Analytical Biochemistry, 15 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and comprehension
After having completed the course the student shall

• have basic biochemical knowledge about the metabolism of biomolecules, energy transformations in the cell and the intracellular information flow, including knowledge about how the genetic material is copied and expressed, and
• be able to describe theories for PCR-based and immunological methods as well as for protein analyses.

Skills and abilities
After having completed the course the student shall

• obtain skills in basic biochemical analytical methods and their practical applications,
• be able to independently interpret the self-produced data,
• be able to communicate the obtained results to others in the form of oral and written presentation, and
• be able to assess and summarize the research articles in the field of analytical biochemistry.

Values and attitude
After having completed the course the student has ability to

• choose and implement a series of biochemical assays such as PCR, ELISA, western blot and protein spectroscopy,
• critically evaluate both experimental data and theoretical interpretations, and
• search and evaluate relevant scientific information in the field of analytical biochemistry.

Main content of the course

• Information flow in the cell such as replication, transcription and translation as well as regulation of gene expression,
• catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates,
• energy conversion and photosynthesis,
• regulation of cell metabolism,
• analytical methods such as DNA, RNA and protein purification and separation techniques, measurement of enzymatic activity, production of recombinant proteins, PCR, immunological methods for detection of proteins and protein spectroscopy,
• risk and safety elements.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, a seminar and practical laboratory work.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theory, 10 credits (Code: A004)
Written examination

Practicals, 5 credits (Code: A002)
Practicals and written reports should be performed individually or in groups (decided by the
Course Coordinator). Seminar with summary and discussion of practicals.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Theory
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Practicals
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Specific entry requirements

45 Credits in Chemistry, including Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry. Additionally another 15 Credits in Chemistry or Biology.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course will be given partly or entirely in English.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Nelson, David L. & Cox, Michael M. (Latest Edition)
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
W.H. Freeman and company, New York, 1158 pages

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Laboratory manuals and other handouts will be added.