Biophysical Chemistry

Course objectives

General skills The issues developed in this course concern the physico-chemical properties of biological systems and the spectroscopic and structural techniques, theoretical and experimental, that allow their characterization. Theoretical models and related proofs regarding such complex systems will be treated. Specific Skills As regards essential knowledge, the student should acquire skills on physico-chemical properties of biological systems and the experimental and theoretical methodologies more used to investigate them. In this respect, the student should know the main thermodynamic and kinetics processes concerning biological systems, the involved quantities and functions and their macroscopic and microscopic physical meaning. It should be clearly understood the approximations and the hypothesis at the base of the models used. It is expected that the student will show the capacity of choosing formulations and equations suitable to solve quantitative problems and methods proper to investigate the proposed systems (first and second Dublin descriptors). The capability of analyzing the problems of synthesis and logical coherence will be evaluated as well as the ability to adopt a correct language (third and fourth Dublin descriptors). Finally, considering that the course belongs to the graduate degree (second cycle), competence on applications of techniques to solve biological relevant problems from a chemical-physical point of view will be appreciated.

Channel 1
MARIA CHIARA DI GREGORIO Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
KEY CONCEPTS IN SPECTROSCOPY Dual nature of electromagnetic radiation, Spectroscopy and molecular energy levels, general properties of a spectroscopic measurement   Calculation of molecular properties by quantum mechanics, wavefunctions-operators- values of observable quantities, Schroedinger equations, interaction of light with molecules, transition dipoles ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY Extinction coefficient, spectral properties of peptide-groups, aromatic aminoacids, effects of conjugation, nucleic acid absorption, DNA, spectrum sensitivity to local environment (pH, solvent etc.) , effects of interaction between chromophores CHIRALITY Chirality at different scales, theories of origin of chirality and homochirality in life Chirality in molecules : identification of chiral centers/molecules and nomenclature Chirality in supramolecular aggregates: light polarization, optical rotation, ellipticity, circular birefringence, circular dichroism, calculation of the CD of a dimer (exciton splitting), optical activity of protein and nucleic acids. Chirality in the microscopic word: fractals and golden ratio, chirality in biocrystals (Muller matrix) LINEAR DICHROISM Fundamental concepts, usage in the srudy of DNA, DNA–drug systems, DNA–protein enzymatic complexes, fibrous proteins and membrane peptides IR, RAMAN AND ROTATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY Normal mode of vibrations, quantomechanical and classical discussion, characteristics of the spectra. Vibrational/rotational spectra of important functional groups, biopolymers and bio-crystals LOCALIZED SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE Introduction to surface plasmon, effects of size/shape of nanoparticles A Absorption, circular dicrhoism and Raman signals of plasmonic systems: fundamental knowledge and application in the study of biosystems
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of - classical mechanics and electromagnetism - organic chemistry It is strongly suggested the basic knowledge of fundamental elements of quantum mechanics (eg. wave-particle duality, quantization of energy)
Books
Cantor and Schimmel Biophysical Chemistry, Part I: The conformation of biological macromolecules Cantor and Schimmel Biophysical Chemistry, Part II: Thechniques for the study of biological structure and function Material projected in class, scientific publications provided by the teacher
Frequency
2 weekly classes comprising of 2 hours each
Exam mode
The exam consists of an oral test where the basic principles and the examples discussed during the course will be discussed. Moreover, the candidate will be requested to speculate about the investigative techniques for the analysis of a complex biological system reported in the literature.
Lesson mode
The lessons will be held in the classroom with slide projections
ALESSANDRA DEL GIUDICE Lecturers' profile
  • Lesson code10598572
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseBiochemistry
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDCHIM/02
  • CFU6