COMPUTATIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Course objectives

General Objectives The course aims to provide students with both fundamental and advanced knowledge in Computational Biochemistry, with a special focus on the analysis and understanding of protein structure. It seeks to integrate theoretical aspects with practical training, dedicating approximately half of the curriculum to hands-on experience with computational tools and open source software. By the end of the course, students will be able to use state-of-the-art techniques for modeling, simulating, and analyzing protein structures effectively and critically interpret the results, thereby contributing to the development of innovative biochemical approaches. Specific Objectives a) Knowledge and Comprehension: Understand the theoretical foundations of computational methodologies applied to protein structure analysis. Become familiar with the key molecular modeling, simulation, and protein interaction techniques. Deepen the understanding of the structural and functional features of proteins and their associated macromolecular complexes. b) Ability to Apply Knowledge and Comprehension: Use open source software and computational tools to analyze, model, and simulate protein structures. Apply advanced computational methods to solve specific challenges in Computational Biochemistry. Interpret and critically evaluate structural data within a biological context. c) Autonomous Judgment: Conduct independent studies on protein modeling and structural simulation. Select the most appropriate computational method for addressing a given biochemical problem. Critically assess the results and methodologies, integrating novel approaches from current research. d) Communication Skills: Communicate effectively the outcomes of computational analyses both in writing and orally. Present complex data using appropriate terminology and maintaining methodological rigor. Share acquired skills and findings in research settings, scientific presentations, and interdisciplinary collaborations. e) Learning Abilities: Develop the ability to continually integrate new discoveries and methodologies in Computational Biochemistry. Acquire the cognitive tools necessary to independently deepen expertise in advanced techniques of protein structure analysis and simulation. Be prepared for continuous updating in line with the evolution of molecular modeling and simulation technologies.

Channel 1
ALESSANDRO PAIARDINI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Amino Acids - physico-chemical properties and structure Visualizing Macromolecules with molecular viewers Protein Sequence Databases Protein Sequence Alignments The Peptide Bond in vitro and in Vivo Secondary Structure Tertiary Structure - Protein Stability and Folding Domains, Motifs, Modules and Repeats - Quaternary Structure Electron Microscopy and X-ray crystallography Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Proteins Protein Structure Prediction Molecular Dynamics and Drug Design Selected examples of Protein mechanisms
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Organic Chemistry, acquired in the courses of previous years.
Books
C. I. Branden, J. Tooze. Introduction to protein structure. Garland science David Whitford, PROTEINS STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (Wiley) http://books.google.it/books?id=qbHLkxbXY4YC Fondamenti di Biochimica Voet D & Voet JG. (Zanichelli) "Struttura e Funzione delle Proteine” Petsko & Ringe
Teaching mode
The course consists of lessons and lectures that cover the main topics of the program, and practical sessions. Practical sessions are carried out in a computer room with the use of open source software for the visualization of the tridimensional structure of macromolecules.
Frequency
Frequence is not mandatory, but highly suggested.
Exam mode
Final assessment: Exercises on PC + Oral exam
Bibliography
https://elearning.uniroma1.it/course/view.php?id=4942
Lesson mode
The course consists of lessons and lectures that cover the main topics of the program, and practical sessions. Practical sessions are carried out in a computer room with the use of open source software for the visualization of the tridimensional structure of macromolecules.
  • Lesson code10620834
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseBiochemistry
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDBIO/10
  • CFU6
  • Subject areaDiscipline fondamentali applicate alle biotecnologie