At the end of the course the students will be able to: understand the structure and function relationships of the main biological molecules; describe the biochemical mechanisms essential for proper cellular metabolic function; Describe the main research techniques and the fundamentals of the methodologies applicable to the study of biological molecules. Communication skills: at the end of the course the student must be able to use the technical language of Biochemistry in the cultural and scientific context.
Course Prerequisites
The main prerequisites are the knowledge of the basics of mathematics and physics for the understanding of mathematical functions and for the relative graphic interpretation of the same; Knowledge of the basics of organic chemistry: organic compounds; main organic functions and relative chemical reactivity; Pre-requisites: Mathematics, Physics, Organic Chemistry.
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination: questions related to the treatment of several topics in which the interpretation of various types of graphs and representation of chemical structures of biomolecules involved in metabolic pathways is required. Questions related to the description of the operating principles of analytical techniques and their use for the study of proteins and other biomolecules.
During the course three partial tests will be given to the students. Each partial exam consists of a multiple-choice test of 20 questions. Those who pass the partial with an average mark of at least 18/30 can decide whether to confirm the vote or support the oral.
Texts
• D. L. Nelson, M. M. Cox: "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry" • Stryer: "Biochemistry" • Wilson and Walker's Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Cambridge University Press; • Maria Carmela Bonaccorsi di Patti, Roberto Contestabile, Martino Luigi Di Salvo. Metodologie biochimiche. Zanichelli Editore; • Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt "Fundamental of Biochemistry". Zanichelli Editore; • teaching materials provided by the lecturer.
Contents
• Principles of biological physical chemistry. • Descriptive biochemistry. • Dynamic biochemistry. • Biological oxidation and bioenergetics. • Applied biochemistry.
Course Language
Italian
More information
12 CFU – 96 hours. Office hours wednesdays 11.00 to 13.00 or to be prebooked (by e-mail or phone). Lessons could be given to small groups at the Biochemistry laboratories on the use of analytical instruments for proteomics and metabolomics studies, also through the simulation of experiments
