C9308 - BIOCHEMISTRY

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed at the comprehension of the main biological process at a molecular level: structures, properties and function of biomolecules, molecular mechanism, route and law of bio- transformations, the base of microbiological physiology and genetics, enzymatic catalysis and fermentation. The course is also aimed at the comprehension and application of the knowledge and acquired skills in the biochemical interaction among organisms and environment.

Course contents

Prerequisites : basic knowledge of chemistry is required.

This biochemistry teaching module is part of the integrated course on BIOCHEMISTRY AND ECOLOGY.

The module consists of two parts:

Part 1: Biochemistry

1. Macromolecules: amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids.

2. Protein structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary.

3. Plant biochemistry: photosynthesis (light-dependent reactions, carbon fixation), sugar synthesis, bacterial photosynthesis.

4. Sugar catabolism: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, respiration, chemiosmosis.

5. Enzyme catalysis: substrate specificity, catalytic mechanisms, enzyme kinetics.

Specific examples from scientific literature will be presented during the course.

Part 2: Biochemical methodologies

This part of the module consists of an experimental laboratory course. The experimental laboratory course will introduce students to basic approaches for protein quantification and separation/identification.

The following experimental activities are included in the laboratory:

1) determination of protein content using a colorimetric assay

2) separation of a mixture of known proteins via chromatography

3) identification of purified proteins using spectrophotometric and electrophoretic techniques.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended text. Any basic biochemistry textbook from the following list:

"Lehninger_Principles of Biochemistry"

"Stryer_Biochemistry”

"Voet & Voet_Biochemistry"

Parts 1 and 2. Lecture slides and the scientific literature used for specific examples will be available to students as PowerPoint or PDF files on the Virtual Learning Environment platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it).

Teaching methods

Part 1: the teaching method is based on lectures. Course content will be presented using PowerPoint slides. Attendance is not mandatory but is highly recommended, as the material presented and explained by the teacher may be discussed in class. This teaching approach facilitates learning and helps students acquire a solid understanding of the subject matter. Students are encouraged to notify the teacher of any specific needs via email as soon as possible. This will allow the teacher to determine the most appropriate support tools to make the course accessible to everyone.

Part 2: practical laboratory work will involve the use of various analytical instruments. This will be followed by group discussions of the data obtained. Students are encouraged to notify the teacher of any specific needs via email as soon as possible. This will allow the teacher to determine the most appropriate support tools to make the training course accessible to all students. Given the nature of the activities and the teaching methods employed, participation in this course requires that all students first complete the e-learning Modules 1 and 2 on workplace safety (https://site.unibo.it/tutela-promozione-salute-sicurezza/it/corsi-di-formazione/formazione-obbligatoria-su-sicurezza-e-salute-per-svolgimento-di-tirocinio-tesi-laboratorio). Students with special needs and/or relevant certifications are invited to contact the teacher via email, copying the DSA service (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) on the message.

Assessment methods

Part 1: assessment will consist of an oral interview featuring questions on the topics covered in class, designed to verify and evaluate the student's knowledge of the content developed and discussed during the course. Additionally, the exam will assess the student's ability to connect and integrate various topics, with particular attention paid to the scientific terminology used.

Part 2: assessment will take place during the oral exam, which may include questions regarding the principles of the techniques used during laboratory exercises.

Students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support independent study and to deepen their understanding or clarify topics covered in the course. In any case, it remains the student's responsibility to critically verify the accuracy, reliability, and correct interpretation of the information used.

To achieve a final grade of 30/30 *cum laude* (the maximum possible score), the student must demonstrate excellent knowledge of the topics covered—acquired through the textbooks, study materials, and bibliography indicated by the teacher during lectures—and must explain these topics using appropriate scientific language while demonstrating the ability to integrate them correctly.

The final grade will range from 30/30 down to 18/30, depending on the number of questions answered and the student's ability to integrate topics using scientific terminology. To achieve a grade of 18/30 (the minimum passing grade), the student must possess a basic understanding of all content discussed during lectures. In the event of a score lower than 18, the exam must be retaken at a subsequent session.

The grade obtained remains valid for the duration of one year and contributes to the final grade, which is calculated as a weighted average of the Biochemistry and Ecology course modules. The teacher responsible for the Biochemistry module will communicate the final grade to the student—either during the exam or via email—and will officially record it upon receiving the student's consent.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities: it is recommended that you contact the relevant University office ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ) well in advance. That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students concerned; these must be submitted to the course teacher for approval at least 15 days beforehand, so that the teacher can assess their suitability in light of the course's learning objectives.

Students recognized as "working students": please consult the dedicated webpage ( https://www.unibo.it/it/studiare/guida-alla-scelta-del-corso/conciliare-studio-e-lavoro ) to apply for this status and access the associated provisions.

Teaching tools

Part 1 and Part 2: students are encouraged to email the teacher with any requests as soon as possible. This will allow the teacher to determine the most suitable educational support tools to make the course accessible to all students.

Lesson content will be presented via PowerPoint slides and discussed with the entire class using appropriate teaching materials. Practical laboratory work and the use of various equipment will be conducted using appropriate instructional tools to ensure the training is accessible to all students.

During the first part of the course, lessons will be accessible via a link to the Virtual Learning Environment platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Francia