Morpho-Functional Sciences

Module Biochemistry

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will:

- understand the structure, properties, and functions of major biomolecules (proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids); 

- understand the thermodynamic and kinetic principles underlying biochemical reactions; - understand the mechanisms regulating cellular metabolism, with particular reference to the regulation of rate-limiting enzymes in metabolic cycles; 

- understand the organization and integration of major metabolic pathways.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding 

By the end of the course, students will:

- apply biochemical concepts to interpret biological and physiological phenomena;  

- connect biochemical processes with pathologies and clinical conditions of biomedical interest. 

Making Judgments 

By the end of the course, students will:

- compare hypotheses relating to complex biochemical phenomena; 

- formulate independent interpretations regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological or pathological cellular processes. 

Communication Skills

By the end of the course, students will be expected to:

- communicate the biochemical concepts presented clearly and rigorously;

- use appropriate specific language.

Learning Skills

By the end of the course, students will be expected to:

- possess the theoretical foundations necessary for independent learning of advanced biochemistry content;

- be able to update their knowledge through consultation of scientific articles and digital resources;  

 integrate knowledge from related disciplines (chemistry, physiology, pathology, pharmacology);

- develop critical and continuous study skills, also with a view to future specialized or professional careers.

To stimulate student interest, the various topics will be explained by emphasizing logical and consequential interconnections, highlighting clinical aspects, and introducing experimental methods.

Traditional lectures, with the support of slides and audiovisual tools. At the end of the lecture, ample space is given to the comment on the discussed topics.
Should teaching be carried out in mixed modality or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous roles, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the Syllabus.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) of competence.

The course includes the minimum basic requirements to be able to follow the lessons and take the final exam. The student attending the Biochemistry course will have to know the fundamental concepts of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemical Propaedeutics and have a good knowledge base of physics and cell biology.

Mandatory, according to the percentages of attendance dictated by the regulations of the Degree Program.

• PROTEINS
• CHROMOPROTEINS FOR OXYGEN TRANSPORT
• PLASMA PROTEIN
• ENZYMES AND ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS
• THE CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM
• THE LIPID METABOLISM
• THE METABOLISM OF AMINOACID
• VITAMINS
• MECHANISM OF ACTION OF HORMONES AND METABOLIC INTEGRATIONS

1. Chimica e Biochimica – Bertoldi, Colombo, Magni, Manin, Palestini – EdiSES Editori (reference text)
2. Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger – D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox – ZANICHELLI 
3. Biochimica medica – Siliprandi, Tettamanti – PICCIN (for further information)

Learning is assessed through the final exam, concurrently with the Anatomy and Physiology exam. 1. Knowledge and Understanding

The student must demonstrate a solid understanding of fundamental biochemical concepts, the function of the main classes of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids), metabolism (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, etc.), and the principles of gene regulation. During the oral exam, the student will be asked questions to assess their understanding of the course topics outlined in the "Expected Learning Outcomes" section.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

The student must be able to apply their biochemical knowledge by writing the structural formulas of the main molecules, the names of enzymes, and the principles of their regulation, interpreting metabolic pathways in specific contexts (e.g., fasting, exercise, hyperglycemia).

3. Making judgments

The student must be able to make independent judgments about metabolic pathways related to pathophysiological events. The exam will include questions that require analysis and personal reflections on simple and complex metabolic disorders.

4. Communication skills

The student must be able to orally present a specific topic during the exam, with clarity and the ability to argue, effectively communicating information, ideas, and problems in the biochemical field using appropriate technical language.

5. Learning skills

The student must have developed the ability to delve deeper into topics not covered in detail during the course and independently consult bibliographical resources, necessary for undertaking further studies with a high degree of autonomy (e.g., a master's degree), demonstrating initiative in seeking information and maintaining ongoing education. The overall exam grade will consider the achievement of all these aspects, not just mere rote knowledge.

The interview, which covers all three modules, lasts 45 minutes, depending on the student's level of preparation.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with applicable laws, interested students may request an interview to plan any compensatory and/or extenuating measures, based on their educational objectives and specific needs. In this case, it is recommended that you contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact professor in the Department where the degree program is located.

• The Cori cycle and the Alanine cycles
• The biochemistry of muscle contraction
• Transamination reactions+
• The Krebs Cycle and its regulation