ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 5 Expository Class: 34 Interactive Classroom: 14 Total: 53
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Areas: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Center Faculty of Optics and Optometry
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The general objective of the subject is to study the chemical, molecular, and genetic bases of biological processes, especially in relation to the eye. Throughout the program, the student should acquire a general understanding of the structure of living matter, cellular catalysis and metabolism, as well as the molecular bases of the storage and expression of biological information.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
- To know the basic biochemical processes
- To understand the biochemical bases of visual system alterations.
- To provide the basic knowledge to better understand other subjects.
II. CONTENTS
Some topics are treated transversally.
INTRODUCTION (AP)
1. INTRODUCTION to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Ocular Biochemistry. Biomolecules: chemical and structural characteristics. Biochemical reactions.
2. WATER. Structure and properties of water. Water in living beings. Ionic activity of water. Acids and bases. Buffer solutions.
BIOMOLECULES (AP)
3. CARBOHYDRATES. Carbohydrates: concept and classification. Monosaccharides and derivatives of monosaccharides. Disaccharides. Polysaccharides. Proteoglycans and glycoproteins.
4. LIPIDS. Fatty acids. Lipids: structural characteristics and classification. Lipoproteins.
5. AMINO ACIDS AND DERIVATIVES. PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS. Amino acids and derivatives: properties. Structural characteristics and functions of nucleotides. Peptide bond and primary structure of proteins. Peptides of biological interest. Protein folding and structure-function relationship. Secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures. Allosterism.
ENZYMOLOGY (AP)
6. ENZYMES. Classification. Mechanism of enzymatic catalysis. Enzymatic kinetics.
7. VITAMINS, MINERALS, AND TRACE ELEMENTS. Vitamins: classification and functions. Fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins. Effects of vitamin deficiencies in ocular tissues. Minerals and trace elements.
8. INHIBITION AND REGULATION of enzymatic activity. Allosteric regulation. Regulation by covalent modification.
INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM (AGD)
9. INTRODUCTION AND BIOENERGETICS. Introduction to metabolism. Metabolic pathways. Thermodynamic relationships and high-energy compounds.
10. METABOLISM REGULATION. Introduction. Membrane transport.
11. AEROBIC METABOLISM. Tricarboxylic acid cycle. Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibitors of electron transport and uncoupling agents.
12. CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM. Glycolysis and its regulation. Metabolic fates of pyruvate and lactic fermentation. Incorporation of other monosaccharides into the glycolytic pathway. Pentose phosphate pathway. Gluconeogenesis and its regulation. Glycogenolysis and glycogenesis. Control of glycogen metabolism. Ocular aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.
13. LIPID AND LIPOPROTEIN METABOLISM. Fatty acid metabolism and its regulation. Cholesterol metabolism and its regulation. Lipoprotein metabolism.
14. NITROGEN METABOLISM. Protein degradation and protein turnover. Common reactions in amino acid metabolism: transamination and oxidative deamination. Metabolism of specific amino acids. Nucleotide metabolism: purines and pyrimidines.
15. METABOLISM COORDINATION. Metabolism integration. Diabetes and retinopathies.
16. CELLULAR SIGNALING AND OCULAR NEUROCHEMISTRY. Components: Signals, receptors, transducers, and effectors. Signal transduction mechanisms. Main neurotransmitters of the retina.
NUCLEIC ACIDS AND GENE EXPRESSION (AGD)
17. NUCLEIC ACIDS. Structure of nucleic acids and the genome. History of the discovery of genomes. Concepts of mutation and genetic pathologies. Methodologies for studying DNA and RNA.
18. GENE EXPRESSION. RNA synthesis: transcription. Protein synthesis: translation. Post-translational modifications. Regulation of gene expression.
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
EXPERIMENTAL SESSION 1: HANDLING OF REAGENTS, BASIC EQUIPMENT, AND SOLUTION PREPARATION (DISSOLUTIONS).
Objectives:
- Practical considerations and preparation of solutions used in experimentation.
- Preparation of a buffer solution.
- Practical considerations and handling of an externally calibrated precision balance.
- Practical considerations and handling of pipettes. Automatic, fixed, and variable pipettes. Repetitive pipettes.
- Practical considerations, calibration, and handling of a pH meter.
EXPERIMENTAL SESSION 2:QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF PROTEINS BY THE LOWRY METHOD
Objectives:
- Understand the chemical principles of the Lowry method for protein quantification.
- Prepare standard solutions and construct a calibration curve.
- Apply the experimental procedure to determine proteins in unknown samples.
- Use the spectrophotometer to measure absorbance and calculate concentrations.
- Analyze results, identify sources of error, and recognize the limitations of the method.
- Use Excel for data analysis.
SEMINARS
Students must prepare the seminars and assignments proposed by the teachers. During the seminars, students must:
- Answer the questions posed by the teacher.
- Present the assigned activities in writing or in the form of a power point presentation.
Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L. & Stryer L., 2015. Biochemistry with Clinical Applications. 7th ed. Barcelona: Reverté.
Rodwell, V.W., Bender, D.A., Botham, K.M., Kennelly, P.J., and Weil, P.A., 2018. Harper Illustrated Biochemistry. [online] 31st ed. Mexico: McGraw-Hill/Interamericana. Available at: https://accessmedicina-mhmedical-com.ezbusc.usc.gal/Book.aspx?bookid=27…
Nelson, D.L. & Cox, M.M., 2018. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 7th ed. Barcelona: Omega.
McKee, T., and McKee, J.R., 2014. Biochemistry. The Molecular Basis of Life.[online] 5th ed. Mexico: McGraw-Hill/Interamericana. Available at: https://accessmedicina-mhmedicalcom.ezbusc.usc.gal/Book.aspx?bookid=1960
Battaner Arias, E., 2013. Biomolecules: an introduction to structural biochemistry. [online] Salamanca: Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca. Available at: https://prelo.usc.es/Record/Xebook1-134
Battaner Arias, E., 2014. Compendium of Enzymology. [online] Salamanca: Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca. Available at: https://prelo.usc.es/Record/Xebook1-1
Blas Pastor, J. R. (2013). "BqTEST: 1000 multiple-choice questions in biochemistry for university students". Lulu.com,
Whikehart, D. R. (2011, 3rd ed). "Biochemistry of the Eye". Ed Elsevier Inc. Philadelphia.
BASIC AND GENERAL SKILLS:
CB1 - That students have demonstrated possessing and understanding knowledge in an area of study that starts from the basis of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that imply knowledge from the forefront of their field of study.
CB2 - That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competencies that are usually demonstrated through the preparation and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
CB3 - That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) to make judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues.
CB4 - That students can convey information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
CB5 - That students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.
CG1 - That students have the ability to address their professional and formative activity from respect for the deontological code of their profession, which includes, among other more specific principles, the respect and promotion of fundamental human rights, equality between people, principles of universal accessibility and design for all, and democratic values and a culture of peace.
TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCIES:
CT1 - To acquire capacity for analysis and synthesis.
CT2 - To acquire capacity for organization and planning.
CT3 - To acquire capacity for oral and written communication in the native language.
CT4 - To acquire knowledge of a foreign language.
CT5 - To acquire knowledge of computer science related to the field of study.
CT6 - To acquire information management skills.
CT7 - To acquire problem-solving skills.
SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
CE4 - That the student is capable of critically reflecting on clinical, scientific, ethical, and social issues involved in the professional practice of Optometry, understanding the scientific foundations of Optics-Optometry, and learning to critically assess the terminology, clinical trials, and research methodology related to Optics-Optometry.
CE5 - That the student is capable of issuing opinions, reports, and expert opinions when necessary.
CE9 - That the student can expand and update their capacities for professional practice through continuing education.
CE11 - That the student knows how to situate new information and its interpretation in their context.
CE12 - That the student can demonstrate understanding of the general structure of the Optometry discipline and its connection with specific and complementary disciplines.
CE17 - That they incorporate the ethical and legal principles of the profession into professional practice, respecting patient autonomy, genetic, demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants, integrating social and community aspects into decision-making, applying principles of social justice in professional practice, in a transforming global context.
Additionally:
- To know the composition and structure of the molecules that make up living beings.
- To understand the transformations of biomolecules into others.
- To apply biochemical knowledge to the eye and the vision process.
- To recognize and handle basic laboratory material and techniques.
EXPOSITORY TEACHING
Expository teaching seeks to promote autonomous learning among students. In theoretical classes, the teacher will explain the key aspects of each topic, supporting individual study. The blackboard, audiovisual media, the virtual classroom and other resources deemed appropriate will be used. The Case Method will also be applied.
INTERACTIVE TEACHING
Teaching in seminars will have an interactive approach, aimed at promoting active participation and critical thinking among students. Students must prepare in advance the seminars and assignments proposed by the teachers, based on the indicated material and the recommended bibliography. During the sessions, students will have to:
- Answer the questions posed by the teacher in online or paper format.
- Present the assigned activities, either in writing or through a PowerPoint presentation, according to the specific instructions of each case.
This format seeks to promote autonomy, the ability to synthesize and the oral and written expression of students, contributing to the development of the subject's specific competencies. All activities will be evaluated individually and the seminar grades will represent the arithmetic mean of all of them.
LAB WORK
In the laboratory practices, students will follow the practice script prepared by the teacher to develop the experimental protocols. At the end of the practices, students must present to the teacher the correctly completed laboratory notebook that will be uploaded to the virtual classroom in a single PDF on the established dates including all the objectives described in the practice program section.
TUTORIALS
Esta actividade utilizarase principalmente para a aclaración de dúbidas sobre aspectos teóricos e prácticos relacionados cos contidos da materia. Nesta actividade farase uso de medios audiovisuais, computadores, espazo virtual da materia e outros medios que o profesor considere oportunos. Organizaránse a petición do alumnado a través dun correo na aula virtual e non por correo electrónico.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
1.General Criteria:
- MANDATORY attendance at seminars or practicals. Failure to attend will result in failure to pass this subject. Justified absences must be sent via the virtual classroom during the same week of the absence.
- EXCEPTION FOR REPEATERS: Repeating students will not be required to repeat the practicals or seminars if they have already completed them in previous courses, and the grades obtained will be maintained. However, they may choose to repeat the practicals, seminars or both, which will imply the cancellation of the corresponding grades from previous courses. In this case, they may take the practical and/or seminar exams again. The decision to repeat or not must be communicated to the teaching staff in the first two weeks of the course. If this is not done, the grades previously obtained will be maintained.
2. Specific assessment criteria.
EXAM: Weight in the final grade: 65%.
- Multiple-choice part: 60% of the exam
- Short questions: 40% of the exam
Assessment and assessment criteria:
- The multiple-choice part will consist of 60 questions with four answer options, of which only one is correct. Each correct answer will add 1 point, and each error will subtract 0.25 points. That is, every 4 errors cancel 1 correct answer. Unanswered questions are not penalized.
- The short-question part will include 4 questions, two for each part of the syllabus and teacher.
- Students must answer correctly (in whole or in part) and in a mandatory manner to at least one question from each part (AP and AGD).
Skills Assessed: CB 1-5 CG 1 CE 4,5,9,11,12,17 CT 1-3,6-7
CONTINUOUS EVALUATION:
It will only be added to the final grade if the minimums specified for the exam have been obtained.
1. LAB WORK: Weight in the final grade: 10%
Performance/Criteria: Practice notebook/ Laboratory data and preparation of answers. Active participation.
Competencies Evaluated: CB 1-5 CG 1 CE 4,5,9,11,12,17 CT 5-7
2. SEMINARS: Weight in the final grade: 25%
- Batteries of questions and individual exercises. Weight: 12.5%.
Performance/Criteria: Batteries of questions and digital or written exercises programmed by the teaching staff.
Competencies Evaluated: CB 1-5 CG 1 CE 4,5,9,11,12,17 CT 1-7
- Group work and exercises. Weight: 12.5%.
Performance/Criteria: Active participation in seminars, solving questions on site, collaboration and independent and face-to-face work. Will be evaluated by the teaching staff.
Competencies Assessed: CB 1-5 CG 1 CE 4,5,9,11,12,17 CT 1-3,6-7
PRESENTIAL WORK IN THE CLASSROOM HOURS
Lectures 34
Interactive classes 8
Laboratory practices in small groups 4
Small group tutorials 3
Exam 1
Total hours of presential work in the classroom 50
STUDENT'S PERSONAL WORK HOURS
Individual or group autonomous study 65
Writing of exercises, conclusions, or other works 17
Recommended readings, activities in the library or similar 11
Preparation of oral presentations, debates, or similar 5
Total hours of student's personal work 100
- Attendance to all face-to-face activities related to the teaching of the subject.
- Monitoring and periodic reading of texts and other materials recommended by the teacher.
- Use of tutorials to resolve any doubts the student may have regarding the contents taught.
- Finally, the student must focus their study on understanding the concepts taught and their possible application in the medical field, never limiting themselves to the simple assimilation of information.
- In cases of fraudulent execution of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the evaluation of students' academic performance and review of grades will apply.
- Contributions to the Continuous Assessment will be made through the virtual classroom.
- The channels of direct non-face-to-face communication with students in each scenario will be the virtual classroom or teams.
- Students are expressly prohibited from distributing the teaching material (both written and audiovisual) available on the Virtual Campus to people outside the course.
- Plagiarism and improper use of technologies in the course is expressly prohibited.
Aurora Gomez Duran
Coordinador/a- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- aurora.gomez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Researcher: Ramón y Cajal
André Pérez Potti
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- andre.perez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Researcher: Ramón y Cajal
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| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 3 |
| Tuesday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 3 |
| Wednesday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 3 |
| Thursday | |||
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Spanish | Classroom 3 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Spanish | Classroom 3 |
| 01.07.2026 10:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 1 |
| 01.07.2026 10:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 2 |
| 06.25.2026 10:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 1 |
| 06.25.2026 10:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 2 |