Learning objectives
The course has the learning objective to provide the students with a solid knowledge and understanding of the essential principles of chemistry, the electronic structure of atom, chemical bonding in inorganic/organic molecules and the macromolecules of biological interest.
The student will be required to know and understand:
1) the main concepts of chemical reactions;
2) the functional role of biomolecules that compose the living matter;
3) the essential aspects of cellular metabolic pathways.
At the end of the course the student will be required to show knowledge and understanding about the name and corresponding chemical drawing of main classes of compounds with biological relevance; be able to identify the functional groups of organic molecules responsible of their reactivity; know the general scheme of metabolism, the major metabolic pathways and their connection with energy production and energy consumption; understand the connection between chemistry and biology.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Organic chemistry: functional groups and their reactivity.
Biomolecules: aminoacids and proteins; carbohydrates; lipids.
Enzymes.
Haemoglobin and myoglobin.
Overview of metabolism: catabolism and anabolism.
Conversion of chemical energy into other forms of energy useful for the body.
Full programme
Periodic table and electron configuration of the elements. Pure and polar covalent bonds. Oxidation number. Acid-base concepts. Fundamental concepts in chemical kinetics.
Basic principles of organic chemistry. Main characteristics of the following compounds: hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, amines. Macromolecules of biological interest: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleotides and nucleic acids. Enzymes and enzyme kinetics. General concepts of metabolism. Glycolysis, citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), oxidative phosphorylation.
Bibliography
"Biochimica essenziale" con richiami di Chimica Generale e Chimica Organica di G. D'Andrea. Editore EdiSES.
"Chimica & Biochimica" di Stefani e Taddei. Editore Zanichelli.
“Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger” di David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox. Editore Zanichelli.
“I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger” di David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox. Editore Zanichelli.
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held on-site in compliance with safety standards, provided that further instructions on the ongoing health emergency are not implemented. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly).
Assessment methods and criteria
Written test with open-ended and multiple-choice questions (33 questions). The time allotted for the execution of the test is 60 minutes. The final grade is notified through Esse3 platform.
Students with SLD/BSE must first contact Le Eli-che: support for students with disabilities, D.S.A., B.E.S. (https://sea.unipr.it/it/servizi/le-eli-che-supporto-studenti-con-disabilita-dsa-bes).
Other information
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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