EPN-V2

KJM2400 Biochemistry Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Biokjemi
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Course history
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
  • Introduction

    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 protein and DNA analysis, and enzyme kinetics.

  • Recommended preliminary courses

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

  • Required preliminary courses

    To take this course at least 30 ECTS from the 1.year in the bachelor programme must be passed. Approved laboratory course in KJM1400 Organic Chemistry and KJM1500 Physical Chemistry, or corresponding qualifications.

  • Learning outcomes

    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 cell structure and the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
    • can explain the structure and function of the most important biochemical molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
    • can present different methods to analyze biochemical molecules, specially proteins
    • can explain the structure and function of antibodies
    • can explain the function of enzymes and understand basic enzyme kinetic theories
    • can describe metabolic processes such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain
    • can explain DNA synthesis (replication), RNA synthesis (transcription) and protein synthesis (translation) in prokaryotic cells

    Skills

    The student is capable of:

    • analyzing the protein concentration in a sample using spectroscopy
    • identifying proteins using SDS-PAGE (gel electrophoresis) and Western blotting
    • performing basic enzyme kinetic experiments
    • performing restriction digestion of plasmid DNA and analysis of DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis
    • performing health risk assessments and classifying chemical compounds and solutions
    • planning and performing biochemical experiments
    • communicating the results of laboratory experiments both orally and in writing
  • Teaching and learning methods

    The course consists of lectures, exercises and laboratory experiments.

  • Course requirements

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

    • 4-day laboratory course and 2 written lab reports (in groups of 2-4 students, 8-14 pages per report)
    • A group assignment (2-4 students per group) in the form of an oral presentation.
  • Assessment

    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.

  • Permitted exam materials and equipment

    No aids allowed

  • Grading scale

    Grade scale A-F.

  • Examiners

    One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.