Chemistry and biochemistry, biology and genetics 1

Module Chemistry and biochemistry

The Chemistry and Biochemistry course aims to provide a chemistry foundation adequate for understanding the structure and function of molecules of biological interest and the significance of major metabolic events. Upon completion of the module, students will have acquired general knowledge of the molecular basis of life, from the fundamental chemical properties of substances to the structure and function of macromolecules involved in vital processes, both at the cellular and extracellular levels, and the metabolic transformations of biomolecules necessary for the functioning of the human body. Furthermore, students will understand the significance of variations in major metabolic pathways in various physiological and pathological contexts.

Lectures with a final assessment test. Theoretical and practical exercises and/or hands-on laboratory techniques.

In order to understand and successfully attend the course, it is useful for students to have a basic knowledge of general physics, general chemistry, and cell biology.

Attendance is mandatory as required by the Degree Course Regulations.

1. M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini -Chimica e Biochimica- EdiSES 

2. Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei-Chimica & Biochimica- Zanichelli

3. Michele Samaja, Paroni Rita-Chimica e biochimica per le lauree triennali dell'area biomedica-Piccin

4. F. A. Bettelheim, W. H. Brown, M. K. Campbell, S. O. Farrell-Chimica e Propedeutica Biochimica- EdiSES

4. Tiziana Bellini-Chimica medica e propedeutica biochimica con applicazioni cliniche-Zanichelli

5. Siliprandi, Tettamanti-Biochimica Medica - Strutturale, metabolica e funzionale-Piccin

Progress assessment tests will be administered throughout the course.
At the end of the course, the exam will consist of a written exam and an oral exam.
The following criteria will be taken into account when assigning the final grade:
Grade 29-30 with honors: The student has a THOROUGH knowledge of the subject matter, excellent communication skills, and mastery of technical and scientific language.
Grade 26-28: The student has a GOOD knowledge of the subject matter and presents the topics clearly using appropriate technical and scientific language;
Grade 22-25: The student has a FAIR knowledge of the subject matter, although limited to the main topics, and presents the topics fairly clearly with reasonable command of the language;
Grade 18-21: The student has a MINIMUM knowledge of the subject matter and presents the topics sufficiently clearly, although the command of the language is poorly developed;
Exam failed: The student DOES NOT HAVE THE MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE of the main course content. The student has very little or no ability to use the specific language and is unable to independently apply the acquired knowledge.

Sample questions for the written exam will be provided by the instructor to students during the course, as part of ongoing assessments. The oral exam will cover all sections of the program to assess the student's thorough preparation and maturity in managing connections across various biochemical aspects.
Example questions may include:
- Talk about carbohydrates
- Difference between epimers and enantiomers
- What type of bond is a peptide bond?