Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding.
Know, understand and remember the basis of cellular metabolism, the metabolic relationships between the various tissues/organs and the biochemical nature of the related molecular and metabolic mechanisms as well as: the organization and roles of hormones, the endocrine control of the organism's metabolic processes, coordination and biochemical connections between organs and tissues in normal and pathological circumstances and molecular foundations of important human diseases.
Applied knowledge and understanding.
Use the acquired biochemical knowledge and analytical skills in a highly professional manner in all relevant areas of work. Furthermore, be able to accurately formulate and support reasoning to address and resolve issues relevant to the field of study.
Autonomy of judgement.
Develop an insightful ability to evaluate the nutritional quality of foods, collect and analyze clinical data, formulate hypotheses, and independently research relevant scientific information.
Communication skills.
Effectively convey information, address problems and present solutions inherent to the discipline. Clearly and rigorously elaborate the metabolic relationships between different tissues/organs, together with the primary intercellular communication systems. Articulate the content and potential applications of metabolism in a concise and lucid manner.
Ability to learn.
Possess the essential learning skills to independently undertake the study of subsequent disciplines with a high level of autonomy.
Prerequisites
To qualify for the Biochemistry and Human Nutrition exam, students must successfully complete the following exams:
- Chemistry and Biochemical Propaedeutics
- Histology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Course unit content
The program will explore the many aspects of human metabolism and its control, laying the foundation for understanding diseases, diagnosis and therapies on a molecular scale. Furthermore, it will clarify aspects of hormonal regulation and the integration of metabolic pathways both at the organ and whole body level.
Full programme
Structure and functions of fatty acids, Biosynthesis of fatty acids, Desaturation and elongation of fatty acids, Regulation of biosynthesis of fatty acids, Metabolites of arachidonic acid, Synthesis of triglycerides and phospholipids, Metabolism of lipids, Biosynthesis of membrane lipids, Biosynthesis of cholesterol and steroids, Steroid hormones, Metabolism and metabolism of lipids nutrition, Energy homeostasis, Fatty liver disease and nutrition, Principles of nutrition - Macronutrients, Principles of nutrition - Micronutrients
Bibliography
We recommend that you refer to the most recent versions of the following texts:
- Nelson DL, Cox MM: Lehninger's principles of biochemistry, Zanichelli, Bologna.
- Devlin TM: Biochemistry with clinical aspects. Wiley-Liss, New York.
- Berg, Tymozcko, Gatto, Stryer: Biochemistry, Zanichelli.
Teaching methods
The course will be divided into heuristic frontal lessons during which priority will be given to dialogue with the students, and in-depth seminars on specific topics, using multimedia systems. During the lessons, students will have the opportunity to discuss the essential aspects of the course. Teachers will be available throughout the course to answer questions and assist students through individual appointments as needed.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam in Human Biochemistry includes a written test with questions on the main topics covered in the extensive program shown below. Approval of the written test is semi-quantitative and gives access to the oral test for the overall evaluation. The corrected written text, reviewed by the teacher, will constitute the focal point of discussion during the oral test, facilitating self-correction and integration of contents as necessary for the student. The timetable for the oral tests will be provided following the marking of the written tests. The oral test will take place in a conventional way, focusing on additional topics of the program. Considering all the elements acquired, the commission will determine the final grade. Students who do not pass the written test will have the opportunity to review the corrected text and discuss any errors or weak points with the commission teachers via email by appointment. This activity aims to enhance individual preparation for subsequent attempts to pass the written test. At the end of each lesson, questions will be presented to the classroom aimed at strengthening the achievement of the training objectives and monitoring the level of understanding of the topics, to which students will be asked to respond voluntarily.
Other information
Support activities:
The educational contents have been transferred to the University E-Learning website -> lea.unipr.it. To access it, click the "Go" button located at the bottom of Moodle. The availability and updating of the teaching material are subject to the approval of the competent University authorities. Individual students can access the restricted section of the course using a username and password. Once logged in, the student can schedule the exams by booking them from the available, accessible and annually scheduled lists.
