Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications

Educational objectives

General objectives
This course introduces students to the basic methods for the design, implementation, and analysis of algorithms, as well as the basic data structures on which they are based. Students will be taught the principles of computational thinking to become able to formulate problems and solutions in a form that is executable by an information processing system.
Specific goals
1. Knowledge and understanding
Students will learn about basic methodologies for the design and analysis of iterative and recursive algorithms, elementary data structures, basic operators, modular design principles, major sorting algorithms, and the most basic implementations of dictionaries, as well as data management, analysis, and visualization.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding:
By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the main basic data structures, particularly those that implement sequences and dictionaries. They will be able to explain algorithms that make use of them and evaluate their complexity, highlighting how performance depends on choices about control flows and data structures adopted. They will also be able to formulate new problems and design new data structures and algorithms, proposing iterative and recursive solutions that are modular and optimized for memory and execution time.
3. Making judgments
The student will be provided with the basics for analyzing the quality of an algorithm and its data structures, both from the perspective of actually solving the problem according to the specified requirements and from that of the computational efficiency with which the problem is solved. The lectures will all be interactive: the lecturer will ask students questions to stimulate them and develop their critical sense. Such questions will also serve to evaluate and prompt students to make connections with the concepts studied so far. Programming will take place interactively, including dedicated sessions in the laboratory.
4. Communication skills
Students will acquire the ability to expound their knowledge in a clear and organized manner. This ability will be tested through the questions presented in the written tests. In addition, a practical test will verify the students' ability to propose and code computer-executable algorithmic solutions. Students will be able to express an algorithmic idea rigorously at a high level, in pseudo-code.
5. Learning skills
Students will find in-depth coverage of what they learned in class in the recommended texts. The code displayed and co-programmed in the classroom and laboratory will be released in a dedicated online space so that it can be used at any time. The material will be used to be able to inspect and debug the solutions shown as well as alter them so that they can be adopted, customized and optimized. The texts will remain the students’ point of reference to find in detail partly forgotten notions.

Educational objectives

General expected learning outcomes
To deal with the problems of mathematics, as algebra, geometry and differential calculus, in qualitative and quantitative terms.
Specific expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the lecture course the student has reviewed and acquired basic notions related to analytical geometry, systems of equations and inequalities, the study of functions and differential and integral calculus. He/she will be able to perform approximate calculations and make estimates and forecasts. He is able to use statistical and probabilistic tools.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: at the end of the lecture course the student is able to use what he has learned in practical and theoretical problems concerning the lecture courses of the following years.
3. Making judgments: The student is able to choose the most suitable mathematical tools to solve a certain problem.
4. Communication skills: The student is able to expose the contents during the oral examination, and to participate in the interactive phases of the lesson.
5. Learning skills: The student is able to use mathematical tools in applications and is able to learn new ones.

Educational objectives

General objectives (goals)
The general objective is the achievement of the mastery of the basic concepts and laws of general chemistry and their applications; the ability to perform stoichiometric calculations.
Specific objectives (goals)
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will have the basic knowledge regarding atomic structure, weight ratios, chemical bond, states of aggregation, fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics, gas phase and solution equilibria, acids and bases, redox reactions and equilibria of solubility.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will acquire the general basics of chemistry preparatory to subsequent courses and will see them applied in numerous examples
3. Making judgements
During the lessons the teacher will ask questions to stimulate the student to actively participate, to look for links between the various topics covered and to critically evaluate the acquired knowledge.
4. Communication skills
The oral part of the assessment of the acquired knowledge will test the student's ability to communicate the concepts acquired in a clear and comprehensive way.
5. Learning skills
In the recommended textbooks and scientific papers, the students will be able to deepen what they have learned in class.

Educational objectives

General objectives (goals)
The general objective is the achievement of the mastery of the basic concepts and laws of general chemistry and their applications; the ability to perform stoichiometric calculations.
Specific objectives (goals)
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will have the basic knowledge regarding atomic structure, weight ratios, chemical bond, states of aggregation, fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics, gas phase and solution equilibria, acids and bases, redox reactions and equilibria of solubility.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will acquire the general basics of chemistry preparatory to subsequent courses and will see them applied in numerous examples
3. Making judgements
During the lessons the teacher will ask questions to stimulate the student to actively participate, to look for links between the various topics covered and to critically evaluate the acquired knowledge.
4. Communication skills
The oral part of the assessment of the acquired knowledge will test the student's ability to communicate the concepts acquired in a clear and comprehensive way.
5. Learning skills
In the recommended textbooks and scientific papers, the students will be able to deepen what they have learned in class.

Educational objectives

General objectives (goals)
The general objective is the achievement of the mastery of the basic concepts and laws of general chemistry and their applications; the ability to perform stoichiometric calculations.
Specific objectives (goals)
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will have the basic knowledge regarding atomic structure, weight ratios, chemical bond, states of aggregation, fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics, gas phase and solution equilibria, acids and bases, redox reactions and equilibria of solubility.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will acquire the general basics of chemistry preparatory to subsequent courses and will see them applied in numerous examples
3. Making judgements
During the lessons the teacher will ask questions to stimulate the student to actively participate, to look for links between the various topics covered and to critically evaluate the acquired knowledge.
4. Communication skills
The oral part of the assessment of the acquired knowledge will test the student's ability to communicate the concepts acquired in a clear and comprehensive way.
5. Learning skills
In the recommended textbooks and scientific papers, the students will be able to deepen what they have learned in class.

Educational objectives

General Goals
The course aims to provide a rigorous knowledge of the fundamental principles of Organic Chemistry. On the one hand, the course will allow obtaining basic knowledge on the classification and nomenclature of organic compounds, how to represent the structures of organic molecules and reactions, as well as deepen the chemical-physical, acidity-basicity, nucleophilic-electrophilic properties of the compounds considered. On the other hand, the course focuses on the description of the different reactivity of the different classes of compounds, concentrating the study on the analysis of the relevant mechanisms. At the end of the course the achievement of an adequate degree of specialist knowledge is assumed, that will make it possible to invoke theories, rules, nomenclature, etc. Furthermore, it will be possible to correctly interpret and elaborate the reaction schemes and to propose alternatives to the syntheses encountered, and finally it will allow establishing connections between the different subjects studied.
Specific goals
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows the main concepts of Organic Chemistry needed both for the knowledge of the molecular structure and for the understanding of the reactivity of the main functional groups. Moreover, the student learns the concepts of stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms in Organic Chemistry.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows and understand the spatial arrangement of the carbon structures and knows how to assign the name to the simplest molecules according to the IUPAC nomenclature; the student is able to show the structures through the most commonly used conventions and assign the absolute configuration to the stereocenters. Furthermore, the student knows the reactivity of the functional groups according to the general scheme of the main reaction mechanisms.
3. Making judgments
The student, at the end of course, is able to collect and understand information useful to express a proper independent opinion. In particular, he must show a critical and proposing spirit in the discussion of issues inherent to natural products and their implications in global health.
4. Communication skills
The student, at the end of course, has the ability to communicate outward the knowledge he has learned during the Master degree, both toward the scientific community and the world of work. In particular, he must be able to provide clear and direct information on chemical reactivity, with particular emphasis to that of the natural products.
5. Learning skills
Given the basic training activity of this course, students who have passed the exam are able to undertake the study of other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set in the Master degree.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The educational goal of the course is students' learning of the fundamentals of probability calculus and statistics.
Specific objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the students will know and understand how to formalize the uncertainty, how to describe a population in quantitative terms and how to make inference about unknown parameters.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Students learn how to formalize a problem in the field of probability calculus or statistics.
3. Making judgments
The discussion of the various methods provides students with the skills necessary to analyze real situations critically and independently.
4. Communication skills
Students acquire the basic elements for reasoning in quantitative terms about uncertainty and statistical problems.
5. Learning skills
Students who pass the exam are able to apply the methods learned in different application contexts.

Educational objectives

General expected learning outcomes
The Physics course aims at providing the student with a good understanding of the foundations of classical physics. In more general terms, however, students will learn to develop simple/approximate mathematical models, which will allow them to predict and analyze the behavior of the physical systems under investigation. While the course will focus on the analysis of classical physics problems, these newly acquired problem-solving tools will be very useful to the student, both throughout his/her academic career and in a professional environment.
Specific expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding
The student will learn the foundations of classical mechanics (kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, conservation of energy and of linear momentum, angular momentum, harmonic motion and waves, fluid dynamics), of thermodynamics (temperature and kinetic theory of gases, specific and latent heat, first and second law of thermodynamics, thermodynamic transformations) and of electromagnetism (electric charge/field/potential, Coulomb’s law, Gauss’s theorem, current and circuits, magnetic field, Lorentz force, Biot-Savart law, Ampere’s theorem). Moreover, the student will be provided with the mathematical and conceptual tools required for a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
As discussed above, the student will acquire a deep understanding of the foundation of classical physics. Of course, the acquired knowledge —which is really a prerequisite for anyone aiming to work in a scientific environment— will have to be much more than trivia. In particular, every student will have to learn how to apply the acquired tools to the analysis and modeling of simple physical systems. During the lectures this ability will be tested continuously through the assignment of exercises. The written exam will be based on such exercises, and together with the oral exam (see below) will allow for a complete evaluation of the level of knowledge and understanding reached by the student.
3. Making judgments
The course aims, first and foremost, at developing the ability to analyze and model physical systems, through the application of the appropriate mathematical tools and by making the required approximations and simplifications. This approach, which has always been crucially important for the investigation of physical phenomena, is now gradually spreading to other disciplines. Throughout the lectures, we will constantly highlight the presence of links and parallels between the subject matter and other branches of science, with particular attention to the biological, medical, and chemical/pharmaceutical fields.
4. Communication skills
The oral exam, which together with the written part described in (2) makes up the final evaluation test, will possibly include questions from every topic included in the course. This will allow for an accurate evaluation of the ability of the student to communicate what he/she has learned during the course.
5. Learning skills
The topics introduced during the lectures are also thoroughly discussed and analyzed in the reference textbook, which the students are expected to consult regularly and in a fully independent manner. The students are also strongly encouraged to look for other sources of information, which may be better suited to their way of thinking. The ability to independently look for alternative sources will be very useful in the future, whenever the situation will demand to rely on the available references in order to recover the required information.

Educational objectives

In addition to the compulsory courses, the study plan provides for the first year of the course two courses chosen by the student of 6 credits each and 1 optional course of 6 credits among the related training activities in the biomedical field. The two courses chosen by the student, which can be independently chosen by the student within the entire English-language educational offer of Sapienza University, must in any case be consistent with the educational objectives of the degree course in Molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and computer science for pharmaceutical applications and be subject to approval by the Degree Program Board, except in the case in which the choice falls within the category of elective courses provided.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The course aims to provide a general overview of the chemistry of food and food natural compounds. The student-based learning objectives include knowledge on the primary and secondary metabolism (in vivo presence, structure, biosynthesis, properties, and applications), the chemical composition of food (macro- and micro-nutrients and secondary metabolites), the impact of chemical compounds on food properties and on main transformation processes during processing and storage.
Specific Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge on (a) the main classes of natural organic substances of primary and secondary metabolism, is able to classify them and to attribute them to one of the studied classes, (b) the semi-synthetic transformations of some natural substances (the most interesting for their biological activity and for technological and industrial applications), (c) chemical characteristics of macro- and micro-nutrients, (d) chemical and nutritional characteristics of foodstuff, (e) the reaction mechanisms among principal food compounds (f) analytical aspects related to food safety and quality assessment.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student is able to classify the different types of natural organic substances based on the functional groups present, to understand the chemical-physical properties of the main classes of natural products and nutrients and to describe chemical and nutritional aspects of foods.
3. Critical and judgmental skills
At the end of the course, the student is able to collect and interpret useful information to formulate judgments independently. In particular, he must critically evaluate the concepts presented in the course, also through the discussion of examples reported in the literature. He will make choices on the basis of knowledge and skills acquired during the course from different points of view: chemical composition, product aspects and safety profile. Moreover, the course provides two moments of discussion on news concerning natural products and food chemistry, useful to stimulate the critical and communication skills.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course, the student possesses the ability to communicate externally the knowledge he has learned, about the scientific community and the world of work. In particular, it must assimilate the scientific language necessary to expose the knowledge acquired in a clear and understandable way and use the technical-scientific terminology and symbology relating to the topic under consideration in an appropriate manner.
5. Learning skills
Students who have passed the exam are able to study independently other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set, thanks to the acquired skills and concepts learned regarding the way to look for information. During the course web sites, bibliography and association of the sector will be provided, useful to develop a network for the future.

Educational objectives

General goals
The course aims to provide a general overview of the chemistry of natural products. After having addressed the study of primary metabolites; it focuses on secondary metabolites (in vivo presence, structure, biosynthesis, properties and applications).
Specific goals
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge on the main classes of natural organic substances of primary and secondary metabolism, is able to classify them and to attribute them to one of the studied classes. He also knows the semi-synthetic transformations of some natural substances, especially those most interesting for their biological activity and for technological and industrial applications.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student is able to classify the different types of natural organic substances based on the functional groups present and understand the chemical-physical properties of the main classes of natural organic substances.
3. Making judgments
At the end of the course, the student is able to collect and interpret useful information to formulate judgments independently. In particular, he must critically evaluate the concepts presented in the course, also through the discussion of examples reported in the literature.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course, the student possesses the ability to communicate externally the knowledge he has learned, with regard to the scientific community and the world of work. In particular, it must assimilate the scientific language necessary to expose the knowledge acquired in a clear and understandable way and use the technical-scientific terminology and symbology relating to the topic under consideration in an appropriate manner.
5. Learning skills
Students who have passed the exam are able to study other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The student-based learning objectives of Food Chemistry module include knowledge on the chemical composition of food, the impact of food components on the properties and on main transformation processes during processing and storage, the major pathologies linked to specific nutrients/foodstuffs.
Specific Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student demonstrates to gain knowledge about: a) chemical and nutritional characteristics of foodstuff, the reactions and interaction among principal food compounds, (b) the reaction mechanisms responsible for the degradation of nutrients (c) chemical and nutritional composition of the major foodstuffs (d)analytical aspects related to food safety and quality assessment.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Be capable of defining and describing chemical and nutritional aspects of plant-based and animal-based foods for human consumption, explaining the chemical and nutritional characteristics of raw foods used for processing products; be able to predict possible reactions in foods.
3. Making judgments
Lessons are designed to acquire the critical skills useful to evaluate food quality and safety, to understand analytical and legal aspects and to judge the chemico-nutritional composition of raw materials. Moreover, the course provides two moments of discussion on news concerning food chemistry, useful to stimulate the critical and communication skills.
4. Communication skills
Acquisition of fundamental skills in written and oral communication about the description of the major food classes in terms of macro- and micro-nutrients compositions, transformations during processing and/or storage, the major fraud and adulterations and the analytical methods applied to test food quality and safety.
5. Learning skills
The student is able to continue studying independently, thanks to the acquired skills and concepts learned regarding the way to look for information. During the course web sites, bibliography and association of the sector will be provided, useful to develop a network for the future.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The "General Biochemistry" course, through lectures and some laboratory experiences, aims to provide students with the conceptual basis to understand the physical, chemical and biological context in which the biological (macro)molecules are found to carry out their activity and where reactions take place. Particular emphasis will be given to the relationships between structure and function of the main classes of macromolecules.
Specific Objectives:
1. Knowledge and understanding (Dublin 1): the development of the knowledge defined in the educational objectives is achieved through theoretical lectures supported by seminars. Know the main metabolic pathways, their regulation at the molecular and cellular level and their integration; recognize the logic that governs the intermediate metabolic flows.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding (Dublin 2): the theoretical knowledge acquired through the course enables the student to independently evaluate and apply the basic concepts listed in the course program indicated below.
3. Making judgments (Dublin 3): the study of current scientific literature supported by theoretical knowledge gained in lectures enables the student to be able to independently and critically evaluate concepts presented and to carry out further literature searches to integrate the knowledge.
4. Communication skills (Dublin 4): drafting of a summary of a recent scientific article related to the concept of "General Biochemistry" together with continuous dialogue with the teacher and other students during the course, will help the student to clearly and concisely illustrate the information obtained from the various experiments, also favoring the use of a suitable technical scientific language
5. Learning skills (Dublin 5): The lectures enable the student to create a solid foundation in terms of knowledge of "General Biochemistry". The integration of this theoretical knowledge with current scientific literature will favor an increase in the autonomy of the evaluation of scientific concepts based on the literature consulted by drawing on reference texts and bibliography, in English.

Educational objectives

General aims:
The course is focused on the deep connection between DNA and protein structure and their functions. The student will learn the molecular mechanisms which are at the base of the processes of Replication, Recombination, Transcription, DNA repair, RNA processing and splicing, protein synthesis and their regulatory circuits.
Specific aims:
1. Knowledge and understanding: The student should learn the basic molecular mechanisms of the cellular homeostasis and gene regulation and the most used techniques of Molecular Biology.
2. Ability to apply Knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to apply this knowledge in the discussion of recent arguments of general interest in Molecular Biology research.
3. Critical Judgement abilities: The student should demonstrate critical judgement abilities in solving problems related to theoretical and practical Molecular Biology projects and should communicate his conclusions to the colleagues and to the teacher in an effective way.
4. The student should demonstrate to be able to apply the learned concepts to his future work in molecular biology.

Educational objectives

General aims:
The course is focused on the deep connection between DNA and protein structure and their functions. The student will learn the molecular mechanisms which are at the base of the processes of Replication, Recombination, Transcription, DNA repair, RNA processing and splicing, protein synthesis and their regulatory circuits.
Specific aims:
1. Knowledge and understanding: The student should learn the basic molecular mechanisms of the cellular homeostasis and gene regulation and the most used techniques of Molecular Biology.
2. Ability to apply Knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to apply this knowledge in the discussion of recent arguments of general interest in Molecular Biology research.
3. Critical Judgement abilities: The student should demonstrate critical judgement abilities in solving problems related to theoretical and practical Molecular Biology projects and should communicate his conclusions to the colleagues and to the teacher in an effective way.
4. The student should demonstrate to be able to apply the learned concepts to his future work in molecular biology.

Educational objectives

General aims:
The course is focused on the deep connection between DNA and protein structure and their functions. The student will learn the molecular mechanisms which are at the base of the processes of Replication, Recombination, Transcription, DNA repair, RNA processing and splicing, protein synthesis and their regulatory circuits.
Specific aims:
1. Knowledge and understanding: The student should learn the basic molecular mechanisms of the cellular homeostasis and gene regulation and the most used techniques of Molecular Biology.
2. Ability to apply Knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to apply this knowledge in the discussion of recent arguments of general interest in Molecular Biology research.
3. Critical Judgement abilities: The student should demonstrate critical judgement abilities in solving problems related to theoretical and practical Molecular Biology projects and should communicate his conclusions to the colleagues and to the teacher in an effective way.
4. The student should demonstrate to be able to apply the learned concepts to his future work in molecular biology.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The course aims to provide the student with the theoretical skills of 'Fundamentals of Chemical Biology' through lectures and seminars. At the end of the integrated course, the student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired the following objectives:
Specific Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding of the student- Knowledge and understanding (Dublin 1): the development of the knowledge defined in the learning objectives is achieved through theoretical lectures supported by seminars.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - Applying knowledge and understanding (Dublin 2): the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course enables the student to independently evaluate and apply the basic concepts listed in the course program.
3. Critical and judgmental skills (lab tests, written reports, etc.) - Making judgments (Dublin 3): the study of current scientific literature supported by theoretical knowledge gained in lectures enables the student to independently and critically evaluate the concepts presented and to carry out further bibliographic research to supplement knowledge.
4. Communication skills (Dublin 4): the writing of a summary of a recent scientific article related to the concept of 'Chemical Biology', together with the continuous discussion with the lecturer and other students during the course, will help the student to clearly and concisely illustrate the information obtained from the various experiments, while also favoring the use of suitable technical, scientific language
5. Ability to pursue study independently - Learning skills (Dublin 5): Lectures enable the student to create a solid foundation in terms of knowledge of "Chemical Biology". The integration of this theoretical knowledge with current scientific literature will foster an increase in the autonomy to evaluate scientific concepts based on the literature consulted by drawing on reference texts and bibliography in English.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The module aims to provide the student with the theoretical skills of "Fundamentals of Chemical Biology II" through lectures. At the end of the integrated course, the student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired the following objectives:
Specific Objectives:
1. Knowledge and understanding (Dublin 1): the development of the knowledge defined in the educational objectives is achieved through theoretical lectures supported by seminars.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding (Dublin 2): the theoretical knowledge acquired through the course enables the student to independently evaluate and apply the basic concepts listed in the course program indicated below.
3. Making judgments (Dublin 3): the study of current scientific literature supported by theoretical knowledge gained in lectures enables the student to be able to independently and critically evaluate concepts presented and to carry out further literature searches to integrate the knowledge.
4. Communication skills (Dublin 4): drafting of a summary of a recent scientific article related to the concept of "Chemical Biology" together with continuous dialogue with the teacher and other students during the course, will help the student to clearly and concisely illustrate the information obtained from the various experiments, also favoring the use of a suitable technical scientific language
5. Learning skills (Dublin 5): The lectures enable the student to create a solid foundation in terms of knowledge of "Chemical Biology". The integration of this theoretical knowledge with current scientific literature will favor an increase in the autonomy of the evaluation of scientific concepts based on the literature consulted by drawing on reference texts and bibliography, in English.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The module aims to provide the student with the theoretical skills of 'Fundamentals of Chemical Biology I' through lectures and seminars. At the end of the integrated course, the student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired the following objectives:
Specific Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding of the student- Knowledge and understanding (Dublin 1): the development of the knowledge defined in the learning objectives is achieved through theoretical lectures supported by seminars.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - Applying knowledge and understanding (Dublin 2): the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course enables the student to independently evaluate and apply the basic concepts listed in the course program.
3. Critical and judgmental skills (lab tests, written reports, etc.) - Making judgments (Dublin 3): the study of current scientific literature supported by theoretical knowledge gained in lectures enables the student to independently and critically evaluate the concepts presented and to carry out further bibliographic research to supplement knowledge.
4. Communication skills (Dublin 4): the writing of a summary of a recent scientific article related to the concept of 'Chemical Biology', together with the continuous discussion with the lecturer and other students during the course, will help the student to clearly and concisely illustrate the information obtained from the various experiments, while also favoring the use of suitable technical, scientific language
5. Ability to pursue study independently - Learning skills (Dublin 5): Lectures enable the student to create a solid foundation in terms of knowledge of "Chemical Biology". The integration of this theoretical knowledge with current scientific literature will foster an increase in the autonomy to evaluate scientific concepts based on the literature consulted by drawing on reference texts and bibliography in English.

Educational objectives

General goals
Introduction to basic algorithm design and analysis, iterative and recursive algorithms, and the computation of their computational efficiency, with particular reference to the algorithms used in the pharmaceutical applications and in life sciences.
Specific goals
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student knows:
- fundamental algorithm design techniques,
- techniques to analyze the correctness and the efficiency of an algorithm.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student is able to:
- analyze the complexity of a problem using rigorous mathematical tools,
- analyze existing algorithms and data structures,
- design and analyze new algorithms and data structures for real-life-problems.
3. Making judgments
The student, at the end of the course, should be able to autonomously choose which algorithmic technique is best suited for a given problem and to evaluate among several algorithmic solutions for a certain problem which one should prefer.
4. Communication skills
The student will acquire the ability to express algorithmic ideas in a simple way, also through the use of pseudo-code.
5. Learning skills
The student will acquire the ability to use algorithmic tools and to understand the impact of these tools when studying computer applications for pharmaceutical sciences.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course will transmit to the students the fundamental principles of Human genetics, in order to highlight the significant impact that this discipline has had and has, in terms of conceptual and practical implications for both basic and applied research, mainly in the biomedical, but also in the zootechnical and agricultural fields. The aim is to provide the theoretical and methodological bases to deepen the genetic basis of biological systems. The acquired knowledge will allow the student to tackle more complex issues such as: the structural and functional analysis of genomes, the characterization of global gene expression in animals and plants and genome editing methodologies for gene therapy.
Specific aims
1. Student knowledge and understanding
Students will know the aforementioned fundamental principles of Human genetics and in particular the principles that regulate the hereditary transmission and the relationships between genotype and phenotype, especially in relation to pathologies of dominant or recessive genetic origin, autosomal or associated with sex chromosomes.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the students will know the genetic basis of hereditary transmission and the relationships between genotype and phenotype. He/she will know and understand the complex mechanisms of gene expression control in differentiation and development and the organization and function of genomes. Another educational objective of the teaching of Human genetics is to provide, also through laboratory experiences, the skills to be able to intervene critically on ethical and social aspects relating to the use of genetic methods for the treatment of diseases.
3. Critical and judgmental skills
To develop the students' critical sense, during the lessons the teacher will stimulate discussion with questions and propose problems to be solved through exercises, ongoing tests and discussion of scientific articles. In this way, students will be able to acquire the skills to intervene critically also on ethical and social aspects related to the use of gene-editing methods for the treatment of diseases.
4. Ability to communicate what has been learned
The assessment of the students' preparation will be carried out through an oral test, which will focus on the topics covered during the course and covered in the program, with the aim of verifying critical, communication and reasoning skills.
5. Ability to continue the study independently
Thanks to the skills acquired in class, the students will be able to independently study and deepen the topics covered using the recommended texts and will also be able to consult the ppt files of the lessons and other teaching materials provided by the teacher on the e-learning site.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The course aims to provide the student with the theoretical skills of Principles of Medicinal Chemistry through lectures and seminars. At the end of the integrated course, the student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired the following objectives:
Specific Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding of the student- Knowledge and understanding (Dublin 1): the development of the knowledge defined in the learning objectives is achieved through theoretical lectures supported by seminars.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding (Dublin 2): The theoretical knowledge acquired during the course enables the student to independently evaluate and apply the basic concepts listed in the course programme above.
3. Critical and judgmental skills (lab tests, written reports, etc.) - Making judgements (Dublin 3): the study of current scientific literature supported by theoretical knowledge gained in lectures enables the student to independently and critically evaluate the concepts presented and to carry out further bibliographic research to supplement knowledge.
4. Communication skills (Dublin 4): the writing of a summary of a recent scientific article related to the concept of 'Medicinal Chemistry', together with continuous discussion with the lecturer and other students during the course, will help the student to clearly and concisely illustrate the information obtained from the various experiments, while also favouring the use of suitable technical, scientific language
5. Ability to pursue study independently - Learning skills (Dublin 5): Lectures enable the student to create a solid foundation in terms of knowledge of "Medicinal Chemistry". The integration of this theoretical knowledge with current scientific literature will foster an increase in the autonomy to evaluate scientific concepts based on the literature consulted by drawing on reference texts and bibliography in English.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The course aims to provide a general overview of the chemistry of food and food natural compounds. The student-based learning objectives include knowledge on the primary and secondary metabolism (in vivo presence, structure, biosynthesis, properties, and applications), the chemical composition of food (macro- and micro-nutrients and secondary metabolites), the impact of chemical compounds on food properties and on main transformation processes during processing and storage.
Specific Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge on (a) the main classes of natural organic substances of primary and secondary metabolism, is able to classify them and to attribute them to one of the studied classes, (b) the semi-synthetic transformations of some natural substances (the most interesting for their biological activity and for technological and industrial applications), (c) chemical characteristics of macro- and micro-nutrients, (d) chemical and nutritional characteristics of foodstuff, (e) the reaction mechanisms among principal food compounds (f) analytical aspects related to food safety and quality assessment.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student is able to classify the different types of natural organic substances based on the functional groups present, to understand the chemical-physical properties of the main classes of natural products and nutrients and to describe chemical and nutritional aspects of foods.
3. Critical and judgmental skills
At the end of the course, the student is able to collect and interpret useful information to formulate judgments independently. In particular, he must critically evaluate the concepts presented in the course, also through the discussion of examples reported in the literature. He will make choices on the basis of knowledge and skills acquired during the course from different points of view: chemical composition, product aspects and safety profile. Moreover, the course provides two moments of discussion on news concerning natural products and food chemistry, useful to stimulate the critical and communication skills.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course, the student possesses the ability to communicate externally the knowledge he has learned, about the scientific community and the world of work. In particular, it must assimilate the scientific language necessary to expose the knowledge acquired in a clear and understandable way and use the technical-scientific terminology and symbology relating to the topic under consideration in an appropriate manner.
5. Learning skills
Students who have passed the exam are able to study independently other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set, thanks to the acquired skills and concepts learned regarding the way to look for information. During the course web sites, bibliography and association of the sector will be provided, useful to develop a network for the future.

Educational objectives

General goals
The course aims to provide a general overview of the chemistry of natural products. After having addressed the study of primary metabolites; it focuses on secondary metabolites (in vivo presence, structure, biosynthesis, properties and applications).
Specific goals
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge on the main classes of natural organic substances of primary and secondary metabolism, is able to classify them and to attribute them to one of the studied classes. He also knows the semi-synthetic transformations of some natural substances, especially those most interesting for their biological activity and for technological and industrial applications.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student is able to classify the different types of natural organic substances based on the functional groups present and understand the chemical-physical properties of the main classes of natural organic substances.
3. Making judgments
At the end of the course, the student is able to collect and interpret useful information to formulate judgments independently. In particular, he must critically evaluate the concepts presented in the course, also through the discussion of examples reported in the literature.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course, the student possesses the ability to communicate externally the knowledge he has learned, with regard to the scientific community and the world of work. In particular, it must assimilate the scientific language necessary to expose the knowledge acquired in a clear and understandable way and use the technical-scientific terminology and symbology relating to the topic under consideration in an appropriate manner.
5. Learning skills
Students who have passed the exam are able to study other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The student-based learning objectives of Food Chemistry module include knowledge on the chemical composition of food, the impact of food components on the properties and on main transformation processes during processing and storage, the major pathologies linked to specific nutrients/foodstuffs.
Specific Objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student demonstrates to gain knowledge about: a) chemical and nutritional characteristics of foodstuff, the reactions and interaction among principal food compounds, (b) the reaction mechanisms responsible for the degradation of nutrients (c) chemical and nutritional composition of the major foodstuffs (d)analytical aspects related to food safety and quality assessment.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Be capable of defining and describing chemical and nutritional aspects of plant-based and animal-based foods for human consumption, explaining the chemical and nutritional characteristics of raw foods used for processing products; be able to predict possible reactions in foods.
3. Making judgments
Lessons are designed to acquire the critical skills useful to evaluate food quality and safety, to understand analytical and legal aspects and to judge the chemico-nutritional composition of raw materials. Moreover, the course provides two moments of discussion on news concerning food chemistry, useful to stimulate the critical and communication skills.
4. Communication skills
Acquisition of fundamental skills in written and oral communication about the description of the major food classes in terms of macro- and micro-nutrients compositions, transformations during processing and/or storage, the major fraud and adulterations and the analytical methods applied to test food quality and safety.
5. Learning skills
The student is able to continue studying independently, thanks to the acquired skills and concepts learned regarding the way to look for information. During the course web sites, bibliography and association of the sector will be provided, useful to develop a network for the future.

Educational objectives

The “Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry” course is divided into two modules of “Biochemistry” and “Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.” The general and specific educational objectives of the two modules have been described in detail in the sections dedicated to them.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The module of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology aims to teach the student the general principles and the main applications of biochemistry and molecular biology used for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. The aims, characteristics and limits of the main laboratory tests of biochemistry and molecular biology will be illustrated, also in relation to the experimental methods used in the laboratory and aimed at the clinical aspect. We will explain how to interpret the results of the main laboratory tests of clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology, also in relation to specific diagnostic paths.
Specific objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
The student will learn about the purposes of laboratory tests and the application of the main methods of clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology. He/she will know the concepts of prevention, early diagnosis and follow up, as well as the characteristics of the pre-analytic, analytical and post-analytical phases. He/she will also know the main operational characteristics of laboratory tests also in relation to their diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic significance, timing and mode of interpretation of the results. He/she will also know the main analytes of the clinical laboratory used both individually and for organ profiles.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding.
The student will be able to identify the main types of investigation to be carried out in relation to the diagnostic suspicion of the patient. He/she will also be able to formulate a correct request for a substantial and formal laboratory investigation, also in relation to the request strategy (routine, asap, urgency, screening, diagnosis, follow-up). He/she will also be able to evaluate quantitative and qualitative alterations of the main analytes used in the clinical laboratory.
3. Making judgments
The lessons will be interactive, aimed at stimulating both the active participation and the critical sense of the student. The ability to link different aspects of the discipline will also be enhanced. The ability to interpret the results of the main laboratory investigations and the awareness of the potential and limitations of the information provided by laboratory tests will also be stimulated.
4. Communication skills
The student’s communication skills will be evaluated both by conducting seminars during the course, and by the oral assessment at the end of the course.
5. Learning skills
The recommended bibliographic material will allow the student to expand and continue learning independently.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The "Biochemistry" module, through lectures and some laboratory experiences, aims to provide students with knowledge to understand the metabolism, how this is controlled in normal conditions and what alterations it undergoes in pathological conditions. Furthermore, to understand how the activation of specific signal transduction cascades, through receptor mechanisms, leads to a fine control of metabolism at the organism level.
Specific Objectives:
1. Knowledge and understanding (Dublin 1): the development of the knowledge defined in the educational objectives is achieved through theoretical lectures supported by seminars. Know the main metabolic pathways, their regulation at the molecular and cellular level and their integration; recognize the logic that governs the intermediate metabolic flows.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding (Dublin 2): the theoretical knowledge acquired through the course enables the student to independently evaluate and apply the basic concepts listed in the course program indicated below.
3. Making judgments (Dublin 3): the study of current scientific literature supported by theoretical knowledge gained in lectures enables the student to be able to independently and critically evaluate concepts presented and to carry out further literature searches to integrate the knowledge. The student will become aware that the perturbations in the structures of biological macromolecules, which carry out reactions and are involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways, are at the basis of the onset of cellular and systemic pathological conditions.
4. Communication skills (Dublin 4): drafting of a summary of a recent scientific article related to the concept of "Biochemistry" together with continuous dialogue with the teacher and other students during the course, will help the student to clearly and concisely illustrate the information obtained from the various experiments, also favoring the use of a suitable technical scientific language
5. Learning skills (Dublin 5): The lectures enable the student to create a solid foundation in terms of knowledge of "Biochemistry". The integration of this theoretical knowledge with current scientific literature will favor an increase in the autonomy of the evaluation of scientific concepts based on the literature consulted by drawing on reference texts and bibliography, in English.

Educational objectives

General aims:
The course is focused on the deep connection between DNA and protein structure and their functions. The student will learn the molecular mechanisms which are at the base of the processes of Replication, Recombination, Transcription, DNA repair, RNA processing and splicing, protein synthesis and their regulatory circuits.
Specific aims:
1. Knowledge and understanding: The student should learn the basic molecular mechanisms of the cellular homeostasis and gene regulation and the most used techniques of Molecular Biology.
2. Ability to apply Knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to apply this knowledge in the discussion of recent arguments of general interest in Molecular Biology research.
3. Critical Judgement abilities: The student should demonstrate critical judgement abilities in solving problems related to theoretical and practical Molecular Biology projects and should communicate his conclusions to the colleagues and to the teacher in an effective way.
4. The student should demonstrate to be able to apply the learned concepts to his future work in molecular biology.

Educational objectives

General aims:
The course is focused on the deep connection between DNA and protein structure and their functions. The student will learn the molecular mechanisms which are at the base of the processes of Replication, Recombination, Transcription, DNA repair, RNA processing and splicing, protein synthesis and their regulatory circuits.
Specific aims:
1. Knowledge and understanding: The student should learn the basic molecular mechanisms of the cellular homeostasis and gene regulation and the most used techniques of Molecular Biology.
2. Ability to apply Knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to apply this knowledge in the discussion of recent arguments of general interest in Molecular Biology research.
3. Critical Judgement abilities: The student should demonstrate critical judgement abilities in solving problems related to theoretical and practical Molecular Biology projects and should communicate his conclusions to the colleagues and to the teacher in an effective way.
4. The student should demonstrate to be able to apply the learned concepts to his future work in molecular biology.

Educational objectives

General aims:
The course is focused on the deep connection between DNA and protein structure and their functions. The student will learn the molecular mechanisms which are at the base of the processes of Replication, Recombination, Transcription, DNA repair, RNA processing and splicing, protein synthesis and their regulatory circuits.
Specific aims:
1. Knowledge and understanding: The student should learn the basic molecular mechanisms of the cellular homeostasis and gene regulation and the most used techniques of Molecular Biology.
2. Ability to apply Knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to apply this knowledge in the discussion of recent arguments of general interest in Molecular Biology research.
3. Critical Judgement abilities: The student should demonstrate critical judgement abilities in solving problems related to theoretical and practical Molecular Biology projects and should communicate his conclusions to the colleagues and to the teacher in an effective way.
4. The student should demonstrate to be able to apply the learned concepts to his future work in molecular biology.

Educational objectives

The internship activities include an Advanced English Skills test (6 CFU) and the carrying out of a training internship (3 CFU) at affiliated external structures (companies, public bodies) or university research laboratories, with the aim of providing the graduate with experience useful to face the entry into the world of work.

Educational objectives

The "Pathology, Immunology and Molecular Biology Techniques" course is divided into the two modules of "General Pathology and Immunology" and "Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques". The general and specific educational objectives of the two modules have been described in detail in the sections to them dedicated.

Educational objectives

The "Pathology, Immunology and Molecular Biology Techniques" course is divided into the two modules of "General Pathology and Immunology" and "Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques". The general and specific educational objectives of the two modules have been described in detail in the sections to them dedicated.

Educational objectives

The "Pathology, Immunology and Molecular Biology Techniques" course is divided into the two modules of "General Pathology and Immunology" and "Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques". The general and specific educational objectives of the two modules have been described in detail in the sections to them dedicated.

Educational objectives

General goals
The Medicinal Chemistry course aims to teach the students, in different therapeutic categories, the drugs that represent milestones in the treatment of related pathologies, the drug discovery process that led to their identification, the structure-activity relationships (SAR), the possible chemical synthesis, the mechanism of action at molecular level, the pharmacological and toxicological effects, the main side effects, the possibility of combined treatments, the social and economic implications.
Specific goals
1. Knowledge and understanding
The student will deeply learn about all the aforementioned aspects around specific examples of central nervous system drugs, both depressants (neuroleptics, anxiolytics, hypnotic-sedatives, anticonvulsants, anti-Parkinson's) and stimulants (analeptics, antidepressants), narcotic and non-narcotic analgesic drugs, to cardiovascular drugs (antiarrhythmics, coronary vasodilators, antihypertensives, diuretics, lipid-lowering drugs), to drugs of the autonomic system (adrenergic and cholinergic) to sexual and cortical steroids.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student will be able to distinguish a drug belonging to a category mentioned above from another not belonging to the same therapeutic area. They will know which are the most relevant structure-activity relationships in a series of drugs, and which are the points of the drug that can be chemically modified, and which ones cannot be altered, otherwise the biological activity will be lost. They will know the main organic reactions that lead to the synthesis of various drugs. They will learn the chemical requirements that a molecule must show to be ligand to a particular receptor, enzyme or ion channel that is the target of known drugs. They will know the most important and widespread therapeutic problems and the therapeutic solutions available to the physicians to deal with and treat the various pathologies.
3. Making judgements
All lessons will be interactive. The teacher will ask students constant questions to motivate them to develop the critical sense. These questions will also serve to evaluate and encourage students to make connections with everything previously studied, avoiding considering the study of the subject as an end, but integrating the Medicinal Chemistry knowledge with those already acquired, both of chemical (organic and inorganic chemistry, chemical biology) and biological (molecular biology, biochemistry, pathology) type.
4. Communication skills
The student's assessment will be carried out only through an oral test, which will focus on all topics of the program, testing the student's communication skills with respect to what he/she has learned.
5. Learning skills
The students will find the deepening of what they heard in class on the recommended texts. This research work will help to find the topics covered even in the future when by now the memories of the concepts taught in the classroom will be faded. The texts will remain the point of reference for the student who will know where to go to find the partly forgotten notions in detail.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The course aims to provide the student with basic notions relating to bio-pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical technology, and to controlled release and specific targeting systems with particular reference to biological molecules. Studying how the active ingredients can be effectively conveyed and distributed specifically in the sites and tissues of interest is necessary to maximize the effect of the drugs trying to reduce their toxicity.
Lessons and seminar activities contribute to develop the following skills:
- to understand the formulation, production and control problems of conventional and non-conventional pharmaceutical forms, with particular attention to the relative national and international standards;
- to evaluate the use of the categories presented during the course according to the principles of quality, safety and economic sustainability.
Specific goals
1. Knowledge and understanding:
- basic elements relating to the formulation, preparation, classification and control of medicinal products;
- national and international regulatory aspects related to the formulation, preparation, classification and control of conventional and innovative pharmaceutical forms
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
- to follow the main stages of medicine production control, with particular regard to regulatory problems and their safety;
- to develop knowledge and skills suitable for a correct evaluation, selection, information and use in compliance with current legislation and patients’ clinical needs.
3. Making judgments
The lessons, seminar activities and practical activities in the laboratory allow the student to:
- evaluate the managerial, technological and practical aspects relating to the preparation, production, control, distribution and sale control of medicines;
- identify and evaluate the risks related to the manufacture, control and use of medicines.
4. Communication skills
During the course there will be moments of comparison and debate, coordinated by the teacher, aimed at verifying the ability to communicate / transmit what the student has learned.
5. Learning skills
The student will find an in-depth study of what they heard in class on the recommended texts. This work of research and critical evaluation of the texts will help him to rediscover the covered topics also in the future when by now the memories of the concepts taught in the classroom will be faded.

Educational objectives

The final exam consists in the drafting, presentation and discussion of a written report, developed independently by the student, which documents in an exhaustive way the problem faced and all the activities carried out in the context of the internship. The discussion takes place in front of the Graduation Commission which, on the basis of the student's career and the evaluation of the report, establishes the graduation grade. The final exam requires the presentation and discussion of a thesis written in an original way by the student under the guidance of a supervisor. The thesis documents the individual work of the student (6 CFU). The graduation mark is assigned by a special commission, appointed by the Dean, in public session and takes into account the entire study path of the student. The admission mark to the degree exam is given by the arithmetic average of the marks of the exams. At the time of graduation, to the admission grade, as determined on the basis of the previous points, the graduation commission can add up to a maximum of 7 points for the compilation thesis and 11 points for the experimental thesis. Honors may possibly be proposed by the supervisor only if the overall score of 110/110 is reached and must be approved unanimously.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The general objective of the course is to convey knowledge of the state of the art of machine learning and computational biology to students, following the advent of technologies of massive sequencing for the production of genomic and proteomic data. Such foundations are necessary to let students attain the skills for proper analysis of problems specific to the area and the ability to design and implement software suitable for solving the proposed problem. Therefore, the course aims to prepare a professional figure who can intervene in the resolution and management of computer projects in the bio-molecular field, with particular reference to machine learning techniques.
Specific objectives
The course aims to prepare future experts in machine learning techniques for the analysis of biomedical data and designers of software systems who possess the basic knowledge of molecular biology and the bioinformatics tools used to deal with the large flow of data generated in this field. People with such a professional profile will be able to determine which algorithms are of interest for the analysis of raw data, with particular reference to machine learning algorithms, starting from the experimental data production platform. A special focus will be devoted to issues arising from data produced with massive sequencing. They should also gain a critical mindset and be able to define an analysis protocol for the data, taking into account the available computational resources and, consequently, optimizing the analysis. At the end of the course, students will also present tools they have developed for managing, integrating and querying the vast amounts of data produced by the analysis to obtain organised and fruitful final results. Such tools will follow the standards required in software development typical of the bioinformatics community.
1. Application of knowledge and understanding:
The training objectives are achieved through lectures, laboratory activities and exercise sessions. The activities include simulations of work projects, in-class collaboration or discussion with the direct participation of students regarding problems and analysis of case studies.
2. Autonomy of judgment:
Students in the course will acquire the ability to process complex or fragmentary information. For example, they will handle sequence data that are annotated only in part (only some of them are associated with a chromosome interval of a sequenced organism) and often in a nonstandard manner. They will be required to yield a data model designed originally and autonomously, which is chosen accordingly to the biological scope of their experimental design.
3. Communication skills:
Students will be able to converse with researchers in the biomedical area in a clear, logical, and effective way, using the methodological tools acquired during the course and through terms specific to computational biology. The acquisition of these skills will be tested through an oral examination and several projects developed in the laboratory.
4. Learning skills:
Students should have acquired the critical, original and autonomous ability to relate to problems specific to computational biology projects and to independently apply the knowledge acquired during the course with a view to a possible continuation of studies at a higher level (master's degree) or in the broader perspective of cultural and professional deepening in the case of employment in the biomedical or bioinformatics area.