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| BIOC0120-1 | General biochemistry
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| Duration : | 30h Th, 10h Pr, 5h SEM |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Bernard Rogister |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| French language |
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Course contents :
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| Teacher : B. ROGISTER, Chargé de Cours
The aim of biochemistry is the complete understanding of all the chemical processes at the molecular level and associated with living cells. This is mainly achieved by isolating molecules and understanding their structure and their function. The field of biochemistry is as vast as life itself, as chemical reactions take place wherever life exists. Biochemists study the chemical reactions and changes which take place in micro-organisms, plants, fish, insects, lesser and superior mammals like human beings.
Biochemical knowledge of other forms of life is directly relevant to an understanding of the biochemistry of human beings. For example, current theories on the regulation of gene and enzyme activity come from earlier studies of bread yeast and bacteria. Like general physiology, general biochemistry demonstrates the integrated unity of living beings.
This course is devoted to the understanding of the organism's molecular structure, of the notion of metabolic sequences, of the rules governing the integration of these sequences, of the general basics of cell energy, of the source of inter-cellular free energy, and finally, of the biochemical tissue specialization. Examples illustrating taught concepts will be specifically chosen to introduce the student to human biochemistry. |
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| General objectives :
To describe the general properties of molecules composing the living species.
To give a clear and structured information about the chemical reactions within the cell.
To analyse the relationships between these different molecules.
To explain how the cell structure is maintained and multiplied or how the cell can achieve a particular function.
To permit the students to understand the biochemical basis of general physiology and human physiology and biochemistry.
To exert the critical thinking of students by pro or contra demonstrations on different subjects or debate some not yet verified hypothesis.
Specific objectives :
1. To describe the general properties of the molecule of living things : carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, heterocycles (co-enzymes, vitamins, nucleosides, ...)
2. To give the basics of classical enzymology (kinetics, enzyme classification, reaction mechanisms, ...).
3. To remember the basics of thermodynamic laws and to apply them to specificities encountered in the living world: high energy molecules, the coupling reactions, ... .
4. To explain the general organization of the main metabolic pathways in cells by integrating them each others and to outline the basics of the controls of metabolic pathways.
5. To describe in details the cellular catabolic reactions leading to the synthesis of high-energy molecules.
6. To describe in details anabolic pathways leading to the synthesis of nucleotides, nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates.
7. To apply and to integrate those concepts in the mechanisms of muscle contraction |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| First year courses in physics, chemistry (notably organic) and biology. |
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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| Lectures will be ex cathedra. Laboratory work sessions will be organized and three students will work together in a one single day session. This session will be preceded by a specific two-hours lecture. This laboratory work is devoted to manipulation of proteins : chromatography, protein assay, enzyme activity assays and gel electrophoresis. Supervision of sessions will consist of or two supervisors (assistants), two to three older students and one technician. During the days following the session, students have complete a report that will evaluated A (excellent), B (good), C (fair) and D (not sufficient). A report evaluated A or B allows the student to obtain a higher note at the final exam if needed. A D report will have no positive or negative influence of the final exam note. A C report could eventually be favorable for the final grade at the discretion of the examiner. In case of failure in Biochemistry, the student has to repeat laboratory work and writing report whatever the evaluation obtained previously. Attendances at laboratory work sessions is compulsory. |
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| 1: Introduction to chemical reactions in a living cell.1. Chemistry, Energy and Metabolism
2. Enzymes
2: Structure of proteins and cell membranes.
3. Protein structure
4. Cell Membranes
3: Metabolism
5. Biochemical mechanisms of nutrient transport and storage
6. Energy release from nutrient oxidation
7. Glycolysis, Krebs'cycle, electron transport in mitochondria.
8. Energy release from lipids
9. Fatty acids and lipids synthesis
10. Neoglucogenesis
11. Pentoses cycle
12. Amino acids metabolism
13. Nucleotides metabolism and synthesis.
4. Information storage and use.
14. DNA and genome organization
15. DNA synthesis, reparation and recombination.
16. Transcription
17. Protein synthesis and targeted destruction.
5. Cellular mechanical work.
18. Muscular contraction
19. Cytoskeletton, molecular motors and intracellular transport. |
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Recommended or required readings :
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| Actualized Syllabus are available at Presses Universitaires at a low price. Students will be able to get a written or an electronic syllabus (available on intranet) on September, the 15th. They will have also the possibility to download illustrations given during lectures after each lectures. The lectures themselves will be recorded and easy available in Intranet (pod-cast). Students can send by e-mail questions to assistants and lecturer. Responses will be sent by e-mail or will be given at an agreed meeting.
Text-books of recent edition can also be useful but they are not necessary. A non exhaustive list is available in the french column. |
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| Written exam (multiple choice questions) will cover the theoretical aspects as well some aspects developed during laboratory work sessions.
Written exams in January and September. |
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Contacts :
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| Adress :
Bernard Rogister,
Professor
Department of biomedical sciences and preclinics / General Biochemistry and Physiology, Human Biochemistry
C.H.U. Bât. B36
avenue de l'Hôpital 1
4000 Liège 1
Belgique
Phone : 32 4 3665950
E-mail : Bernard.Rogister@ulg.ac.be
Sabine Wislet-Gendebien
Assistant Professor
Tel ULg 32 4 366 59 56
E-mail : S.Wislet@ulg.ac.be
Larisia Bourdoux
Secretary
Tel ULg : 324 366 59 50
E-mail : Larisia.Bourdoux@ulg.ac.be |
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