08147 - Agricultural Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of course unit, the student will be able for applying basic knowledge on the main chemical and biochemical processes which are related to metabolic cycles. Structures of macromolecules involved into metabolic pathway  will be approached. Moreover, the student will be able to acquire knowledge of soil and its components and main physical-chemical properties, the concept of soil fertility and how it has be evaluated and preserved.

Course contents

Course Unit 1. Elements of Agricultural Biochemistry (total 30 numbers of credits).

Macromolecules structure:

-Amino acids and peptides

-Proteins (Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures)

-Enzymes (kinetics and inhibitors)

-Carbohydrates (simple and polysaccharide)

- Lipids

- Glycolsys

- Cycle of Krebs

- Cellular respiration

- Photosynthesis and Cycle of Calvin

Course Unit 2. Elements of Soil Chemistry (total 30 number of credits).

Soil chemical properties:

- pH and buffer capacity

- Cation exchange capacity and Anion exchange capacity

- Soil organic matter and humic substances 

Cycle of nutrients (N, P, S, K)

Soil fertility index

Mineral and organic fertilizers

Readings/Bibliography

 J.L. Tymoczko, J.M. Berg, L. Stryer. Principi di biochimica. Zanichelli, 2010

P. Violante. Chimica e fertilità del suolo. Edagricole, 2013

P. Sequi, C. Ciavatta, T. Miano. Fondamenti di Chmica del Suolo. Patron Editore 2017.

L. Scarponi (a cura). Biochimica agraria. Patron, 2003

Students who wish to make the oral exam in English can use the following textbook:

D.L. Sparks. Environmental soil chemistry. Academic Press, 2003

 J. M. Chesworth, T. Stuchbury, J.R. Scaife. An introduction to agricultural biochemistry. Chapman & Hall, 1998.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures (36 hours) and practices (24 hours) represented by seminars offered by visiting professors from other institutions, to integrate the instructor's lectures

Assessment methods

The evaluation of the course takes into account jointly the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the student in relation to the contents of Biochemistry and Soil fertility.

For this course, the skills will be assessed through a final oral examination, consisting of 2 questions. The duration of the oral examination is estimated at around 20-30 minutes and the final grade is an average of Biochemistry and Soil Chemistry questions.

Students who want take the final exam in English must apprise the teacher at least two days in advance.

Teaching tools

Video projector, PC, overhead projector and articles

Office hours

See the website of Ornella Francioso