Biochemistry

General skills. The student will be able to fully describe the execution of a diagnostic test, starting from the phase of collection/preparation of biological materials, to the detection of the main macromolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) or metabolites of clinical relevance, up to the interpretation of the variations in their levels or their chemical-physical properties in the context of the physiology or pathology of different organs and tissues. Specific skills. a) knowledge and understanding: - theoretical knowledge of the main techniques used for the preparation and analysis of biological samples in biochemical diagnostics; - knowledge of the biological role of the main markers used in biochemical diagnostics; - understanding the significance of the variations in the levels and/or in the chemical-physical properties of the main markers used in biochemical diagnostics; b) applying knowledge and understanding: - ability to critically evaluate the adequacy and limits of a given experimental procedure to address specific questions in the biochemical diagnostic field; - ability to evaluate the diagnostic significance of the current and potential new markers in the context of biochemical diagnostics; c) making judgments: - ability to critically evaluate the results of the diagnostic tests presented in the course; - ability to critically analyse the scientific literature in the field of clinical biochemistry; d) communication skills: - ability to illustrate and describe the main analytical techniques with scientific rigor and properties of language; - ability to explain the results of the main diagnostic tests, linking them with the physiology and pathology of the apparatus, organ or tissue under examination; e) learning skills: - knowledge of the appropriate terminology used in the field; - acquisition of the basic knowledge to adequately support working in the biochemical diagnostics field.