14041 - Biochemistry Lab-based Course (C1A)

Learning outcomes

The students acquire methodological and application-oriented skills to integrate their knowledge in the topics of the Chemistry and Biochemistry lectures.

Course contents

Chemical behaviour of different ions (metal character, amphoteric character, ions of transition metals) in aqueous solutions. Precipitation reactions. Formation of complex ions. Redox reactions.

pH indicators.

Acid-base titrations: strong acid-strong base (followed with the use of a pH-indicator); weak acid-strong base (potentiometric titration). The choice of indicator and its color changes as a function of pH. Elaboration of the obtained experimental data. Determination of the ionization constant of a weak acid (Ka). Composition and properties of buffer solutions.

Benedict's test for reducing sugars.

Readings/Bibliography

K.J. Denniston, J.J. Topping, R.L. Caret “Chimica generale Chimica Organica Propedeutica Biochimica” Ed. McGraw-Hill

A. Bertoluzza et al. “Guida allo studio della Chimica” Ed. Esculapio.

Teaching material can be downloaded through Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Laboratory procedures will be available also on line.

Teaching methods

Lecture (2 hours) on the general issues related to laboratory activity. The course is aimed at verifying through experiments some of the topics presented during the lectures of chemistry (at FABIT Laboratory, Via San Giacomo 14 or on-line).

Assessment methods

Practical exercises are helpful for the Chemistry and Biochemistry exam.

Report on the practical laboratory exercises: titration curve of acetic acid and calculations (acid concentration and Ka) to be uploaded on Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it) before the exam of Chemistry and General Biochemistry. Each student will receive the corrected report.

Teaching tools

Slides and videos.

Teaching material can be downloaded through Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Office hours

See the website of Paola Taddei