Biochemistry

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Barcelona

From 18 January to 1 July

The Biochemistry course from the Crazy about Science programme of the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation is a course developed by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Barcelona addressed to 1st year A-Level students interested in discovering the field of biochemistry, its importance and application in our society. In addition, faculty professors can mentor participants' research work.

The course will be held on 18 Saturdays from 18 January 2020 to 1 July 2020 at the facilities of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Barcelona.

Biochemistry is the field of science in the 21st century that has the most impact on our lives. Both are changing dramatically in recent years due to biotechnological applications ranging from the use of bacterial viruses or advanced microscopy to transgenic plants.

In this course, the students will be able to enter  into the theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology and biotechnology. The theoretical part will be the introduction and preparation of the experiments that will be worked out and discussed with the young scientists of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine (BBM) of the University of Barcelona.

Theoretical sessions and experimental activities will cover 10 important topics of biochemistry and biotechnology, that are current and applicable in the world around us.

Registration for the Bichemistry course from the Crazy about Science programme will be open from 16 September to 24 October 2020 and among all those enrolled 24 students will be selected from 1st year of A-Levels to participate in this edition of the course within the 8th edition of the Crazy about Science programme that will take place in 2020.

The course will cover the following areas:

• Multidimensional microscopy
• Fermentations and yeasts. Beer
• SDS - PAGE
• A computational approach to biological issues
• GMO plants, a friend or a foe?
• Experimental animals. Cell cultures
• Techniques in biochemistry, spectrophotometry
• Biochemistry through the Internet

Specific objectives

Academic studies

• Fostering among young people the scientific vocations linked to the world of Biochemistry, helping to guide their academic and professional future.
• It provides the opportunity for your A-Level Research Project to be tutored by a leading research centre.

Research

• Bringing students closer to research.
• Discover the operation of the research centres linked to Biochemistry.

Lab

• Bring students closer to lab work.
• Bringing students closer to safety in lab work.
• Bringing students closer to the Scientific Method.

Science

• Bringing students towards being critical and evaluating scientific results.
• Bringing students closer to appreciating science in general.