Learning objectives
The course aim is to provide students with the basic concepts to understand the energy interconversion in biological systems and the interaction between ligands and biological macromolecules.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The laws of thermodynamics. Application of thermodynamic principles to chemical and biological systems. Calorimetry and biocalorimetry.
Thermodynamic properties of solutions and applications, phase equilibria, osmotic pressure, membrane equilibria.
Chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics of chemical reactions in solution, proton binding: pH behaviour of biomolecules, binding equilibria, binding curves.
Bioenergetics, molecules through membranes: transport modes, coupled reactions.
Intermolecular forces, van der Waals forces, potential energy, hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interactions.
Full programme
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Bibliography
- P. W. Atkins, J. De Paula, Chimica Fisica Biologica 1, prima edizione italiana, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2007.
- P. W. Atkins, J. De Paula, Chimica Fisica, quarta edizione italiana, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2004.
- A.G. Marshall, Biophysical Chemistry, Wiley & sons, New York.
- K.E. Van Holde, Physical Biochemistry, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs.
- David G. Nicholls Bioenergetics Academic press, inc.
- Scientific reviews on specific topics.
Teaching methods
lectures
Assessment methods and criteria
During teaching activity the students can take two written "in itinere" tests, or, alternatively, an oral examination on the whole syllabus during normal examination sessions
Other information
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