The understanding, at the molecular level, of all the chemical processes which are related to living cells and are governing the structure and function of biological systems.

Course Objectives: a) The familiarizion with the molecular design of life and acquisition of knowledge on the structure and function of the fundamental macroolecules used in nature (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids), b) The understanding of basic metabolic functions by the study of energy production, consumption and storage mechanisms, as well as, the study intermediate metabolism and the regulatory mechanisms of major biomolecules, c) The understanding of the basic mechanisms governing the transfer and expression of genetic information, d) The familiarizion with the current biochemical methodologies used to isolate, identify and study the properties of major biomolecules.

After monitoring and successfully completing the educational process, the student will be able to: a) Recognize the different types of biochemical molecules and understand their basic chemical characteristics which make them essential for life processes, b) Use and evaluate the major biochemical methodologies which are employed in order to identify and isolate biomolecules, c) Describe / recognize protein structures and to identify the types of important interactions in each case, d) Understand the chemical nature of enzymes, their function and regulation in biochemical reactions, e) Know / understand the main metabolic pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, f) Understand the role of the metabolic processes in the utilization of nutrients and in delivering the energy requirements to cells, tissues and organs, g) Describe / recognize the structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and to comprehend the processes of replication, transcription and translation, h) Comprehend the structure of the membranes, their dynamic nature and to understand how molecules are transferred through them, i) Differentiate between hormone types and explain their mechanisms of action, j) Recognize the fundamental importance of Biochemistry in the Life Sciences and evaluate its dynamic potential in the development of translational applications, k) Work safely in a Biochemistry laboratory and to collaborate with his/her fellow students in the implementation of basic laboratory experiments. To understand how to execute specific experimental protocols, keep records, perform analyses and to evaluate, present and communicate experimental results.

Introduction: Molecular life planning - Biological macromolecules - Chemical bonds - Water properties – Principles of thermodynamic biological systems (2hrs) - Amino acids - Peptides: Chemical Composition-Properties-Separation (4hrs) - General principles of protein structure (primary - secondary - tertiary - quaternary structure) - Protein isolation methodolgy (6hrs) - Enzymes (Kinetics - Classification - Nomenclature) - Coenzymes (3hrs) - Enzyme catalysis and regulation processes (3hrs) - Basic principles of energy metabolism (2hrs) - Carbohydrate Metabolism - Regulation: Glycolysis - Glucogenesis -   Pentose Phosphate pathway – Glycogen metabolism (12hrs) - Citric acid Cycle (4hrs) - Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation (4hrs) - Protein and amino acid metabolism (4hrs) - Lipid metabolism (4hrs) - Nucleotide metabolism (6hrs) - Nucleic acids - Structure and function (6hrs) - Synthesis of DNA (4hrs) - Synthesis and processing of RNA (4hrs) - Synthesis of proteins (4hrs) - Biological membranes - Transport – Receptors (4hrs) - Hormones - General principles and mode of action (2hrs).

1. Indicators, pH Measurement, Buffer Preparation, Neutralization Curves – 2. Amino acids – 3. Proteins – 4. Photometry – 5. Enzymes – 6. Enzyme Kinetics – 7. Carbohydrates – 8. Transamination – 9. Lipid Hydrolysis – 10. Redox Enzymes

The evaluation process is carried out in the Greek language (or the English language for Erasmus students) via a written examination covering the whole of the syllabus on the same day and it includes: I. Written examination of the laboratory with: a) Short open-ended questions to assess students' critical thought on the methodologies and practices applied, b) Problems to assess their skills in analysing and synthesizing data and information, c) Exercises to assess their inductive reasoning aptitude as well as their ability to apply the knowledge acquired to solve research problems. ΙΙ. Written examination of the course with graded difficulty questions including: a) Multiple choice and matching questions, b) Short open-ended questions, c) Problems and/or exercises based on the theoretical knowledge provided in lectures.

The written laboratory examination accounts for 20% of the total mark and the written theory examination accounts for 80% of the total mark. The evaluation criteria for the course are described on the e-Class: https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/BIOL303/