KJB200 Biochemistry

This course provides a broad introduction to biochemistry. The key to biochemistry is to understand how living organisms convert energy and mass (metabolism) and how this is regulated.

In the first part of the course, students will get an introduction to the central concepts of energy, structure and function and storage of biological information. By giving a thorough introduction to the different structures and properties of the building blocks and how building blocks are turned into proteins, fats, carbohydrates and DNA, the basis for understanding metabolism at a molecular level is laid. The focus is then directed towards cellular metabolism by highlighting the flow of energy in biological processes and their regulation.

Emphasis is placed on students being able to understand how biochemical processes are linked to the cycles of nature, especially those that affect the climate and stability of ecosystems, and that they should be able to draw parallels to challenges related to achieving the UN's sustainability goals.

Most of the course will be activity-based. The activity-based teaching will be focused on problem solving and the use of digital aids that can increase understanding about biochemical issues (for example visualization of biomolecules) and solving exercises.

Parts of the teaching is carried out as project-based group work. Everyone will work projects, each lasting several weeks. Each project must be completed and evaluated before the next project starts. The students are divided into smaller groups and will work together to solve the project tasks.

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the student should have an understanding of:

• General principles on how energy and mass are converted in biochemical reactions
• How central biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats and DNA are built up and what functions and chemical properties they have
• What enzymes are and how they catalyze biochemical reactions
• How central biomolecules are metabolized in the body (metabolism/ cellular respiration)
• How biochemical reactions are regulated and what homeostasis is
• How biological membranes are constructed and how signals and molecules are transmitted across such barriers.

Skills:

After completing the course, the studente should have the ability to recognize biomolecules and understand energy transfer and genetic information storage. Students should have basic knowledge of how to use basic bioinformatic tools and to visualize molecules. The students should also be able to reflect and critically think within these topics, and be able to use the information to work with broad biochemistry related projects.

General competence:

After completing KJB200, students will have a general, biomolecular expertise and a general knowledge of metabolism and genetic information storage. This will make students ready for further courses in, for example, biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition and natural chemistry.