Learning objectives
The integrated course of Biomolecular Fundamentals aims to provide the student with the key to understanding the organic world in order to understand the subjects that will be taught in the most specialized courses.
The goal is also to allow the student to know and understand the basics of the structure and function of biological macromolecules in the context of cells.
The student will have to acquire an overview of cellular metabolic processes and their connection with energy consumption and production. He will have to learn the interconnections between chemistry and biology.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of the following topics of Chemistry is required to understand the contents of the course:
The constitution of matter, elements and compounds. The fundamental particles of the atom. Atomic number and mass number. Atomic weight and molecular weight. Isotopes. Ions: cations and anions.
The periodic table and the electronic configuration of the elements of biological interest.
Electronegativity and chemical bonds: ionic bond and covalent bond. The molecules. Lewis formulas. Fundamentals of molecular geometry. The polarity of molecules. Valence and oxidation number.
Fundamentals of inorganic chemistry: formulas and names of the most common inorganic compounds.
Concept of mole, conversion from grams to moles and vice versa, elementary stoichiometric calculations. Solutions: main ways of expressing the concentration of solutions.
The principle of conservation of mass and charge: balancing of simple reactions. Oxidation-reduction reactions. Chemical equilibrium and Le Châtelier's principle.
There will be four additional hours of optional lessons to explain the fundamental concepts of the preparatory contents to the Biochemistry module.
Course unit content
Basic components of living things: proteins, lipids, sugars and nucleic acids, their metabolism and regulation. Eukaryotic cells, viruses, bacteria. Sexual and sexual reproduction, gametogenesis and fertilization.
Full programme
Bibliography
- Elementi di Biologia, Solomon et al. (EdiSES).
- Principi di Biologia, Campbell (Zanichelli).
- Elementi di Chimica e Biochimica, Chiricozzi et al. (EdiSES).
-Biochimica Essenziale con Richiami di Chimica Generale e Chimica Organica, D'Andrea (EdiSES).
Chimica e Biochimica, Stefani & Taddei (Zanichelli).
Le basi della Biochimica, Abali et al. (Zanichelli).
Biochimica e Biologia per le professioni sanitarie 2/ed, Roberti et al. (Mc Graw Hill).
Chimica Generale, Chimica Organica, Propedeutica Biochimica 1/ed. revisionata, Denniston et al. (Mc Graw Hill).
- Campbell - Biologia e Genetica, Urry et al. (Pearson).
- Chimica Generale, Chimica Organica e Biochimica, Frost & Deal (Monduzzi).
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held on-site. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations, audio-video aids e test and quizzes for the consolidation of new concepts.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of the achievement of the objectives of the course consists of a written (or possibly oral) examination on the whole program of the course (Biology and Biochemistry). Overall, particular attention will be paid to ascertain whether the student has achieved the goal of knowledge and understanding of the content.
As required by law and by the academic regulations, it is not possible to carry out the examination in two parts and acquire loans of a part of the exam.
Board of Examiners: Marco Lugli and Mariana Gallo
Other information
