BIOCHEMISTRY

Degree course: 
Corso di First cycle degree in CHEMICAL AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2019/2020
Year: 
3
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2021/2022
Course type: 
Compulsory subjects, characteristic of the class
Credits: 
6
Period: 
Second semester
Standard lectures hours: 
48
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (48 hours)
Requirements: 

Organic Chemistry I

Final Examination: 
Orale

Oral exam with two general questions on distinct course sections

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The present course is integrated in the wide learning objectives of the whole B.Sc. degree in Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry. The purpose of the course is to provide basic knowledge to understand the chemistry of biological processes at the molecular level. The first aim is the knowledge of the cellular environment where metabolic processes take place. The second aim is to know the main classes of biomolecules. The third aim is to understand mechanisms of metabolic processes and their bioenergetics The fourth aim is to understand mechanisms that regulate metabolism at both cell and system level

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
1. Describe the principal classes of biomolecules;
2. Describe main metabolic pathways;
3. Understand thermodynamics principles that control biochemical pathways;
4. Describe biosignaling processes that regulate metabolism.

Descriptive biochemistry (2 ECTS). Metabolism (3 ECTS). Cellular biochemistry (1 CFU).

The molecular logic of living systems – The molecular organization of the cell
Aminoacids, peptides, proteins
Structure and function of proteins
Enzymes and vitamins
Carbohydrates and nucleic acids
Lipids and membranes
Bioenergetics
Glycolysis, glycogen and gluconeogenesis
Catabolism of fatty acids, aminoacids, nucleotides
The Krebs cycle and phosphorylative oxidation
Photosynthesis
Elements of biosynthesis
Biosignaling and regulation of metabolism
Metabolism of nucleic acids
Synthesis, transport and degradation of proteins

Nelson, Cox. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. W H Freeman & Co; 6th edition

Frontal lectures, two-three hours each

The lecturer meets the students by e-mail accomodation.

Professors