32109 - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
110 - Escuela de Ingeniería y Arquitectura
Compulsory
1. General information
This course constitutes a basic foundation in the training of a biomedical engineer, providing essential knowledge in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It will address the principles and mechanisms that regulate life at the molecular level, including the structure and function of important biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, as well as basic concepts of genetics, metabolism and modern techniques in Molecular Biology.
The course is designed to:
- Equip students with a solid understanding of the chemical and biological components that form the basis of biological systems and their interactions.
- Prepare students to apply this knowledge in the development of innovative biomedical technologies and treatments.
- To foster practical skills through laboratories and projects that simulate real-life challenges in Biomedical Engineering.
The knowledge acquired in this course is crucial for the understanding of many other areas in Biomedical Engineering, including tissue bioengineering, medical devices, and gene and molecular therapies.
3. Syllabus
1. Macromolecular interactions: types of interactions between biomolecules and their pathophysiological role.
2. Enzymes and metabolic regulation: types of enzymes, enzyme reactions, mechanisms of action and their regulation, as well as their application in Biomedical Engineering.
3. Introduction to cellular metabolism and bioenergetics: fundamental metabolic pathways and their regulation, and implications of these processes in the design of therapeutic and diagnostic interventions.
4. Introduction to molecular genetics: replication, transcription, translation and regulation of gene expression, genome editing technologies and their biomedical applications.
5. Motors, sensors, molecular transporters and nerve impulses: proteins and complexes that facilitate molecular transport and signaling, design and modifications for biomedical applications.
6. Applications of Biochemistry in Biomedical Engineering: new technologies and treatments in Biomedical Engineering, such as biomaterials, drug delivery systems and biological sensors.
5. Assessment system
Assessment in this course is designed to measure understanding, analysis and application of concepts learned in lectures, practical sessions and seminars. A combined approach including formative assessments will be used to provide constant feedback and ensure comprehensive learning.
Theoretical Assessment (75% of the total final grade):
- Midterm Exam: A midterm exam will be held at mid-semester, which will assess the subject matter covered up to that point and allow students to eliminate the relevant subject if they pass the exam.
- Final Exam: A final exam will be held at the end of the semester, which will cover all the contents of the respective semester.
Practical Assessment (10% of the total final grade):
- Laboratory Reports: Assessment based on the reports handed in post-practical sessions, where technical skills, precision in the handling of experiments and the ability to analyze and discuss results, as well as the ability to communicate scientific information will be assessed.
- Questionnaire: Set of multiple-choice questions at the end of each practical session, where the understanding of the execution of the experimental work and related concepts will be evaluated.
Participation in Seminars, Papers and Projects (15% of the total final grade):
- Presentations and Discussions: Evaluation of individual or group presentations made in seminars, as well as active and constructive participation in discussions, reflecting the student's ability to analyze, integrate, apply and communicate knowledge.
- Special Assignments and Projects: Work during the semester that may include essays, case study analysis, research projects or design of experiments.
Additional Criteria:
- In order to pass the course, it is necessary to obtain a minimum of 5 out of 10 in each component of the assessment.
- If any component of the assessment is failed and the final grade is equal to or higher than 5, a 4.9 grade will appear on the transcript.
- If practical classes are failed, a practical exam will be held on the day of the final exam.
- The final grade will be calculated by adding the contributions of each component, provided that each part has been passed according to the established criteria.
- Students enrolled for 2nd time or subsequent are not required to attend the practical activities, provided that they have been successfully completed and passed them (after evaluation of the report and questionnaire) previously.
- The evaluation of the second call will be carried out by means of a theoretical exam with the same characteristics of the first call, which will be averaged in the same way as the rest of the evaluations.
Attendance requirements:
- Attendance at laboratory practical sessions and seminars is compulsory and will be considered in the evaluation of participation.
In any case, students can opt for a single final theoretical-practical exam in which they can obtain the maximum mark (100%), and must pass both the theoretical and practical parts in order to pass the course.