Chemistry and biochemistry, biology and genetics 4
Module Chemistry and biochemistry
Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher:
Claudia DI GIACOMO
Expected Learning Outcomes
Provide students with the notions necessary for understanding the physico-chemical and biological context in which chemical transformations and molecular interactions that occur during the reproduction, differentiation and life of a living organism take place. At the end of the module the student will have learned the fundamental chemical properties of biological molecules, the structure and function of macromolecules involved in vital processes. The knowledge acquired will allow a molecular understanding of the complex metabolic processes and mechanisms for controlling the metabolism of living beings.
Course Structure
Frontal teaching with slide projection and/or short films. Teaching is developed in such a way as to stimulate the student's ability to orient himself independently in the choice and consultation of scientific texts and journals.
If the teaching is given in mixed or remote mode, the necessary variations from what has been declared above may be introduced, in order to comply with the program provided for and reported in the syllabus.
Information for students with disabilities and/or ASD
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview in order to schedule any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on educational objectives and specific needs.
It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Disability Services and / or ASDs) of the relevant Department
Required Prerequisites
The course includes the minimum basic requirements to successfully follow lessons and pass the final exam. The student attending the course of Chemistry and Biochemistry will have to know the fundamental concepts of General and Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry as well as physics and biology (acquired during the High Schools).
Attendance of Lessons
Mandatory
Detailed Course Content
The structure of the atom: the nucleus and electrons.
Organization of electrons around the nucleus and electronegativity.
The chemical bond.
The chemical balance (base acid balance). Solutions, pH, pK and buffer systems.
The families of carbon compounds, nomenclature, physical properties, their characteristic reactions and biological interest: Saturated, unsaturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. Functional groups: alcohols, phenols and sulfur analogues; carbonyl compounds (aldehydes, ketones, ac. carboxylics and their derivatives).
The amines.
Carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.
Lipids: fatty acids, simple lipids, complex lipids and steroids.
Proteins: amino acids and peptide binding, structural organization.
The main metabolic pathways and their control sites: carbohydrate metabolism, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
Vitamins and their metabolic implications and pathologies
Textbook Information
GENERAL, INORGANIC AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY TEXT
1. Chimica e Biochimica (only for the part of chemistry and biochemistry preparatory) – M. Stefani, N, Taddei - Zanichelli
BIOCHEMISTRY TEXTS
2. Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger – D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox – ZANICHELLI
3. Biochimica medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti – PICCIN
Course Planning
| | Subjects | Text References |
|---|
| 1 | All the topics reported in the program | Reference texts chosen independently by the student |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Oral or written exam (with open-ended questions).
In both cases, the student will be asked at least 3 questions aimed at verifying and evaluating:
- Knowledge of the topics reported in the program;
- The degree of communication skills (use of correct scientific language – conciseness, clarity and effectiveness in response and/or argumentation);
- The ability to use the chemical and biochemical knowledge acquired to solve specific questions, demonstrating the ability to reason and make connections between the various topics.
The verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, if the conditions require it.
The grade derives from the maturity and competence demonstrated by the student in the presentation of the topics covered by the questions formulated. The final vote will be attended by the relevance of the answers with respect to the questions formulated, the ability to connect with other topics present in the program, the communication skills (property of the scientific language used, conciseness, clarity and effectiveness of the answer).
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- Concept of molarity and normality of a solution
- Functions of the Krebs cycle
- Diagnostic meaning of transaminases
