Course syllabus adopted 2025-02-13 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameBiokemi
- CodeBBT075
- Credits7.5 Credits
- OwnerTKBIO
- Education cycleFirst-cycle
- Main field of studyBioengineering, Engineering Chemistry
- DepartmentLIFE SCIENCES
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language Swedish
- Application code 48128
- Maximum participants85
- Open for exchange studentsNo
- Only students with the course round in the programme overview.
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0125 Laboratory 1.5 c Grading: UG | 1.5 c | ||||||
| 0225 Examination 6 c Grading: TH | 6 c |
In programmes
Examiner
Cecilia Geijer- Associate Professor, Industrial Biotechnology, Life Sciences
Eligibility
General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Specific entry requirements
The same as for the programme that owns the course.Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Course specific prerequisites
The students should have basic knowledge of chemistry equivalent to what is taught in the first year of the programs TKBIO and TKTKE.Aim
The aim of this course is to provide students with foundational knowledge in Biochemistry, focusing on the structure and function of macromolecules essential for cellular architecture, enzymatic activities, cellular transport mechanisms, bioenergetics, and central carbon metabolism.Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
- Identify the molecular structures of various classes of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids) and describe these biomolecules in terms of composition, structural characteristics and function.
- Describe and explain the molecular principles of enzymatic catalysis and kinetics including allosteric reactions.
- Describe and explain cellular transport mechanisms such as passiv transport (diffusion) and active transport (pumps and gradients)
- Describe and explain central concepts for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in blood and their release in tissues.
- Describe and explain the basic principles of central carbon metabolism and how energy molecules such as ATP are produced and used in the cell.
- Describe and explain key biochemical methods.
- Correctly plan and perform laboratory work using good laboratory practice, and thereafter critically analyze, conclude and report on the experimental results.
Content
The course will cover the following topics:- A short introduction to the structure and function of living cells and chemical reactions within living cells.
- Structure and function of biomolecules: Amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Enzymes and enzyme catalyzed reactions.
- Structure and function of cellular membranes and transport of molecules across membranes.
- Hemoglobin and its transport and release of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood and tissues.
- Bioenergetics and metabolism: The driving force behind biochemical reactions, ATP as the main energy currency of the cell, and an overview of central carbon metabolism.
- Laboratory work in biochemistry.
Organisation
The course contains lectures, which cover chosen topics from the textbook Biochemistry Concepts & Connections, by Appling, 2nd edition. The objective of the lectures is to highlight important topics and clarify the content of the textbook before the exam. Lecture attendance is not compulsory. The course literature is in English, and the teaching will be carried out in Swedish and English. The course also includes laboratory exercises, where attendance is mandatory.Literature
Biochemistry Concepts & Connections, by Appling, Anthony-Cahill and Mathews. 2nd edition (2019) or 1st edition (2016).Examination including compulsory elements
Final exam worth 6 credits, grades U, 3, 4 or 5. Laboratory work worth 1.5 credits, grades U or G.The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.