Biochemistry I

The theoretical contents of the curricular unit will be presented through lectures, illustrated whenever possible with practical case-studies and exercises in which students are encouraged to apply the competences acquired.
The teaching methodologies will also include group work dedicated to advanced search, critical review and discussion of relevant scientifc papers.
The assessment methodologies have for basis the Academic Regulation of ESTESC
PERIODIC ASSESSMENT (minimum grade: 9 out of a total of 20)
(65%) 1 written test + (15%) Bibliographic advanced search, oral presentation,discussion of a case study
(20%): Assessment of laboratorial work
ASSESSMENT BY EXAMINATION: 80% (1 written theoretical test) + 20% (assessment of lab work)

The intended learning outcomes are the following:
1- The mechanisms of digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients;
2- The structure-function relationship of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
3- The role of micronutrients in health-disease
4- The interactions nutrient-drug-gene
5- The role of nutrients as inflammatory mediators, and in oxidative stress and enzymatic inhibition
6- In the practical laboratorial programme-select/execute the adequate analytical technique
At the end of this curricular unit, students should be able to:
– Globally understand the fundamentals of nutritional biochemistry
– Undertake advanced search in databases of scientific literature and critically review it.
– In the Practical Laboratory Programme-follow and execute lab protocols, select the adequate experimental technique and critically analyse experimental results.

1. Digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients
2. Biomolecules
2.1 Amino acids, proteins: structure-function
2.2 Enzymatic catalysis, kinetics, regulation
2.3 Carbohydrates: structure-function
2.4 Lipids: structure-function
3. Micronutrients
4. Hormones
5. Nutrients in inflammation, oxidative stress and enzymatic activity
6. Advanced search: nutrient interactions, oxidative stress and inflammation 7Lab
Extraction/identification of amino acids; Amino acids titulometry-buffer capacity; Total sugar/foodlabel conformity;
Encapsulation of bioactive compounds; Enzyme activity; Problem-based learning

NAO