KJM2400 Biochemistry Course description

The students will acquire knowledge about cells, biological macromolecules and the most important chemical reactions that take place in cells. They will also develop skills in aseptic technique and growing of microorganisms, isolation and analysis of proteins and enzyme kinetics. 

The course builds on KJPE1300 General Chemistry and KJM1400 Organic Chemistry.

Approved laboratory course in KJM1400 Organic Chemistry and KJM1500 Physical Chemistry, or corresponding qualifications.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• can explain the difference between the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• can explain the structure and function of the most important biochemical molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
• can explain the functions of enzymes and coenzymes and understand basic enzyme kinetic theories
• can describe the structure and function of biological membranes
• can describe metabolic processes such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, electron transport chains and photosynthesis
• can explain DNA synthesis (replication), RNA synthesis (transcription) and protein synthesis (translation) in prokaryotic organisms
• has a basic understanding about microorganisms

Skills

The student is capable of:

• growing and identifying some types of microorganisms with the help of gram staining, microscopy, metabolism experiments and enzymatic tests
• performing a growth experiment and constructing a bacterial growth curve
• using basic protein isolation methods and analyzing the protein amount and purity with the help of gel electrophoresis and spectroscopy
• performing basic enzyme kinetic experiments
• performing health risk assessments and classifying chemical compounds and solutions
• is capable of planning and performing biochemical experiments
• is capable of communicating the results of laboratory experiments both orally and in writing

The course consists of lectures, exercises and laboratory experiments.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• 5-day laboratory course and 3 written lab reports (in groups of 2-4 students, 10-15 pages per report)
• A written assignment in the form of curriculum questions
• A group assignment ((in groups of 2-4 students) and oral presentation of the assignment.

Individual written exam under supervision, 3 hours.

The exam result can be appealed.

In the event of a resit or rescheduled exam, oral instead of written examination may be used. In case of an oral exam the result cannot be appealed.

No aids allowed

Grade scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.