Course description
Enzymes represent one of the the most important molecule class in biotechnology (both as subjects of investigation and as biocatalysts). The course provides a description of the basics of enzymatic catalysis and factors which influence enzyme properties, as well as, protein folding. Some applications of enzymes in industrial biotechnology will be provided. The course includes a discussion on the theoretical basis of enzyme catalysis and a quantitative analysis of enzyme reactions through a physical/mathematical approach. The course aims to provide the basis for a detailed knowledge of the mechanism of action of enzymes and their applications in biotechnology.
Learning outcomes
• Cognitive skills:
- Acquire the basics of chemistry and mathematics at the basis of enzyme kinetics

- Possess the information necessary for the understanding of the molecular basis of enzyme catalysis and enzyme inhibition.

- Understand the chemical/physical factors that affect enzyme activity.
• Practical and subject specific skills

- Predict (also quantitatively) the evolution of enzyme-catalyzed reactions in different experimental/environmental conditions (both in vivo and in vitro).
- Understand the mechanisms of different enzymes in catalysis.
• Autonomous assessment
- Ability to understand and critically discuss the mechanism of enzyme action, in particular concerning potential biotechnological applications.
• Communication skills
- Ability to extract and synthesize relevant information from literature

- Ability to effectively communicate using the correct terminology (both orally and in written form)
- Ability to summarize and present the information (also as mathematical terms, chemical reactions and charts).

• Learning abilities
- ability to read, understand and criticize a scientific text concerning the course topics (in English).
- ability to use this knowledge to evaluate the aims and/or the results of a research project both on the qualitative and quantitative point of view