Nursing

Biochemistry/Biophysics2

Bioquímica/Biofísica

Course code:9500106

Maria Gabriela Machado De Almeida

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

Objectives:

  • To acquire the basic concepts of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
  • To learn the chemical and physical phenomena involved in biological processes.

Competences:

  • Recognize the terminology, nomenclature and conventions in Biochemistry and Biophysics.
  • Understand the working principles and mechanisms associated to live organisms, what results in a more conscious and rational application of certain therapeutic techniques.
  • Identify and understand more easily problems of the organism, for which it is necessary to relate concepts acquired in different areas of knowledge, to facilitate the dialogue with other members of the multidisciplinary team.
  • Develop in an efficient and integrated way, research work in their training area and related areas.
Syllabus:

Lectures - Biochemistry Modulus:

  1. Introduction: Biological molecules; Molecular interactions; Structure and properties of water; Acid-base concept; pH; Physioogical buffers.
  2. Amino acids and Proteins: Amino acids: definition and classes; Proteins: structure and properties. Isoelectric point. Cofactors. Classification; Examples.
  3. Enzyme kinetics: Classification and nomenclature of enzymes; Reaction rate. Michaelis-Menten kinetics; Inhibitors; Coenzymes/vitamins; Regulation of enzyme activity.
  4. Carbohydrates: Definition. Nomenclature. Functions; Oses, osides and derivatives; Disaccharides and polysaccharides; Glycoconjugates: proteoglycans, glycoproteins and glycolipids.
  5. Lipids: Definition. Classification. Functions; Lipoproteins.
  6. Metabolisms: Anabolism and catabolism: general aspects; Metabolism of carbohydrates: glycolysis, Krebs’ cycle. Oxidative phosphorylation; Neoglucogenesis. The Cori’s cycle; The phosphate pentose pathway; Metabolism of lipids: digestion, absorption and transport of lipids. -Oxidation of fat acids.

Physics and Measurement:

  1. Notions of Statics, Kinematics and Dynamics – Biological Applications.
  2. Mechanics of Biofluids.
  3. Biological Thermodynamics.
    1. Temperature and Heat – Biological Applications
    2. Thermodynamics and Life
  4. Cell biophysics.
    1. Cell Excitation and Intercellular Communication – Nervous and Muscular Cells
    2. Electrical Properties of Heart
Suggested Bibliography:
  • Quintas A, Ponces A & Halpern MJ (2008) Bioquímica: Organização Molecular da vida, Lidel, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Nelson DL & Cox MM (2004) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 4th ed., Worth Publishers Inc., New York, EUA
  • Devlin TM (2001) Text Book of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations, 5th ed., Wiley-Liss, New York, EUA
  • Guyton A, Hall J (2015) Textbook of Medical Physiology. 13th ed., W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia
  • Wilson JD & Buffa AJ (2009) College Physics, 7th ed., Prentice Hall, New Jersey
  • Serway RA & Beichner RJ (2013) Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 9th ed. Saunders College Publishing, Orlando