Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
| Bachelor in chemistry | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Chapter I. Protein structure: I.1. Amino acids; I.2. Peptide bond; I.3. Non-covalent interactions; I.4. Secondary structure; I.5. Tertiary and quaternary structures; I.6. Fibrous and globular proteins; I.7. Protein folding. Chapter II. Protein function: II.1. Myoglobin and Hemoglobin, two oxygen carrier proteins; II.2. Enzymes. Chapter III. Biological membranes: III.1. Lipids; III.2. Lipid bilayers; III.3. Membrane proteins; III.4. Structure of membrane proteins. Chapter IV. Nucleic acid and the flow of genetic information: IV.1. Nucleotides; IV.2 Polarity of nucleic acids; IV.3. DNA structure; IV.4. DNA replication; IV.5. Gene expression. Chapter V. Metabolism: V.1. Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis; V.2. Krebs cycle; V.3 Oxidative phosphorylation; V.4. Photosynthesis.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
This course aims to familiarise chemistry students with the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, including: (1) the structure of the main biological (macro)molecules, namely proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates; (2) their organisation and functions; and (3) the major pathways involved in their metabolism.
Particular emphasis is placed on the links between fundamental chemical principles and their application in the life sciences, with the aim of enabling students to understand the molecular basis of the main biochemical processes.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology and mathematics acquired during the first two years of the bachelor's programme.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The 30 hours of teaching are delivered as lectures, using PowerPoint presentations together with complementary explanations on the blackboard.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
Face-to-face only
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège
Further information:
Lecture notes are made available progressively as the course proceeds. They are intended to support the study and understanding of the material, but they do not replace the content delivered during the lectures. Their use by students is not compulsory.
Reference books:
Jeremy M. Berg, Gregory J. Gatto Jr., Justin K. Hines, John L. Tymoczko, Lubert Stryer (2023), Biochemistry, 10th edition, W.H. Freeman and Company.
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox, Aaron A. Hoskins (2021), Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 8th edition, W.H. Freeman and Company.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam
Further information:
Assessment consists of an oral examination and a written examination.
The oral examination lasts approximately 30 minutes and consists of two questions. Students are given a maximum of 15 minutes to prepare their answers, followed by at least 15 minutes of discussion with the lecturer.
The written examination also lasts approximately 30 minutes. It includes writing the formula of an important biochemical compound and solving a problem similar to those discussed during the course.
The written examination is marked out of 15 points and the oral examination out of 20 points.
Assessment takes into account the student's mastery of the fundamental concepts, their ability to apply these concepts rigorously and reason from them, as well as the clarity of their answers.
Work placement(s)
Non applicable
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Classes are held according to the schedule communicated to the students, unless otherwise indicated. Any change to the schedule, including the cancellation or rescheduling of a class, will be communicated to the students by the lecturer, either directly during a class or by email, where appropriate through the class representative.
Contacts
André Matagne, PhD, Full Professor, Enzymology and Protein Folding, Centre for Protein Engineering, Life Science Department, Institut de Chimie B6c (room 3/1), Quartier Agora, Allée du 6 Août, 13, University of Liège, B4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Tel.: +32 (0)4 3663419, Email: amatagne@uliege.be (to be preferred)