Biomolecular Techniques I
Objectives
The aim is for students to acquire skills in the laboratory component of the different areas of biochemistry. Given the experimental nature of this curricular unit, the aim is to promote the principles of scientific and academic integrity, namely: honesty, trust, responsibility, objectivity, impartiality and independence, openness and accessibility.
It is intended that at the end of this curricular unit, students:
- have developed proficiency in various techniques and methods used in the investigation of biological systems
- demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and select the most appropriate biomolecular techniques for the study of biomolecules
- are able to design and carry out experimental work to investigate the function and structure of proteins (and other biomolecules)
- have developed critical thinking to analyze and interpret experimental results
- have developed skills in scientific research, being able to write clearly, concisely and rigorously
- have improved their oral communication skills and their ability to work in groups
General characterization
Code
10825
Credits
6.0
Responsible teacher
Maria Alice Santos Pereira
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - 60
Teaching language
Português
Prerequisites
Available soon
Bibliography
Scientific articles recommended by teachers/researchers.
Teaching method
The course offers a complete learning experience, combining practical classes, bibliographic research and laboratory work, providing students with comprehensive and engaging learning.
In the theoretical-practical classes, lecturers and guest researchers explore various biomolecular techniques, delving into theoretical concepts and discussing their applications, advantages and limitations.
Students are challenged to design an experimental protocol for a 1st cycle biochemistry course. Through bibliographical research, experimental design and practical execution, students obtain and analyze data to test previously formulated hypotheses. Throughout the process, teachers guide the student groups, discussing the feasibility and relevance of the proposed activities. In this way, students take an active role in the construction of knowledge, investigating the proposed topics and seeking answers autonomously.
Students present their protocol proposals, results, analyses/interpretations and conclusions in written and oral work, stimulating scientific debate and the exchange of ideas.
Evaluation method
Assessment will be continuous, following the progress of each student throughout the semester.
Various parameters will be taken into account, namely the effort expended by the student, the capacity for experimental execution, acquired knowledge, communication and teamwork skills, creativity and a spirit of initiative and maturity.
1. Frequência: Attendance at all practical laboratory classes (5 classes, totaling 20 h) is compulsory.
Evaluation of the course:
1. Evaluation of practical classes - 10%
- Students'' punctuality, participation, involvement and individual progress in each class will be assessed.
2. Assessment of protocols:
- Concept and design of the protocol - 25%
- Oral presentation (max. 15 min/group) and discussion of the protocol (max. 40 min/group) - 35%
- The ability to communicate the results clearly and concisely, answering questions and defending the ideas and analysis of the results will be assessed.
- Final report - 30%
- Must be written in the form of a report or full scientific paper. It should include the results, their analysis, interpretation and discussion/comparison with the literature. Additional analysis methodologies may also be proposed to prove the working hypotheses.
Important notes:
The marks for all the assessment elements will be rounded up to the tenth; the marks for each component will enter the final classification formula also rounded up to the tenth;
The course does not have an exam. Due to its strong experimental component, the final grade cannot be improved.
Subject matter
The Biomolecular Techniques I (TB I) curricular unit aims to provide students with solid training in biomolecular techniques, with an emphasis on the functional and structural characterization of biomolecules. With a strong practical component, TB I presents a comprehensive curriculum divided into two complementary parts. The first part focuses on the description of advanced experimental techniques used in the functional and structural characterization of biomolecules, namely microscopy, calorimetry, thermophoresis, mass spectrometry, mass photometry. The first part also covers essential methods for guaranteeing the quality and integrity of biological samples intended for analysis. In the second part of the course, students have the opportunity to independently develop experimental protocols in biochemistry. Guided by the lecturers, students will work in teams to design and develop a protocol for an experimental project in Biochemistry. The course is constantly evolving and being updated, with the participation of experts who will share their knowledge and experience.
Topics covered:
- Techniques for the production, isolation and purification of recombinant proteins
- Quality control (SDS-PAGE/PAGE, SEC, DLS, MP)
- Microscopy (fluorescence, confocal)
- Study of biomolecules at the nanoscale level: AFM, TEM, SEM
- Calorimetry techniques
- Mass spectrometry (MS)
- Microscale Thermophoresis (MST)