BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAMME COURSE DESCRIPTION

Code	Name of the Course Unit	Semester	In-Class Hours (T+P)	Credit	ECTS Credit
BIK152	BIOCHEMISTRY	2	3	3	5

GENERAL INFORMATION
Language of Instruction :	Turkish
Level of the Course Unit :	ASSOCIATE DEGREE, TYY: + 5.Level, EQF-LLL: 5.Level, QF-EHEA: Short Cycle
Type of the Course :	Compulsory
Mode of Delivery of the Course Unit	-
Coordinator of the Course Unit	Assist.Prof. ARZU KAYA KOÇDOĞAN
Instructor(s) of the Course Unit	Lecturer BÜŞRA SARP KAYA-Assist.Prof. MERVE FIRAT AYYILDIZ
Course Prerequisite	No

OBJECTIVES AND CONTENTS
Objectives of the Course Unit:	The aim is to provide fundamental concepts related to biochemistry and to impart knowledge on the structure and functions of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, vitamins, minerals, and hormones, as well as on key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, lipid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and the urea cycle.
Contents of the Course Unit:	This course encompasses metabolism, macromolecules, and the reactions and metabolic activities of biomolecules.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE UNIT (On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to)
Defines the fundamental concepts of biochemistry.
Classifies intermolecular interactions and chemical bonds.
Lists the chemical reactions involved in metabolism.
Classifies cell types as prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Summarizes cell organelles and their functions.
Distinguishes between apoptosis and necrosis.
Classifies cellular transport mechanisms.
Describes the general structure of amino acids.
Explains the functions of amino acids and the reactions involved in amino acid metabolism, with examples.
Defines the structures of proteins, hemoglobin, collagen, and elastin.
Explains enzymes, their structures, and their mechanisms of action.
Explains the structures and functions of carbohydrates and classifies carbohydrates with examples.
Lists the reactions involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Defines the structures and functions of lipids.
Classifies different types of lipids.
Lists the structures and structural differences of nucleic acids.
Explains vitamins and their roles in metabolism.
Describes minerals and their functions in metabolic processes.
Explains the general characteristics of hormones and their mechanisms of action.
Classifies hormones based on their glands of synthesis.

WEEKLY COURSE CONTENTS AND STUDY MATERIALS FOR PRELIMINARY & FURTHER STUDY
Week	Preparatory	Topics(Subjects)	Method
1	Evaluation of the currency of information related to course topics.	Introduction to the course and overview of course content: Introduction to biochemistry, metabolism, and fundamental concepts.	Presentations and question–answer session
2	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Intermolecular interactions and chemical bonds; chemical reactions occurring in metabolism.	Presentations and question–answer session
3	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	The cell: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cell organelles, and their functions.	Presentations and question–answer session
4	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Apoptosis and necrosis; transport mechanisms in the cell.	Presentations and question–answer session
5	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Structures and functions of amino acids; amino acid metabolism.	Presentations and question–answer session
6	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Structure of proteins; hemoglobin, collagen, and elastin.	Presentations and question–answer session
7	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Enzymes	Presentations and question–answer session
8	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Structures and functions of carbohydrates	Presentations and question–answer session
9	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Carbohydrate metabolism	Presentations and question–answer session
10	-	MID-TERM EXAM	-
11	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Structures and functions of lipids	Presentations and question–answer session
12	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Structure and functions of nucleic acids	Presentations and question–answer session
13	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Vitamins	Presentations and question–answer session
14	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	Minerals and their functions	Presentations and question–answer session
15	Literature review and comparative analysis of up-to-date book chapters related to the topic.	General characteristics of hormones	Presentations and question–answer session
16	-	FINAL EXAM	-
17	-	FINAL EXAM	-

SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING
Konukoğlu, D. (2018). Temel ve Klinik Biyokimya. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri
Can, M. Güven, B. Demirtaş S. (2018). Tıbbi Biyokimya ve Laboratuvar. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri
Kosova, F. (2019). Sağlık Yüksekokulları için Tıbbi Biyokimya. Ankara: Ankara Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri
Öğüt, S. (2016). Sağlık Bilimleri için Biyokimya. Ankara: Kongre Kitabevi
Nelson, D. ve Cox M. Çeviri: Elçin Y. M. (2016). Lehninger Biyokimyanın Temel İlkeleleri. Ankara: Palme Yayıncılık
Harvey, V. and Ferrier, D. (7th Edition, 2017). Biochemistry. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

ASSESSMENT
Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities	Number of Activities	Degree of Contribution (%)	Description	Examination Method

Level of Contribution
0	1	2	3	4	5

KNOWLEDGE
Theoretical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Defines professional responsibility issues such as ethical principles, respect for patients and patient specimens, biosafety of biological samples, and data confidentiality.
2	Has basic knowledge of current pathology practices, relevant literature, and emerging technologies (e.g., tissue banking, immunohistochemistry, and molecular pathology) and demonstrates awareness of lifelong learning.
3	Plans professional duties in accordance with time management principles.

KNOWLEDGE
Factual
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Defines the basic concepts, terminology, and theoretical knowledge used in pathology laboratories.
2	Explains tissue processing, fixation, embedding, microtome sectioning, staining, histochemistry, and microscopic examination techniques together with their underlying theoretical principles.
3	Has knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, accreditation standards, biosafety, hygiene, and sterilization principles.
4	Explains the characteristics and principles of use of equipment, materials, and chemicals used in pathology laboratories.

SKILLS
Cognitive
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Differentiates between normal tissues and pathological structures and provides basic interpretations while evaluating tissues using a microscope.
2	Identifies chemical, biological, and physical risks and performs basic risk management.
3	Solves basic problems encountered in professional processes by applying analytical thinking.

SKILLS
Practical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Performs fixative preparation, tissue processing, embedding, microtome sectioning, and paraffin section–microscopic slide preparation in the pathology laboratory.
2	Performs laboratory procedures such as staining, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, special staining techniques, and microscopic examination accurately and safely.
3	Appropriately manages the use, maintenance, and safety procedures of laboratory equipment (e.g., microtome, microscope, stainer).
4	Contributes to sample tracking and result reporting processes by maintaining laboratory records and accurately performs sample coding and data management.
5	Complies with biosafety and occupational health and safety regulations while adhering to laboratory quality control procedures.
6	Shares professional knowledge and findings accurately and effectively within a team.
7	The student develops preventive approaches to creating safe working environments in terms of occupational health.

OCCUPATIONAL
Autonomy & Responsibility
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Carries out professional duties and responsibilities independently.

OCCUPATIONAL
Learning to Learn
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Is open to continuous professional development and lifelong learning; follows the scientific literature and is willing to learn new techniques.

OCCUPATIONAL
Communication & Social
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Communicates effectively with physicians, pathologists, nurses, and laboratory staff, demonstrating openness to teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
2	Takes professional responsibility, uses initiative, and demonstrates problem-solving skills when necessary.

OCCUPATIONAL
Occupational and/or Vocational
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Demonstrates behaviors that prioritize laboratory safety and biosafety at all times, while complying with ethical and professional conduct principles and maintaining patient and specimen confidentiality.
2	Takes responsibility for time management, laboratory organization, and work planning, and performs procedures in accordance with standards, accurately, and on time.
3	Is aware of legal regulations related to the field, patient rights, biosafety standards, and ethical rules, and complies with these regulations.

WORKLOAD & ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE UNIT
Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities
Type of the Learning Activites	Learning Activities (# of week)	Duration (hours, h)	Workload (h)
Lecture & In-Class Activities	14	3	42
Preliminary & Further Study	14	1	14
Land Surveying	0	0	0
Group Work	0	0	0
Laboratory	0	0	0
Reading	0	0	0
Assignment (Homework)	0	0	0
Project Work	0	0	0
Seminar	0	0	0
Internship	0	0	0
Technical Visit	0	0	0
Web Based Learning	0	0	0
Implementation/Application/Practice	0	0	0
Practice at a workplace	0	0	0
Occupational Activity	0	0	0
Social Activity	0	0	0
Thesis Work	0	0	0
Field Study	0	0	0
Report Writing	0	0	0
Final Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Final Exam	11	4	44
Mid-Term Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam	9	3	27
Short Exam	0	0	0
Preparation for the Short Exam	0	0	0
TOTAL	50	0	129