curso de bioquimica
 

Biochemistry

Introduction

The history of the development of biochemical science is recent, having begun at the onset of the twentieth century with the first studies of the metabolic pathways which sustain life. Since then, the advances in biochemical knowledge have been sweeping and marked by exceptional scientific discoveries and technological advancements. The development of molecular biology, genetic engineering, biotechnology, cloning techniques, molecular and cellular therapies, stem cell research, tissue engineering and the research of the molecular basis of pathology/disease are just some of the examples of the areas in which the practice of biochemistry is expanding. In the beginning of the twenty-first century, biochemistry is a significant and recognised science in the study of, and intervention capacity in the molecular mechanisms which regulate life.

The undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde - Norte / Advanced Institute of the Health Sciences – North (ISCS-N) offers an educational structure which seeks to train professions with superior ability, flexibility and entrepreneurialism in fields which explore the study of the molecular basis of life. Thus, they provide the necessary skills which are inherent to such areas as chemistry, physics, mathematics, cellular and molecular biology, ethics and biochemistry itself. Specifically with regard to the courses in biochemistry, topics addressed include the structure and function of biomolecules, metabolism, regulation and integration of metabolism, cellular communication – signal transduction, the analysis of gene expression, genome analysis, transcriptomy, proteomics and metabolomics. In ISCSN’s undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, emphasis is furthermore placed on the study of the life cycle, especially taking into consideration the cycle of health/disease which characterises it, as a consequence of the successive situations of chemical balance/imbalance which sustain life. The focus on the study of biochemistry within the field of health in ISCS-N’s undergraduate degrees makes perfect sense, considering the university institute’s educational plan. In fact, CESPU (Advanced Polytechnic and University Cooperative), the founding entity of both ISCS-N and IPSN (Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte / Polytechnic Health Institute of the North) have a pioneering educational project which is the first of its kind in the history of private education in Portugal, which has enabled both institutions to offer various courses corresponding to the first cycle degree (undergraduate), integrated master’s and the second cycle degree (master’s) in the realm of health and life sciences.

The provision of the undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at ISCS-N was authorised by Ordinance no.1236/2004, and the registration number of its adaptation to the Bologna Process is R/B-AD-614/2007 (Order of the Director General for Higher Education no. 9288-B/2007, of 16-03-2007).

Acquired Skills

The undergraduate degree in Biochemistry is integrated in the educational project for excellence developed by CESPU and (therefore) ISCS-N as well, enabling the exploration and maximisation of the training offered in the field of health. This in fact was recognised through positive acknowledgement issued by the Specialist Commission (appointed by the supervising ministry), when requesting the authorisation for the provision of undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry – a process which culminated in the publication of Ordinance 1236/2004 which authorised the request: "...The programmes presented are admirably detailed in their theoretical and practical components, most likely reflecting the institution’s experience in teaching these listed courses, common to other subjects.” Thus, all the programmatic content allows for a broad scientific education, whether theoretical or laboratorial, with the intent of transferring the most recent knowledge and methodologies in research and relevant scientific development into a biochemistry degree especially geared for the field of health. A degree holder in Biochemistry from ISCS-N is a professional equipped with the comprehensive and appropriate background for participating in the most varied branches of biochemistry, from basic research to the practises applied in its various aspects.

Tutorial Project

In addition to their educational structure which includes a multifaceted curriculum, the undergraduate degree programme in Biochemistry at ISCS-N also includes a “Tutorial Project”, which consists in the monitoring, by tutors, of the evolution of students throughout the course of their academic journey, by observing the learning difficulties on the part of students as well as their academic and professional preferences. It promotes the discussion of themes which are relevant to student education, as well as the preparation of experiments and mini-projects. Within the scope of this project, the undertaking of various activities, such as the organisation of study visits as well as extracurricular training and informational seminars, is also promoted. The “Tutorial Project” is intended to make students more responsible and increasingly more interested in the broadened, continuous and diversified study of biochemistry, contributing significantly to their future professional success.

Employment Options

An undergraduate degree holder in Biochemistry from ISCS-N will have comprehensive knowledge of the areas which are fundamental to biochemical interventions, i.e., those included in studying the complexity and diversity of life processes, through the study of the physiological, cellular and molecular processes of organisms, their genes and evolution, as well as their interrelations and interactions with the environment. Their degree of knowledge, comprehension and performance should be sufficient enough to ensure their employability or permit access to subsequent cycles of study in the biological sciences or related areas. The undergraduate degree holder in Biochemistry will have an academic education which combines and balances biological, clinical and chemical knowledge, making him/her a multifaceted professional who will be able to find work in several areas. Some of the possible employment options for an undergraduate degree holder in Biochemistry from ISCS-N are:

  • Research in several areas which involve biochemistry, such as the biomedical sciences, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, agricultural engineering and environmental engineering.
  • Laboratories: academic research, applied research, medical research.
  • Entrance in the field as an "advanced health technician", particularly in the field of genetics and in the laboratorial domain.
  • Involvement in education at higher education institutions.
  • Development, production and testing/control of new products and technologies.
  • Industries: food and pharmaceuticals.
  • Environmental Biochemistry (Bioremediation).
  • Agrobiochemistry (Plant Biotechnology).

Continuing on to an extracurricular scientific internship or a subsequent cycle of study enables the further mastery of knowledge and an advantageous acquisition of even more professional skills. ISCSN offers a diversified range of postgraduate and second cycle degree options, which are guaranteed to increase in number.

Conditions of Access

Additional Information

Coordinators

Course Coordinator: Prof. / Dr. Roxana Falcão Moreira
Tel./Fax: +351-224 157 151 or 224 157 198 or 224 157 100 / +351-224 157 102
E-mail: roxana.moreira@iscsn.cespu.pt


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