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Course: 2025/2026

Biomacromolecules

(19685)

Bachelor in Sciences (Plan: 453 - Estudio: 368)

Coordinating teacher: QUILEZ LOPEZ, CRISTINA

Department assigned to the subject: Bioengineering Department

Type: Electives

ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:

Semester:

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the student should be able to: ¿ Analyze complex biological processes at the molecular and cellular level in a general and integrated manner. ¿ Use conceptual and technical tools necessary to understand the relationship between molecular and cellular mechanisms of biological functions, being able to apply this knowledge to relevant issues in different fields of Biosciences. ¿ Recognize and interpret the fundamental knowledge about the organization and function of the biological systems of organisms from a molecular and cellular perspective. ¿ Distinguish the physical and chemical bases of cellular processes, as well as apply the main physical, chemical and mathematical tools used to investigate them. ¿ Identify the main current problems and future challenges of the Biosciences.

Description of contents: programme

1. Carbohydrates and lipids: structure, function, classification, and biological role. 2. Nucleic acids, DNA, and RNA: structure, function, and biological role. Stability and degradation. Gene expression and biotechnology. 3. Proteins: structure, function, classification, and biological role. Protein folding, degradation, and interaction. 4. Enzymes: structure, function, classification, and biological role. Kinetics, metabolism, and regulation. 5. Experimental techniques for analyzing the structure of biomolecules.

Learning activities and methodology

AF1. THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL CLASSES. The knowledge students must acquire will be presented. They will receive class notes and basic reference texts to facilitate class follow-up and subsequent work. Students will solve exercises and practice problems, and workshops and assessment tests will be held to acquire the necessary skills. For 6-credit subjects, 44 hours will be allocated as a general rule, with 100% face-to-face attendance (except for those without an exam, which will require 48 hours). AF2. TUTORING. Individualized (individual tutoring) or group (collective tutoring) assistance will be provided to students by the professor. For 6-credit subjects, 4 hours will be allocated, with 100% face-to-face attendance. AF3. INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP WORK FOR STUDENTS. For 6-credit subjects, 98 hours will be allocated, with 0% face-to-face attendance. AF8. WORKSHOPS AND LABORATORIES. For 3-credit courses, 4 hours will be dedicated to 100% in-person learning. For 6-credit courses, 8 hours will be dedicated to 100% in-person learning. AF9. FINAL EXAM. The knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired throughout the course will be assessed overall. 4 hours will be dedicated to 100% in-person learning. AF8. WORKSHOPS AND LABORATORIES. For 3-credit courses, 4 hours will be dedicated to 100% in-person learning. For 6-credit courses, 8 hours will be dedicated to 100% in-person learning. MD1. THEORY CLASS. In-class lectures by the professor, supported by computer and audiovisual media, develop the main concepts of the subject and provide materials and bibliography to complement student learning. MD2. PRACTICES. Resolution of practical cases, problems, etc. posed by the professor individually or in groups. MD3. TUTORIALS. Individualized (individual tutorials) or group (collective tutorials) assistance to students by the professor. For 6-credit courses, 4 hours will be dedicated to 100% face-to-face teaching. MD6. LABORATORY PRACTICES. Applied/experimental teaching in workshops and laboratories under the supervision of a tutor.

Assessment System

% end-of-term-examination/test 30
% of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 70

ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

TEACHING METHODOLOGY
The teaching methodology will be based primarily on lectures, seminars, and practical sessions.
Tutorial classes will be held before the final exam at the student's request.
Attendance at lectures and seminars is not mandatory. However, failure to attend any test will result in a score of 0 for that part of the assessment, and the student must also attend 80% of the laboratory classes (see below).
The assessment is based on continuous assessment tests and a final exam covering the entire syllabus.

GRADES:
Total score: 10 points
Continuous assessment: 7 points out of 10
Final exam: 3 points out of 10

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT: 70% of the final score for the course. Continuous assessment includes two components:
1) Two exams: 5 points of the total score (2.5 points each). Exams will be held primarily during lectures or seminars. Tests will eliminate material, and the syllabus will not be included in the final exam if the student takes these midterm tests.
2) Laboratory Practices: 2 points of the total score. Attendance at 80% of the laboratory classes is mandatory.

FINAL EXAM: The final exam will represent 30% of the final score (3 points of the total score). The minimum score on the final exam is 4 out of 10, regardless of the grade obtained in the continuous assessment.

EXTRAORDINARY EXAM: There will be two options:
a) Exam on the entire course syllabus (100% of the grade)
b) Follow the same criteria as the continuous assessment (70% continuous assessment, 30% final exam)

ACADEMIC CONDUCT: Unless otherwise specified, exams will be closed-book, without a computer or phone, or anything other than a writing instrument and the exam itself. Plagiarism, cheating, or other acts of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any violation of any kind will result in a failing grade.

Extraordinary call: regulations

Basic Bibliography

Bruce Alberts et al. EssentialCell Biology. Ed. Garland Publishing, Inc.. 3rd Edition
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox.. Lehninger principlesofbiochemistry. Freeman and Company. 2017
Harvey Lodishet al.. Molecular Cell Biology. Ed. Freeman and Company. 5th Edition

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.