BIOCHEMICAL METHODS
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Basic knowledge of cell biology, basic chemistry and organic chemistry.
Written test (3 open questions and about 5 multiple-choice questions) concerning the theoretical basis of the biochemical techniques, and 2-3 open questions on lab activity. The lab activity will be also evaluated through a written scientific report of the experimental activities (1/3 of the final score).
The final score is given in 30ies: the examination is successful if a score ≥ 18/30 is gained.
The Course of Applied Biochemistry is aimed to describe the theoretical principles and the practical applications of the main preparative and analytical methodologies used in the biochemical and molecular biology research fields.
In the Applied Biochemistry Course, the theoretical bases of the main methodologies used in biochemical research are explained. The possible uses of each of the techniques will be described, with the aim of providing students to learn how to choose the best solutions to the theoretical and practical problems in planning and performing experiments.
At the end of the Course the student will be able to know the chemical and instrumental bases of the main analytical and preparation methods of biomolecules, and the best solutions to achieve the experimental goals defined during the planning of the experiments. Moreover, the student will be able to understand and discuss critically the experimental results with objectivity and appropriate scientific language.
Theory:
- Experimental errors. Calibration curve. Choice of the analytical method
- Electrochemical techniques
- Cell culture. Recombinant protein expression and protein engineering
- Centrifugation
- Protein purification
- Chromatographic techniques
- Electrophoretic techniques
- Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, IR, Circular Dichroism, NMR)
- Immunochemistry
- Structural biochemistry
- Mass spectrometry
- High-throughput screening technologies
Laboratory:
The applied lab activity is based on the purification and biochemical characterization of a recombinant enzyme.
Slides of lessons: from the E-learning website
Lab activities: material prepared by the teacher and slides from the E-learning website
Book: Keith Wilson and John Walker, Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cambridge University Press.
The course is based on theoretical lessons (36 hours) and experimental lab activities (24 hours). For practical activities, each student will be provided with the experimental protocols to follow.
Office hours
Students can meet with the professor in their office by previous email appointment.