Entry requirements

Chemistry MN1, 20 points. Physical chemistry MN1, 10 credit points or Organic chemistry NV1, 10 p, or equivalent background knowledge are required.

Aims

After having passed the course the student shall have acquired basic and comrehensive knowledge in the field of biochemistry, and is also required to master the most important biochemical methods of analysis and purification.

Content

Chemical structure and molecular organisation of biological systems: Amino acids, nucleotides, monosaccharides and lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides and lipid membranes. Supramolecular complexes, organelles. Molecular dynamics in living cells: Bioenergetics and intermediary metabolism. Photosynthesis. Enzyme kinetics and enzyme mechanisms, coenzymes. General principles of biosynthesis. Molecular regulators. Signal substances. Storage and transfer of genetic information: DNA as major source of in-formation. Replication of DNA. Transfer of information via RNA, transcription. Biosynthesis of proteins, ribosomes. Regulation of information transfer. Experimental methodology: Analytical and preparative separation methods. Basic hybrid-DNA techniques.Introduction of computers in biochemical work, bioinformatics.

Instruction

Lectures, exercises,laboratory work and discussions. Training in oral and written reports. Participation in exercises and laboratory work is mandatory.

Assessment

Examination is arranged during and at the end of the course. The laboratory work must also be passed. Students who have failed a test have the right to take a new examination at the beginning of the autumn semester, after Christmas vacations and at the end of the spring semester. Division of points: Written exam 6 points, mandatory exercises and laboratory work and their reports 4 points.