The [1±2] study program of basic academic studies "Biochemistry" has 240 ESPB points and contains compulsory and optional (45 ESPB) subjects in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics and biotechnology, as well as a final thesis. In the study program, the basic chemical and biological disciplines necessary for understanding biochemical processes in nature are studied. From the chemical disciplines, the Inorganic, Analytical, Physical and Organic Chemistry courses are represented, and from the biological ones, Cell Biology, Physiology, Basics of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics. Compulsory biochemical subjects include basic biochemical disciplines, as well as familiarization with and work with basic biochemical experimental methods. These contents are studied within the following subjects: Biochemistry of proteins and nucleic acids, Enzymology, Chemistry of natural products (lipids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, antibiotics and others), Biochemistry of metabolism, Regulation of biochemical processes, Molecular bases of pathological conditions, Immunology and Experimental biochemistry. Within the framework of the Basics of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics courses, modern knowledge about the organization, expression, regulation and evolution of genes is covered. In the course Microbiological Chemistry with Microbiology and Fundamentals of Biotechnology, students are introduced to the application of biochemistry in technology. Within the elective courses during all four years of study, students can choose a wide range of subjects from the fields of fundamental and applied disciplines in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, but also from other fields (e.g. mathematics, ecology, psychology). Students round off their biochemical education by creating an independent, experimental, research final paper in the field of fundamental and applied biochemical disciplines.

The study program includes the theoretical study of complex processes in living nature and experimental work in laboratories. In order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of biochemistry, teaching methods include lectures, which take place with the help of multimedia teaching techniques, work of teachers and assistants with small groups of students (theoretical exercises, problem solving, seminars) and laboratory exercises. Experimental work in the laboratory is provided within all chemical, biochemical and biological subjects. Special (compulsory) subjects are provided for familiarization with modern analytical, structural and biochemical methods. In addition, interested students can learn about specific methods applied in biochemical and biomedical practice, as well as presenting the results of research work within elective courses such as Toxicological Biochemistry, Methods in Clinical Chemistry and Bioanalytical Chemistry. In most courses, the use of computers for searching databases (PubMed, Uniprot, ExPasy, PDB, including searching scientific literature) and processing experimental data is foreseen. In the framework of appropriate biochemical courses, it is planned that students will become familiar with the basics of bioinformatics.

Entrance requirements

Completed four-year secondary education and successfully passed entrance exam.

Study programme goals

The primary goal of this study program is to enable students to obtain a diploma in biochemistry which will be recognized by all European institutions and which will enable them to find suitable employment or to continue their education (if they have high enough grades) within a master study program in biochemistry or related disciplines at Serbian or European universities.

Study outcome

Upon completing the study program Biochemistry, the candidate is awarded the title "BSc in Biochemistry".

Students will acquire the necessary prior knowledge from chemical and biological disciplines, they will have a broad knowledge of fundamental biochemistry as well as basic knowledge from specific biochemical fundamental and applied disciplines. They will gain knowledge of working on state-of-the-art instruments used in biochemical laboratories and will be fully familiar with basic biochemical techniques and methods.

Students will be able to solve technical problems in the laboratory, as well as apply computer methods in data analysis. They will be able to conduct research under the guidance of mentors in biochemistry and related disciplines.

Students will be able to clearly present orally and in writing the basic biochemical concepts and results of their work, both to colleagues and laymen. They will be trained for teamwork.

Students should master the contents of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical and analytical), biology (cell biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, physiology) and biochemistry at the level of basic studies. The core of the biochemical content of this study program includes the structure and function of macromolecules (proteins and enzymes, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates), metabolic pathways and signal transmission pathways, as well as basic knowledge from specific biochemical disciplines (immunochemistry, molecular basis of pathological conditions, biotechnology).

Students will be able to perform standard biochemical laboratory procedures and use basic laboratory instruments. They will have basic knowledge in bioinformatics and will be able to use a computer in processing experimental data, searching databases and more. Students will be able to work safely with biological material and various chemicals by applying appropriate protective measures. They will be able to do a piece of research, describe their results in the form of a final paper and defend it orally. Students will be trained for further professional development, which includes independence in work.

Access to further studies

Diploma holders are entitled to apply for master academic studies (which have the workload of 60 ECTS).

Professional qualifications

Students who have successfully completed the study program "Biochemistry":

  • Have gained the fundamental knowledge of chemistry (general, inorganic, organic, analytical and applied chemistry).
  • Have gained the fundamental knowledge of biology (cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, physiology).
  • Have a broad knowledge of fundamental biochemistry, including the structure and function of macromolecules (proteins and enzymes, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates), metabolic pathways and signal transduction pathways and the basic knowledge of some specialized disciplines of biochemistry (immunochemistry, pathobiochemistry, biotechnology).
  • Are able to apply standard biochemical techniques and methods and use basic laboratory instruments.
  • Have a fundamental knowledge of bioinformatics and can use a computer in order to process experimental data, search databases, etc.
  • Are able to work safely with biological material and various chemicals by taking the appropriate protection measures.
  • Are qualified to participate in fundamental research and development projects and assignments in the field of biochemistry and related disciplines, both independently and as members of a team which consists of experts of various profiles.
  • Have professional and ethical responsibility.
  • Can further improve their knowledge and keep up with the development of technology and their profession throughout their professional lives (lifelong learning).
Curriculum

Weekly number of classes for each course is shown as: lectures + practical classes + laboratory classes or as: (active teaching + independent work).

Course Code ECTS Semester
Year   I 1 2
Mathematics 001A2 8
4+4+0
  
Fundamentals of Physics 019B2 2
2+0+0
  
Cell Biology 061B2 7
5+0+2
  
General Chemistry 101K2 8
5+2+0
  
Laboratory Work in General Chemistry 101M2 4
0+0+4
  
English Language 031A2 3  
3+0+0
Inorganic Chemistry 102B2 3  
3+0+0
Inorganic Chemistry Labwork 102D2 3  
0+0+3
Organic Chemistry 1 201B2 11  
4+3+4
Analytical Chemistry 1 301B2 6  
2+1+4
Elective Course 1 E11B2 5  
—
  60  
Year   II 1 2
Physical Chemistry 029B2 7
4+0+3
  
Organic Chemistry 2 202B2 10
5+1+4
  
Biochemistry of Proteins and Nucleic Acids 401B2 12
4+1+6
  
Molecular Biology 062B2 6  
3+0+3
Analytical Chemistry 2 302B2 8  
2+1+5
Chemistry of Natural Products 411B2 12  
4+0+7
Elective Course 2 E12B2 5  
—
  60  
Year   III 1 2
Molecular Genetics 064B2 6
3+0+2
  
Structural Instrumental Methods 221B2 6
4+3+0
  
Biochemistry of Metabolism 402B2 5
3+0+2
  
Methods in Biochemistry 404B2 10
3+0+7
  
Physiology 063B2 6  
4+0+2
Microbial Chemistry and Microbiology 412B2 7  
3+0+4
Enzymology 431B2 7  
3+1+3
Elective Course 3 E13B2 8  
—
Elective Course 4 E14B2 5  
—
  60  
Year   IV 1 2
Regulation of Biochemical Processes 403B2 4
2+1+1
  
Fundamentals of Biotechnology 413B2 8
3+0+5
  
Immunology 421B2 7
3+0+4
  
Elective Course 5 E15B2 6
—
  
Practice P11B2 3
(0+6)
  
Molecular Basis of Pathological Conditions 422B2 8  
4+0+4
Elective Course 6 E16B2 7  
—
Elective Course 7 E17B2 8  
—
Bachelor Thesis Work R11B2 8  
(0+9)
Bachelor Thesis Z10B2 1  
(0+1)
  60  
Elective Course 1
Elective Course 2
Elective Course 3
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 5
Elective Course 6
Elective Course 7

The courses which are compulsory within other study programs of the same level of study can also be elective courses for the students of this study program.

Chemistry
Biochemistry
Environmental Chemistry