim of the course is to give complementing and advanced knowledge of biochemical structures and processes.

Knowledge and understanding

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

• at a basic level explain dynamic biochemical and biological processes at the molecular scale
• at a basic level explain molecular biological concepts and the application of modern gene technological working methodology
• show practical basic knowledge of biochemical-laboratory methods and equipment

Competence and skills

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

• independently perform experiments to solve elementary biochemical/molecular biological problems
• present results of their own biochemical experiments in lucid form

Judgement and approach

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

• independently collect biochemical research results and present them on a popular way
• discuss possibilities and challenges for chemists connected to development of a social, economic, and environmentally sustainable society

Teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, teaching sessions (exercises), laboratory sessions and literature studies.

Sub-courses 1 and 3: Examination takes place through written examinations.

Sub-courses 2 and 4: Examination takes place through laboratory reports. Laboratory sessions are compulsory.

Sub-course 5: Examination takes place through a written assignment in the form of a poster

A student who has not passed the regular examination session is offered additional examination sessions.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For grade Pass (G) in the whole course, at least grade Pass (G) in all sub-courses is required.

For grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the whole course, grade Pass with distinction (VG) on sub-courses 1 and 3 and grade Pass (G) on other sub-courses are required

Students who participate in or have completed course should be given possibility to anonymously perform experiences of and views in the course in a course evaluation.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Language of instruction: English and Swedish

The course is given as principal rule in Swedish but can completely or partly give in English if the circumstances requires it.

The course replaces course KEN060 and the courses may not be counted in together for a degree.