B8406 - Fundamentals of Chemistry

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student knows the basics of chemistry, essential for understanding biological processes. In particular, the student: knows the main functional groups of organic molecules, the behaviour of acids and bases in solution, and the bases of chemical reactions important for biological processes; is able to define the concentration of a solution.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "The Cell from Molecules to Tissues".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with proper knowledge of cellular structure, organization, and functions, as well as the chemical and biochemical aspects underlying metabolism and information transmission in cells and tissues.

The Integrated Course "The Cell from Molecules to Tissues" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.5, 1.9, 1.22.

Specific Course contents:

General and inorganic chemistry. Matter: properties, measures and classification. Structure of the atom. Periodic table and periodic properties of elements. Chemical bond. States of aggregation of matter.. Chemical reactions and stoichiometry. Solutions: characteristics, expression of concentration. Chemical reactions kinetics. Chemical equilibrium. Acid-base equilibrium in water: self-dissociation of water; pH; acidic and/or basic solutions pH; hydrolysis; pH buffers. Water chemistry. Basics of thermodynamics.

Basics of organic chemistry: hybridization of carbon orbitals; nomenclature and stereoisomers of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cyclic hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds and halogenated hydrocarbons; nomenclature and chemical properties of organic molecules featured by a functional group: hydroxyl group (alcohols and phenols); sulfydryl group (thiol); ethereal group (ethers and thioethers); amine group (amines); carbonyl group (aldehydes and ketones); carboxylic group (carboxylic acids and thioesters, amides and anhydrides)

Readings/Bibliography

K.J. Denniston, J. J. Topping, R L. Caret; “General, Organic and Biochemistry”; McGraw Hill

Teaching methods

Lectures integrated with exercises and discussion with the students.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course "The Cell from Molecules to Tissues" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is a practical examination, which includes the identification and oral description of a histological specimen, aimed at also evaluating the acquisition of adequate verbal competences. The exam is passed if the student identifies at least the tissue presented.

The final grade of the Integrated Course corresponds to that obtained in the written test.

Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali] .

Teaching tools

Blackboard and PowerPoint presentations for lectures. Documents and slides shown are made available to students on the Virtuale platform and can be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Stagni