BIOCHIMICA E PATOLOGIA CLINICA

Module Clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology

1. Knowledge and understanding

The course provides students with a solid foundation in Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology. Students will acquire knowledge of the molecular components of living organisms, as well as the essential molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying vital processes and metabolic activities, with particular reference to the nervous system. They will also gain understanding of the principles of biosignaling, the characteristics of biological samples, and the main analytical techniques used to detect analytes in biological specimens.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to understand the structure and function of biologically relevant molecules, interpret the main biochemical, metabolic, and molecular mechanisms, and analyze the role of the nervous system and its integration with other organs in pathophysiological conditions. They will also be able to identify and evaluate key analytes in selected pathophysiological states.

3. Making judgements

Students will develop the ability to critically assess biochemical and molecular data, interpret laboratory results related to biological samples, and formulate informed judgments in physiological and pathophysiological contexts.

4. Communication skills

Students will be able to communicate scientific information clearly and effectively, using appropriate terminology in the fields of clinical biochemistry and molecular biology, both in academic and professional settings.

5. Learning skills

Students will acquire the learning skills necessary to independently deepen and update their knowledge in clinical biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in relation to advances in analytical techniques and scientific research.

Equal opportunities

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, in accordance with the learning objectives and their specific needs.

Frontal teaching,  Individual study.

If the teaching is given in a mixed or remote way, the necessary changes may be introduced with respect to what was previously reported, in order to carry out  the program  reported in the syllabus.

Attendance requirements as required by the Degree Course Regulation

1) Basic chemistry concepts. Chemical bonds. Chemical reactions.

2) Biochemistry concepts. A-Simple and conjugated amino acids and proteins: structure and function. The enzymes. 

B-Carbohydrates: structure and function.

C-Monosaccharides. Disaccharides: the glycosidic bond. Polysaccharides: starch, cellulose, glycogen.

D-Lipids: structure and function. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Triglycerides. Phospholipids. Steroids: structure and functions of cholesterol.

E-Nucleic acids: nucleosides and nucleotides. Structure of ATP, acetylCoA and adenine coenzymes.

3) General principles of metabolism and implications in clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology: Catabolic and anabolic pathways. principles of bioenergetics. Carbohydrate metabolism: glycolysis; destinies of pyruvate. Citric acid cycle. Protein metabolism, urea cycle. Lipid metabolism: triglyceride metabolism; metabolic fates of acetyl-CoA; β-oxidation, ketone bodies; biosynthesis of fatty acids.

4) Biological membranes: structure and function. Pathways of signal transduction, types of receptors. Pathophysiological role of ligand-receptor interactions focusing attention on the nervous system and endocrine system.

5) The use of the main laboratory tests required in clinical practice.

6) Molecular diagnostic tests overview.

1) Chimica e Biochimica di Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei - Zanichelli editore
2) Chimica e Biochimica per le lauree triennali dell'area biomedica di Michele Samaja, Rita Paroni - Piccin 
3) Biochimica clinica essenziale dal laboratorio ai quadri di patologia clinica  di Elisabetta Albi, Tommaso Beccari, Samuela Cataldi - Zanichelli editore

Oral examination.    Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

The evaluation of the knowledge acquired takes place through an oral exam. The grade is expressed on a scale of thirty, up to a maximum of 30/30 cum laude.

The following parameters will be taken into account to assign the final grade:

• Score 29-30 with honors: The student demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the topics, promptly and correctly integrates and critically analyzes the situations presented, independently solving even very complex problems. He has excellent communication skills and competently masters the language adopted in clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology.

• Score 26-28: The student has a good understanding of the topics, is able to integrate and analyze the situations presented critically and logically, explains the topics clearly using appropriate scientific language.

• Score 22-25: The student has a fair understanding of the topics, even if limited to the main areas. He is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, although not always in a linear way, and presents the topics quite clearly with moderate linguistic competence.

• Score 18-21: The student has minimal knowledge of the topics, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented and presents the topics clearly enough, although his/her linguistic competence may be poorly developed.

• Exam not passed: The student does not have the minimum required knowledge of the fundamental contents of the course. The ability to use a specific language is minimal or non-existent and the student is not able to independently apply the knowledge acquired.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.