Programme

Module 1: Protein Structure

Water
Weak interactions in aqueous systems
Hydrogen bonding
Ionization of water, weak acids, and weak bases
Amino acids, peptides, and proteins
Amino acids
Peptides and proteins
Covalent bonds in peptides and proteins
Protein Structure
Primary Structure
Secondary Structure
Tertiary Structure
Quaternary Structure
Supramolecular Structures
Folding and Unfolding (General Aspects)
Protein Functions
Enzymology
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids
Techniques for Protein Purification and Characterization

Core Documentation

Nelson, Cox – Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, W.H. Freeman, 8th edition

Attendance

Optional but strongly recommended for achieving the course objectives and passing the exam.

Type of evaluation

Oral exam.

Programme

The Bioenergetics and Metabolism module (Prof. Alessandra di Masi) will cover the following topics: bioenergetics and types of biochemical reactions, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, principles of metabolic regulation, citric acid cycle, fatty acid catabolism, amino acid oxidation and urea cycle, oxidative phosphorylation.

The Biochemistry course’s lab module includes four lab sessions (with a requirement to attend at least 75% of the sessions), each lasting 2 hours. The topics covered in the experiments are:
1. Quantification of proteins using the Bradford method.
2. Separation of proteins using SDS-PAGE and determination of their molecular weight based on migration distance.
3. Characterization of the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase.
4. Data analysis

Core Documentation

- NELSON, COX, I PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA DI LEHININGER, ZANICHELLI
- VOET, VOET, PRATT, FONDAMENTI DI BIOCHIMICA, ZANICHELLI STRYER, BIOCHIMICA, ZANICHELLI
- M. K. Campbell, S. O. Farrell, O. M. McDougal "Biochimica", Ed. Edises
- Devlin T.M. La Biochimica, Ed. Edises

RECEPTION TIME: Monday 10 am

Type of delivery of the course

The practice module of the Biochemistry course includes three laboratory experiences, each lasting 2 hours. The experimental data obtained during the practical experiences must be analyzed by the students using appropriate software (Excel). The results obtained will be discussed together with the teacher during a classroom lectures.

Attendance

Attendance is not required for in-class lectures. Attendance is required for at least 75% of the lab sessions.

Type of evaluation

The exam will be held orally. Only students who have attended at least 75% of the lab sessions will be eligible to take the exam.

Programme

The lab module for the Biochemistry course is MANDATORY and consists of four lab sessions, each lasting 2 hours. The topics covered in the lab sessions are:
1. Quantification of proteins using the Bradford method.
2. Separation of proteins using SDS-PAGE and determination of their molecular weight based on migration distance.
3. Characterization of the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase.
4. Data analysis

Core Documentation

The slides of each lecture will be made available

Type of delivery of the course

The laboratory exercises will all be carried out in presence.

Attendance

Attendance is NOT required for in-class lectures. Attendance is required for at least 75% of the lab sessions.

Type of evaluation

The final grade will evaluate the following parameters: a) Appropriateness, correctness and congruence of the acquired knowledge and skills; b) Appropriate use of the specific language of the discipline; c) Expressive capacity; d) Logical skills; e) Ability to synthesize; f) Ability to link different topics. Consequently, the judgment may be: a) Sufficient (from 18 to 20/30) b) Fair (21 to 23) c) Good (from 24 to 26) d) Excellent (from 27 to 29) e) Excellent (30)