Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding.
To know, understand and remember the major metabolic pathways and their regulation; the structure and functions of hormones and enzymes; the endocrine regulation of the body's metabolic functions under biological terms as well as from a clinical point of view; the metabolic coordination and biochemical correlations between organs and tissues under normal and pathological conditions and the molecular basis of major human diseases as well as knowledge of nutrients and their transformations during the catabolic and anabolic phases of metabolism, on the energy exchanges associated with these transformations and the thermodynamic and kinetic basis of metabolism.
Applying knowledge and understanding.
To utilize the gained biochemical knowledge and analytical skills in a highly professional manner across relevant work domains. Additionally, to be able to accurately formulate and endorse reasoning to address and resolve issues pertinent to medical clinical cases.
Making judgements.
To develop a discerning ability to assess the biochemical nature of related molecular and metabolic mechanisms, to evaluate the study of life at the molecular level, as well as gather and analyse clinical data, formulate hypotheses, and independently research relevant scientific information.
Communication skills.
To effectively convey information, address issues, and present solutions inherent to the discipline. Clearly and rigorously elaborate on metabolic relationships among diverse tissues/organs, along with the primary intercellular communication systems. Articulate the content and potential applications of metabolism concisely and lucidly.
Learning skills.
To possess the essential learning skills required to independently pursue the study of subsequent disciplines with a high level of autonomy.
Prerequisites
Basic concepts of cell biology, organic chemistry, and biophysics represent an advantage for the students in understanding the topics covered in the Biochemistry course. Having passed the PHYSICO-CHEMICAL BASES OF LIFE exam should be a prerequisite to being able to enrol in the Biochemistry exam. .
Course unit content
The course provides chemical and molecular aspects of metabolic compounds and intermediates as well as the mechanisms and significance of the regulation and coordination of metabolism in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Full programme
COURSE OUTLINE FOR THE INTEGRATED COURSE OF HUMAN BIOCHEMISTRY – 1st year, 2nd semester: 12 Credit Units (CFU)
Chemistry of Amino acids and Proteins. Protein purification & characterization. Structure and functions of proteins. Translation and post-translational modifications. Protein folding and Proteostasis. Myoglobin/Hemoglobin and oxygen transport. Structure and Functions of Immunoglobulins. Enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Enzyme catalytic strategies. Regulation of enzyme activity. Chemical structure of carbohydrates. Cofactors, coenzymes, and vitamins. Lipid Structures and Biological membranes. Membrane dynamics and Solute transport across membranes. Molecular biology techniques. Biochemical Signalling. Protein Kinases and Phosphatases. Bioenergetics and Introduction to metabolism. Regulation of metabolic pathways. Glycolysis. Glycogen metabolism. Gluconeogenesis. Glucose homeostasis. Insulin-glucagon and blood glucose regulation. Citric acid cycle. Electron transport. Oxidative Phosphorylation. Respiratory control. Amino acids metabolism. Nitrogen metabolism and the urea cycle. Protein metabolism. Iron and Heme metabolism. Lipid metabolism. Cholesterol metabolism. The biochemistry of drug development. Hormone structure and action. Hormonal regulation of fuel metabolism.
Bibliography
1. LEHNINGER PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMISTRY 8TH EDITION BY: DAVID L. NELSON, MICHAEL M. COX
2. BIOCHEMISTRY 9TH EDITION BY: JEREMY M. BERG, LUBERT STRYER, JOHN TYMOCZKO, GREGORY GATT
3. MARKS' BASIC MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY A CLINICAL APPROACH 5TH EDITION BY: MICHAEL LIEBERMAN, ALISA PEET
4. MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY 5TH EDITION BY: MAREK H. DOMINICZAK, JOHN W. BAYNES
Teaching methods
The course will be divided into heuristic frontal lessons in which the above-mentioned contents will be discussed. The students will be led through a training course in order to favour a positive acquisition of the process of transferring basic research into medical application. Students will be trained in the ability to integrate information from different sources (media, IT supports, recent literature, and reference texts). Throughout the lessons, students will have the chance to engage in discussions on the essential aspects of the course. Teachers will be accessible throughout the entire duration of the course to address queries and assist students through individual appointments as needed. Supporting material will be available on the Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of a written test featuring questions on the principal subjects covered in the comprehensive program outlined below. The test is divided into 30 multiple choice questions (1 point/each for the correct answer; no penalty for incorrect answer). The time allowed for the test is 60 minutes; in the first 20 minutes, the student is allowed to quit, returning the test to the commission. In case of a positive result (mark ≥ 18), the student can choose whether to proceed with the recording of the final mark or to integrate the written test result with an oral exam. The corrected written text, reviewed by the instructor, will be the focal point of discussion during the oral exam, facilitating self-correction and content integration as necessary for the student. The schedule for oral exams will be provided following the correction of written exams. The oral examination will proceed conventionally, covering additional topics from the program. Considering all acquired elements, the committee will determine the final grade. Students who do not pass the written test will have the opportunity to review the correct text and discuss errors or weaknesses with faculty members of the committee via email by appointment. This activity aims to enhance individual preparation for subsequent attempts to pass the written exam. At the end of each lesson, questions will be presented to the class aimed at strengthening the achievement of the training objectives and monitoring the level of understanding of the topics, which students will be asked to answer voluntarily. In case of the persistence of the health emergency, the exam will be conducted remotely by Teams and/or Elly. 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/servizi/cai-supporto-studenti-con-disabilita-dsa-bes#:~:text=Gli%20studenti%20con%20disabilit%C3%A0%2C%20Disturbi%20Specifici%20dell%E2%80%99Apprendimento%20%28DSA%29,web%20del%20Centro%20di%20Accoglienza%20e%20Inclusione%20http%3A%2F%2Fcai.unipr.it).
Other information
Supporting Activities:
The educational content has been transferred to the E-Learning University website -> lea.unipr.it. To access it, click on the "Go" button located at the bottom of Moodle. The availability and updates of teaching materials are contingent upon approval by the university's competent authorities. Individual students can access the restricted section of the course using a username and password. Upon logging in, students can schedule exams by booking them from the available lists, which are accessible and scheduled annually.
