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Basics of Biological Chemistry (B-KUL-I0D33A)

4 ECTSEnglish26 First termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Steenackers Hans (coordinator) |  De Vos Dirk |  Beckers Igor (substitute) |  Steenackers Hans
POC Bioinformatics

Aims

The course 'Basics of Biological Chemistry' is an introductory course. The main objective of the course is to refresh the basic principles of chemistry and to link this knowledge with cellular life at the molecular level

Previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in anorganic and organic chemistry is required.

Order of Enrolment


This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
I0D51A : Bioinformatics: High-Throughput Analysis (No longer offered this academic year)

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. Basics of Biological Chemistry (B-KUL-I0D33a)

4 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture26 First term
De Vos Dirk |  Beckers Igor (substitute) |  Steenackers Hans
POC Bioinformatics

Content

1) The scale of live.
               organisms: taxonomy, an evolutionary framework
               plant and animal cells: eukaryotes
               bacteria: prokaryotes, origin of organelles
               organelles: functions
 
2) Small molecules
             the periodic table, highlight the important elements C,N,O,P,S
             from atom to molecule, chemical  behaviour
             electronegativity
             oxidation/reduction
             ion bonds, cation - anion
             hydrogen bonds
             chemistry of water, polar-nonpolar,hydrophilic-hydrophobic, pH
              
3) Large molecules
              sugars and polysaccharides
              fatty acids, lipids, phospholipids, membranes
              amino acids and proteins
              nucleotides and nucleic acids
              structure/function of DNA
 
4) Energy and metabolism
              thermodynamics
              free energy
              activation energy
              enzymes
              ATP/ADP, electron carriers   NADH/NADPH
              organisation and principles of metabolic pathways

 

Course material

- Handbook: 'General, Organic, and Biochemistry: Connecting Chemistry to Your Life' Blei, I., Odian, G., W.H. Freeman: New York
- Consult Toledo for slides and more information

Format: more information

- Lectures with exercises

Evaluation

Evaluation: Basics of Biological Chemistry (B-KUL-I2D33a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Open questions

Explanation


Students make exercises during the semester that are evaluated. 

The content of the lectures is evaluated during the regular examination period. The exam consists of several open questions for which a written answer has to be given.