Nursing - Course D - Roma Azienda Policlinico Umberto I/Aeronautica Militare

Activity type

Scienze propedeutiche

SSD

PHYS-06/A

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

1

Hours distribution

12 classroom hours

Lecturers

ANDREA CHIRIATTI

Activity type

Scienze biomediche

SSD

BIOS-07/A

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

2

Hours distribution

24 classroom hours

Lecturers

ANTONELLA TRAMUTOLA

Activity type

Scienze biomediche

SSD

BIOS-10/A

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

2

Hours distribution

24 classroom hours

Lecturers

ILARIA LAUDADIO

Activity type

Scienze biomediche

SSD

MEDS-01/A

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

1

Hours distribution

12 classroom hours

Lecturers

VIVIANA CAPUTO

he Molecular Foundations course aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the fundamental principles governing the structure, function, and organization of living matter, from the physical and chemical properties of biomolecules to the genetic mechanisms controlling their expression.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Understand the chemical, physical, and biological basis of life processes.

Describe the structure and function of the main biomolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids).

Explain the fundamental principles of genetics and the mechanisms of genetic information transmission.

Understand biochemical processes underlying energy metabolism and cellular regulation.

Know the essential concepts of physics applied to the human body (energy, forces, pressure, electricity, waves, radioactivity).

Relate molecular concepts to clinical and pathophysiological applications relevant to nursing practice.

Basic knowledge of general and organic chemistry, biology, and elementary mathematics. A preliminary understanding of atomic structure, fundamental physics laws, and concepts such as the cell, DNA, and metabolism is helpful.

Module:
Introduction to physical quantities and units of measurement. Scientific notation. Definition of physical quantity, fundamental and derived quantities. The International System of Units of Measurement, Multiples and Submultiples and Use of Powers of 10. Equivalences between units of measurement.
Mechanics
Introduction to kinematics: displacement, velocity and acceleration. Uniform and uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion. Motion and acceleration detection receptors. Uniform circular motion: the principle of centrifugation. Notes on harmonic motion with reference to the characteristics of wave motion. Dynamics: Newton's principles. Forces in nature. Gravitational force: body weight and the effects of microgravity. Work of a force. Energy. Power. Static: moment of a force. Levers and pulleys of the human body. Biomedical applications of the theoretical concepts illustrated.
Fluid dynamics
Definition of density and pressure. Pascal's principle. Archimedes' principle. Stevin's law and its applications: effects of the force of gravity on pressure in blood vessels; drip. Ideal fluids: flow rate, continuity equation, Bernoulli's theorem. Real fluids: Hagen-Poiseuille law; Blood hydrodynamic circuit. Blood pressure measurement by the sphygmomanometer.
Diffusion phenomena in fluids
Mixture of gas and partial pressure. Dilute solutions and concentration of a solution. Free diffusion: Fick's law. Diffusion through biological membranes: Henry's law. Osmosis. Osmosis in biological systems. Filtration and dialysis concept.
Thermology
Heat as a form of energy and calorie. Temperature and thermometric scales. Thermal equilibrium. Clinical thermometer. Status changes. Metabolism: heat production in the human body; calorific value; thermoregulation; metabolic power and muscle performance.
Electrology and magnetism
Electric charge. Coulomb's law. Potential difference. Electrical capacity. Electric current. Electrical resistance and Ohm's laws. Effects of electric current in the human body. Notes on instrumental examinations related to bioelectrical activities (electrocardiography - ECG, electroencephalography - EEG, electromyography - EMG). Magnetism and magnetic properties of materials.
Wave phenomena
Characteristics of a wave: frequency, period, wavelength and speed of propagation. Reflection and refraction. Acoustic waves and sound: intensity and sound sensation; definition of decibels (dB). Doppler effect. Notes on ultrasounds and their medical applications. The spectrum of electromagnetic waves. The main diagnostic and therapeutic applications of electromagnetic waves. Ionizing radiation. Light waves and the human eye.



Module:
General Inorganic and Organic Chemistry:
Chemical bonds: covalent bonds, electrostatic bonds (ionic, dipolar and hydrogen). Structure and properties of water. Physiological solution. Acids and bases, pH. Properties of Carbon. Aliphatic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Aromatic hydrocarbons. Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes and ketones. Carboxylic acids. Hydroxy acids, keto acids, amines, amides, esters and anhydrides.

Biochemistry:
Amino acids: classification, acid-base properties, amino acids precursors of biogenic amines. Peptides. Peptide bond, oligopeptides and polypeptides.
Proteins: structural organization of proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. Globular and fibrous proteins. Hemoglobin and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Nucleic Acids: Purine and pyrimidine bases, nucleosides and nucleotides. DNA. RNA
Glucides: definition and meaning. Monosaccharides: glucose, fructose, ribose and deoxyribose. Disaccharides: maltose, lactose and sucrose. Polysaccharides: glycogen, starch and cellulose.
Lipids: definition and meaning. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids and steroids (cholesterol). Chemical structure of biological membranes.
Enzymes: mechanism of action. Enzyme kinetics. Enzymatic regulation. Classification.
Metabolism: general concepts, the meaning of ATP, direct and oxidative phosphorylation. Main pathways of glucose (glycolysis, Krebs cycle), lipid (Beta oxidation) and protein metabolism.



Module:
-The Universal Features of Cells
Cell theory. Organization of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. The Chemical Components of a Cell, structure and function of biological macromolecules (Polysaccharides, proteins, Fatty Acids, nucleic acids). Enzymes and enzymatic catalysis.
- Molecular bases of heredity
DNA. The structure of the double helix. DNA replication. DNA repair. Telomerase.
- How Cells Read the Genome: From DNA to Protein
RNA. Transcription. Processing of eukaryotic mRNAs. The genetic code. tRNAs and ribosomes. Protein synthesis. Control of gene expression in eukaryotes: transcription factors, enhancers, regulation of chromatin structure, post-transcriptional and post-translational control.
- Internal Organization of the Cell Structure and properties of biological membranes. Cytoplasmic organelles: nucleus, Golgi apparatus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes. Exocytosis and endocytosis. The cytoskeleton.
- Cellular communication
Principles of cell signaling. Classes of receptors. Signal transduction.
- Cell Division
Eukaryotic cell cycle. Mitosis. Sexual reproduction and meiosis




Module:
- DNA: structure and function. Protein synthesis.
- Genes, genome, and genetic mutations.
- Transmission of inherited traits.
- Classification of genetic diseases.
- Examples of monogenic diseases.
- Human chromosomes. Karyotype. Chromosomal anomalies. Chromosomal disorders.
- Recurrence risks of monogenic diseases and chromosomal disorders.
- Diagnosis of monogenic diseases and chromosomal disorders.
- Prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases.
- Genetic counseling: indications, aims, and methods.

Module:
N/D
Module:
Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin

Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei
Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli

A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox
INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli

M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises



Module:
Elementi di biologia e genetica, P. Bonaldo, C. Crisafulli, R. D'Angelo, M. Francolini, S. Grimaudo, C. Rinaldi, P. Riva, M.G. Romanelli, EdiSES

Biologia. Come funziona la vita. James R. Morris, Daniel L. Hartl, Andrew H. Knoll, Robert A Lue, Melissa Michael, ZANICHELLI.

Elementi di Biologia, E. P. Solomon, C. E. Martin, D. W. Martin, L. R. Berg, EdiSES

Elementi di biologia e genetica. Raven, Johnson, Mason, PICCIN



Module:
- Elementi di genetica medica, Clementi, Editore: Edises.
- Teaching material provided by the teacher.

Module:
N/D
Module:
N/D
Module:
N/D
Module:
N/D

Lessons will be held in person and conducted by the lecturer using slides and other supporting teaching materials provided to students.
Teaching activities will include frontal lessons with interactive moments, questions, and discussions to enhance understanding of the covered topics.
The duration of each lesson will be 2 to 3 hours, depending on the module (Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or Physics).
Slides will be made available to students before each lecture to facilitate study and active participation in class.

Attendance is mandatory for all course modules (Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Physics).
An attendance register will be kept for each module to monitor students’ participation in the lessons.
Regular attendance is considered an integral part of the learning process and is required to be admitted to the final exam.

The exam consists of a written test including multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering all course modules (Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Physics).
Multiple-choice questions assess knowledge of key concepts, while open-ended questions evaluate the ability to integrate and explain them clearly.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Multiple-choice questions:
Which of the following molecules contains peptide bonds?
A) Glucose B) DNA C) Protein D) Phospholipid

Which physical phenomenon describes the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration?
A) Osmosis B) Diffusion C) Condensation D) Surface tension

Open-ended questions:
Describe the main differences between DNA and RNA.

Module:
N/D
Module:

• General and Inorganic Chemistry:
  Chemical bonds: covalent bonds, electrostatic bonds (ionic, dipolar, and hydrogen). Structure and properties of water. Physiological solution. Acids and bases, pH.
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI:
    
    Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin
    
    
    
    Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei
    
    Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli
    
    
    
    A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox
    
    INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli
    
    
    
    M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises


• Organic Chemistry:
  Properties of carbon. Aliphatic hydrocarbons, saturated and unsaturated. Aromatic hydrocarbons. Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, and ketones. Carboxylic acids. Hydroxy acids, keto acids, amines, amides, esters, and anhydrides.
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI:
    
    Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin
    
    
    
    Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei
    
    Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli
    
    
    
    A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox
    
    INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli
    
    
    
    M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises


• Amino Acids: classification, acid-base properties, amino acids as precursors of biogenic amines. Peptides: peptide bond, oligopeptides, and polypeptides.
  Proteins: structural organization of proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI: Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises


• Globular and fibrous proteins. Hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI: Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises


• Enzymes: mechanism of action. Enzyme kinetics. Enzyme regulation. Classification. WRITTEN TEST to assess students' learning.
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI: Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises


• Carbohydrates: definition and significance. Monosaccharides: glucose, fructose, ribose, and deoxyribose. Disaccharides: maltose, lactose, and sucrose. Polysaccharides: glycogen, starch, and cellulose.
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI: Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises


• Lipids: definition and significance. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids (cholesterol). Chemical structure of biological membranes.
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI: Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises


• Metabolism: general concepts, significance of ATP, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation. EXAM SIMULATION.
  • Books: TESTI CONSIGLIATI: Michele Samaja – Rita Paroni Chimica e Biochimica - Piccin Massimo Stefani, Niccolò Taddei Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Applicata – Zanichelli A.L. Lehninger, D. L. Nelson, M.M. Cox INTRODUZIONE ALLA BIOCHIMICA (terza edizione) – Zanichelli M. Bertoldi, D. Colombo, F. Magni, O. Marin, P. Palestini CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA - Edises

• - DNA: structure and function. Protein synthesis. Genes, genome, and genetic mutations. 3h


• - Transmission of inherited traits. Classification of genetic diseases. 3h


• - Human chromosomes. Karyotype. Chromosomal anomalies. Chromosomal disorders. 2h


• - Diagnosis of monogenic diseases and chromosomal disorders. 1h


• - Prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases. 1h


• - Genetic counseling: indications, aims, and methods. 1h