Learning outcomes

Within the study program, biochemistry and cell biology UEs contribute to the acquisition of the following knowledge:
 
1) Knowledge :
 
Knowledge and understanding of basic scientific concepts useful in medicine;
 
Knowledge and understanding of the normal functioning of the human organism, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels;
 
Know and understand the major pathophysiological mechanisms at molecular and cellular levels;
 
Know and understand the interactions between the human organism and the living and non-living elements present within it and in its environment ;
 
2) Skills:
 
Ability to take a multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary approach to a medical problem;
 
Ability to read, understand and synthesize a scientific article;
 
Ability to find, prioritize and critically analyze relevant scientific information;
 
Learn to follow an experimental protocol and write a rigorous scientific report using an appropriate vocabulary.
 
3) Personal skills :
 
Demonstrate curiosity about scientific research and the scientific process;
 
Develop the ability to work as part of a team, showing respect for peers and other healthcare professionals;

Goals

By the end of the course, students will have
- will have developed their knowledge and understanding of the normal functioning of the human organism at the molecular and cellular level, and will have acquired a mastery of the scientific aspect of disease, also at the molecular and cellular level ;
More specifically for the Biochemistry and Cell Biology I UE: 
The student :
- know how to use biochemical vocabulary
- identify, draw and describe the main structural and functional characteristics of living molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids)
- understand the conformation-function relationship of proteins (based on selected examples)
- understand the concepts underlying enzyme catalysis (enzyme classification, kinetics, enzyme inhibition, catalytic mechanisms, etc.)
- identify and explain the principle of some basic techniques used in biochemistry and cell biology
- identify the role and correct positioning of key players in selected intracellular processes
- identify and explain the molecular basis of selected examples of human diseases (amino acid transport diseases, diseases associated with peptic or protein destructuring)
- read and interpret scientific data presented in graphical form
- solve biochemical exercises related to the subject taught

 

Content

- descriptive biochemistry: carbohydrates, nucleotides and nucleic acids, lipids, amino acids and proteins
- amino acid transport diseases: some molecular and cellular concepts
- primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures
- protein folding and maturation
- neurodegenerative diseases associated with peptide or protein destructuring: some basic concepts
- proteins: structure/function relationships (myoglobin and hemoglobin)
- Enzymology: kinetics (Michaelis-Menten equation), enzyme catalysis, enzyme inhibitors (general concepts and examples of clinical importance)

Assessment method

Written examination including MCQs and/or open questions. Each of the teachers will examine the chapters they have taught. In case of failure, the student will have to retake the test on all the subjects.

 

P.S. The exact modalities of the evaluation are subject to change when the examination timetable is drawn up, depending on the practical constraints that the faculty administration may face, on the evolution of the health crisis linked to COVID-19, or in case of illness/force majeure/employment with a training course, preventing the student from taking the examination on the date initially planned.

Sources, references and any support material

- specific materials posted on webcampus - Biochemistry syllabus - Reference books (not essential): Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry (Nelson, Cox): Freeman Harper Biochemistry (Murray, Bender, Botham, Kennelly, Rodwell, Weil): de boeck "Raven" or "Campbell" Biology

Language of instruction

Français
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Medicine Standard 0 5
Bachelor in Medicine Standard 1 5