SCIENZE BIOMEDICHE

Module GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

The module aims to provide the theoretical and methodological foundations of general chemistry necessary for understanding biological systems of medical relevance. It will introduce the fundamental principles governing the properties of gases and aqueous solutions, with particular focus on acid–base systems, physiological buffers, and mechanisms of pH regulation. The course will also cover the laws of chemical kinetics and the principles of chemical equilibrium, the main thermodynamic parameters and their application to biological processes, as well as the structural and reactive aspects of organic and inorganic molecules of biological significance.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the essential knowledge required to correlate molecular structure with physicochemical properties and biological functions, as well as the conceptual tools needed to interpret the chemical transformations and molecular interactions underlying physiological processes and their pathological alterations. The course therefore contributes to the training of professionals with a solid and rigorous background in the chemistry of biologically relevant molecules, indispensable for the critical analysis of biochemical and physiological phenomena.

With reference to the Dublin Descriptors:

• Knowledge and understanding: acquire the fundamental principles of general chemistry necessary for understanding biological systems, while developing inductive and deductive reasoning skills and the ability to schematize chemical reactions.

• Applying knowledge and understanding: apply the acquired knowledge with scientific rigor to describe and interpret chemical and biochemical phenomena, including performing calculations.

• Making judgements: develop critical thinking skills and the ability to correlate molecular structure with biological function, identifying appropriate solutions to chemical problems.

• Communication skills: demonstrate the ability to clearly present chemical phenomena and processes using appropriate technical language.

• Learning skills: acquire a solid conceptual foundation to independently pursue advanced studies in chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD)

In order to guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students concerned may request a personal meeting to plan possible compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, according to the educational objectives and their specific needs.

The teaching methods used during the course include lectures, both interactive and cooperative, aimed at acquiring the fundamental knowledge of General and Inorganic Chemistry. Additionally, practical exercises, individual research, and group work are planned to develop the ability to apply the acquired basic knowledge.

Specifically, the course comprises 36 hours of lectures and classroom exercises.

Matter and Its States of Aggregation

Concepts of mass, volume, and density; States of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma; gas laws; Changes of state and phase transitions.

Atoms and the Periodic Table

Atomic structure and atomic number; Isotopes and atomic mass; Organization of the periodic table and periodic properties of elements.

Radioactivity

Types of radiation: α, β, γ; Radioactive decay and half-life; Applications in the biomedical field.

Chemical Bonding and Intermolecular Interactions

Ionic, covalent, and coordination bonds; Hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals forces, and other weak interactions; Biological implications of molecular interactions.

Properties of Liquids and Solutions

Surface tension, viscosity, and evaporation; Solution concentration (molarity, mole fraction, percentages); Solubility and factors affecting it.

pH and Buffer Solutions

Definition of pH and acidity scales; Calculation of pH of aqueous solutions and buffers; Role of buffers in physiological systems.

Redox Reactions

Concepts of oxidation and reduction; Oxidizing and reducing agents; Importance of redox reactions in biological systems.

Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity by Kotz, John C., Treichel, Paul M., Townsend, John, Treichel, David. A.

The material provided on Studium

The exam consists of a written test and, if successfully passed, a subsequent oral interview. Both assessments focus exclusively on the topics covered in lectures. All types of exercises included in the exam will be practiced during the course. The written test consists of exercises and open-ended questions. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO TAKE THE WRITTEN TEST IN A DIFFERENT SESSION FROM THE ONE IN WHICH THE ORAL INTERVIEW IS INTENDED TO BE TAKEN.

Criteria for the final grade:
The final grade will equally reflect:

• mastery demonstrated in both qualitative and quantitative reasoning;

• critical thinking skills regarding the topics covered during the course;

• the ability to correlate different parts of the syllabus.

• What is atomic mass and how is it measured?
• What is the mole and what is its usefulness in chemistry?
• How is the molecular geometry of a molecule determined?
• What are the main types of chemical bonds and their characteristics?
• What are the main intermolecular interactions and their role in biology?
• What is a solution and how is its concentration defined?
• What is osmosis and what importance does it have in biological systems?
• How is the pH of an aqueous solution calculated?
• How is a buffer solution prepared and what is its physiological role?
• How is a redox reaction balanced?
• What are the main states of matter and their characteristics?
• How do the properties of matter change during phase transitions?
• What is an isotope and how does it differ from other atoms of the same element?
• How is the periodic table organized and what properties of elements does it show?
• What types of radiation exist and what are their applications in the biomedical field?