Biochemistry

Educational objectives

General skills.

At the end of the course and after passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the areas listed below. In general, the student will be able to describe the structure and reactivity of the main functional groups of organic compounds and in particular of those present in biological molecules. On the basis of the knowledge acquired, the student will be able to predict, based on the chemical structure of organic compounds, their reactivity and describe the reaction mechanisms in which the compounds are involved, both in application of the most common organic chemistry methodologies, as well as with a direct correlation to examples of biochemical mechanisms in which the same reactions are catalysed by enzymatic processes. In the future, the student will be able to rely on the knowledge and skills just described for the understanding and interpretation, on an organic chemistry point of view, of the main biochemical processes involved in all areas of biochemistry and other disciplines.

Specific skills.

a) knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and reactivity of the main functional groups involved in organic reactions and biochemical processes; understanding of reaction mechanisms’ chemical logic;

b) applying knowledge and understanding:
ability to interpret and explain the reaction mechanisms of the most important organic reactions; ability to apply knowledge to enzymatic processes involving these reaction mechanisms;

c) making judgments:
knowing how to interpret the mechanism of an organic reaction; being able to identify such mechanisms in biochemical processes; being able to evaluate the reactivity of organic molecules and of the main biological molecules based on the presence of functional groups;

d) communication skills:
knowing how to illustrate and explain the mechanisms of organic reactions with appropriate terms and with logical rigor; being able to draw the most important molecular structures of organic molecules as well as of biological molecules;

e) learning skills:
acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive tools to continue independently in the study of bioorganic chemistry and biochemistry; acquisition of basic knowledge to progress independently in other biological chemistry disciplines.

Educational objectives

General skills.

At the end of the course and after passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the areas listed below. In general, the student will be able to describe the structure and reactivity of the main functional groups of organic compounds and in particular of those present in biological molecules. On the basis of the knowledge acquired, the student will be able to predict, based on the chemical structure of organic compounds, their reactivity and describe the reaction mechanisms in which the compounds are involved, both in application of the most common organic chemistry methodologies, as well as with a direct correlation to examples of biochemical mechanisms in which the same reactions are catalysed by enzymatic processes. In the future, the student will be able to rely on the knowledge and skills just described for the understanding and interpretation, on an organic chemistry point of view, of the main biochemical processes involved in all areas of biochemistry and other disciplines.

Specific skills.

a) knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and reactivity of the main functional groups involved in organic reactions and biochemical processes; understanding of reaction mechanisms’ chemical logic;

b) applying knowledge and understanding:
ability to interpret and explain the reaction mechanisms of the most important organic reactions; ability to apply knowledge to enzymatic processes involving these reaction mechanisms;

c) making judgments:
knowing how to interpret the mechanism of an organic reaction; being able to identify such mechanisms in biochemical processes; being able to evaluate the reactivity of organic molecules and of the main biological molecules based on the presence of functional groups;

d) communication skills:
knowing how to illustrate and explain the mechanisms of organic reactions with appropriate terms and with logical rigor; being able to draw the most important molecular structures of organic molecules as well as of biological molecules;

e) learning skills:
acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive tools to continue independently in the study of bioorganic chemistry and biochemistry; acquisition of basic knowledge to progress independently in other biological chemistry disciplines.

Educational objectives

General skills.

At the end of the course and after passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the topics listed below. The student will be able to describe the structure of a collection of enzymes, representative of the main reaction mechanisms of bio-organic chemistry and enzymatic classes, using programs for visualization and interactive analysis of biological macromolecules. The student will be able to predict, on the basis of the structure of the active sites of the representative enzymes, their mechanism of action and acceleration of the reaction rate, using the main experimental kinetic investigation methods.

Specific skills.

a) knowledge and understanding:
through the lessons and exercises the student will have to know and understand the relationship between structure and function of the main classes of enzymes involved in the metabolic reactions of the cell; he/she will have to understand the structural basis of rate acceleration; he/she must be able to access and use the databases of the structures of biological macromolecules;

b) applying knowledge and understanding:
the student will be able to use the main theoretical paradigms to interpret the reaction mechanisms of enzymes, and to apply the acquired knowledge for the prediction of the main mechanistic characteristics of new enzymes;

c) making judgments:
the student will be able to describe in full autonomy the mechanism of a chemical reaction catalyzed by an enzyme, highlighting its distinctive characteristics and suggesting experiments to demonstrate the underlying mechanism;

d) communication skills:
the student must have the ability to present and explain the mechanisms of action of enzymes, based on the structure-function relationship determined experimentally, and using scientific and technical language correctly and with rigor;

e) learning skills:
the student will be able to critically examine the course topics, to propose new and independent experimental strategies where possible, to update himself through the consultation of bibliographic and structural databases (eg PubMed and RCSB Protein Data Bank).

Educational objectives

General skills.

At the end of the course and passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the areas listed below. In general he will be able to: describe structure and function of the main classes of biological macromolecules; explain the main metabolic pathways in terms of regulation and interconnection; identify the mechanisms of adaptations of cellular functions in physiological and pathological conditions. On the basis of the acquired knowledge, the student will have the ability to interpret and explain biological phenomena from the biochemical point of view, describing their molecular basis in terms of structures and biochemical reactions. The students' communication skills will be developed thanks to the possibility of presenting and discussing a scientific paper related to the course program in the classroom. The use of concepts studied in class will be crucial for learning those critical and judgment skills necessary to evaluate the main experimental approaches used in biochemical research.
In the future, the student will be able to count on the knowledge and skills just described for the understanding of other disciplines and for working in clinical and research laboratories.

Specific skills.

a) knowledge and understanding:
-Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between structure and function of the informational macromolecules involved in the main cellular processes;
- knowledge of Biochemical mechanisms of cell homeostasis. DNA repair and recombination. Cell cycle. Cancer. Apoptosis.
-understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the biogenesis and homeostasis of macromolecules;
-knowledge of the main metabolic pathways controlling informational macromolecules in the physio-pathological processes;

b) ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
-ability to interpret and explain biological phenomena by macromolecules control in response to exogenous and endogenous stimuli;

c) autonomy of judgment:
-being able to identify the molecular mechanism controlling the main biological and biomedical phenomena;
-being able to identify and evaluate macromolecular adaptations in response to physiological and pathological signals;

d) communication skills:
-knowing how to illustrate and explain phenomena on involving informational macromolecules with appropriate terms and with logical reasoning;
-knowing how to describe and connect the main biosignaling mechanisms;
-being able to describe the molecular mechanisms of the main cellular processes at the molecular level;

e) learning ability:
-acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive skills to autonomously continue deepening cellular processes;
-acquisition of basic knowledge to progress independently in other biological disciplines;
-acquisition of the ability to quickly learn and apply molecular and cellular knowledge in working contexts of planning research activities;

Educational objectives

The course consists of two modules: "Biophysical Methods" (3 CFU) and "Macromolecules" (6 CFU). The learning outcomes of the modules are strongly integrated so that every aspect concerning the structure and function of macromolecules is addresses from both the biophysical-methodological and structural-functional points of view. For this reason, the learning outcomes of the modules are identical.

Educational objectives

General Skills

At the end of the course the students will know the main biochemical and biophysical principles applied to investigation techniques for the study of folding, structure/function and interactions of biological macromolecules. Given a specific biological problem, they will be able to identify which of the techniques covered during the course is more suitable to provide the expected information. Finally, students will be able to understand the meaning of the experimental data obtained with the different techniques within a scientific context.

The course is divided into three sections: Folding; Structure; Interactions.
The three sections aim at achieving the following common specific skills.

Specific Skills

a) knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge and understanding of the structure-function relationships in biological macromolecules;
Knowledge and understanding of the physical principle underlying the various techniques;
Knowledge of the main components of the instruments used to perform the different techniques;
Knowledge of the main fields of application of the techniques studied and their complementarity;
Understanding of the data analysis principles of the studied methodologies;

b) ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
Ability to perform, under the supervision of an expert, some of the techniques object of the laboratory classes;
Ability to interpret and understand the data obtained through the techniques covered by the course;

c) autonomy of judgment:
Being able to autonomously understand the results of a study (article, presentation) that is based on the techniques studied in the course. This skill will be reinforced by the analysis, through flipped classrooms, of recently published scientific works;
Ability to select, with respect to a specific biological problem, the most appropriate experimental techniques to tackle the problem;
Ability to solve autonomously the principal experimental problems that may arise using the methodologies described in the course;
Ability to design an experiment based on one of the techniques object of the laboratory classes;

d) communication skills:
Be able to describe the meaning and the working principles of the techniques analysed in the course;
Knowing how to illustrate the data and results obtained using the studied techniques. This skill will be achieved through flipped classroom and laboratory activities;

e) learning ability:
Acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive tools to continue autonomously in the study of one or more of the techniques illustrated in the course;
Acquisition of the cognitive tools necessary to be trained in the autonomous use of one or more of the techniques studied in the course, in the field of public or private research;
Ability to quickly learn new experimental techniques;
Ability to dynamically adapt to the evolution of methodologies and scientific instruments characterising the biotechnology R&D laboratories.

Educational objectives

The course consists of two modules: "Biophysical Methods" (3 CFU) and "Macromolecules" (6 CFU). The learning outcomes of the modules are strongly integrated so that every aspect concerning the structure and function of macromolecules is addresses from both the biophysical-methodological and structural-functional points of view. For this reason, the learning outcomes of the modules are identical.

Educational objectives

The course of "Microorganism and Plant Biochemistry" is divided into two integrated modules: "Microorganism Biochemistry and Physiology" and "Plant Biochemistry and Physiology". The aim of the course is to integrate and deepen the general knowledge and skills of biochemistry and metabolism, previously acquired by the students, with specific skills in the field of biochemistry and physiology of plants and microorganisms, which are at the base of modern biotechnologies used in industrial, environmental, medical, and pharmaceutical fields.

Educational objectives

General skills

The module aims at providing the basis for understanding the biochemical mechanisms and mechanistic “logic” of some important specific plant processes. It introduces the students to the complexity and potentiality of the plant metabolism and the role of plant specialized metabolites in the interaction with the environment. Some of these metabolites become molecules used as drugs for pharmaceutical employment. The module also aims at providing a view on how recent methodological advances in biochemistry and structural biology are boosting the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the perception and response to biotic stress and the function of the plant immune system, as compared to the immune system of animals.
In addition to the lectures, training activities include thematic seminars organized for in-depth analysis and discussions by the students in the classroom focusing on both reviews and recent high-quality experimental publications. This will expose students, on the one hand, to a broad vision of relevant issues and topics covered by the module and, on the other hand, to exemplary experimental paths that provide the knowledge of methods and tools suitable for modern investigations.

Specific skills

a) knowledge and understanding
Upon successful completion, students will:
1. Understand the function of the main biochemical processes and metabolism of plants, the plant immunity and the biochemical relationships between the different types of plant cells and tissues;
2. Have the ability to compare and critically evaluate recent advances in plant biochemistry;
3. Understand the biochemical evolution and the adaptive strategies of plant metabolism;
4. Understand the biochemical logic of the specific perception and transduction events occurring during plant-pathogen interactions;
5. Understand the role of molecules and proteins contrasting plant diseases and their possible exploitation for crop improvement;
6. Understand how the biochemical processes can be manipulated;
7. Start a research by critically reading the literature and learnig how new findings influence progress in the knowledge of plant biology.

b) applying knowledge and understanding
- ability to recognize the nature of the most important metabolites of plant origin;
- ability to illustrate the metabolic pathways of plants;
- ability to illustrate the basic mechanisms of plant immunity;
- ability of a correct interpretation of a scientific work.

c) making judgments
- acquire skills for autonomous and critical evaluation of the issues related to biochemistry and plant immunity and, more in general, related to biochemical research;
- ability to identify the most suitable methodological approaches for basic and/or applied research in the field of biochemistry and plant immunity;
- be able to self-assess skills.

d) communication skills
The student must be able to:
- illustrate, with appropriate terms, adequate rigor and scientific language, its general knowledge and recent results on the biochemical and structural aspects of plant metabolism and immunity;
- process in the best way the information to be disseminated;
- efficiently communicate in oral form, also through the use of information technology and multimedia communication tools.

e) learning skills
- deepen the critical knowledge in the specific and general field of plant biochemistry
- be able to lead and sustain a critical discussion presenting complex ideas in a concise and clear way.

Educational objectives

General skills

At the end of the course and upon passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills on the biochemical and physiological processes specific to prokaryotic cells and will be able to explain in biochemical terms the diversity and lifestyle of the different Bacteria based on structural and nutritional properties and respiratory and fermentative metabolic abilities. The student will acquire specific knowledge related to the biochemical characteristics of microorganisms in the physiological response to stress, in the ability to adapt and communicate between cells. The analytical and learning skills of the students will be exercised through the assignment of original scientific works to be elaborated as oral presentations, useful for the deepening of the experimental methods of genetics and biochemistry used for the study of microbial physiology. The discussion of the presentations of the students in the classroom will allow to deepen the concepts studied in class, improving the communication skills of the students through discussion and interpretation of original experimental data.

Specific skills

a) knowledge and understanding:
knowledge of the biosynthetic pathways that lead to the biogenesis of the peculiar components of the prokaryotic cell and the transport and secretion systems; knowledge of the factors of diversity and metabolic versatility that characterize prokaryotes and that affect respiratory and fermentative microbial growth and metabolism;

b) applying knowledge and understanding:
ability to recognize and classify microorganisms based on knowledge of their metabolic and respiratory abilities and adaptive strategies;
know how to describe the main metabolic pathways proper to prokaryotic cells;

c) making judgments:
know how to analyze recent literature related to the aspects of biochemistry and microbial physiology and critically reading of the results;
know how to apply the knowledge of physiology and biochemistry of bacteria to industrial and biotechnological research projects;

d) communication skills:
know how to illustrate and explain with appropriate terms and with scientific rigor research reports and scientific publications including aspects of biochemistry and microbial physiology;

e) learning skills:
acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive tools to continue independently in the deepening of Microbiology;
acquisition of basic knowledge to progress independently in other biological disciplines

Educational objectives

This course is composed by the integrated modules "Physiopathology" (6 CFU) and "Pharmacology" (3 CFU).
It provides an introduction to the pathologic basis of disease and drug treatment, and draws together knowledge gained from prerequisite subjects into the study of the aetiology and pathogenesis of disease. It focuses on the interaction between the immune and the nervous systems at molecular, cellular and systems levels, and provides an overview of current and developing concepts in Neuroimmunology from both Neuroscience and Immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarize students with the molecular and cellular elements of interconnectivity between the immune and nervous systems and the effect of neuro-immune interaction on physiological responses and disease processes. Moreover, it provides the basis of crosstalk between cells of immune and nervous systems in the stress response and in the onset and development of neurological disorders. Students will be introduced to concepts of cellular injury, inflammation and necrosis. The fundamentals of pharmacology including targets of drug action, absorption and metabolism of drugs and drug development will also be detailed. This provides a platform for commencing the integrated study of pathophysiology, pathology and drug treatment of various disorders, beginning with pain, inflammation and neoplasia. The General Skills and the Specific Skills of each individual module are available in the appropriate section related to the module itself.

Educational objectives

This course provides an introduction to the pathologic basis of disease and drug treatment, and draws together knowledge gained from prerequisite subjects into the study of the aetiology and pathogenesis of disease. It focuses on the interaction between the immune and the nervous systems at molecular, cellular and systems levels, and provides an overview of current and developing concepts in Neuroimmunology from both Neuroscience and Immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarize students with the molecular and cellular elements of interconnectivity between the immune and nervous systems and the effect of neuro-immune interaction on physiological responses and disease processes. Moreover, it provides the basis of crosstalk between cells of immune and nervous systems in the stress response and in the onset and development of neurological disorders. Students will be introduced to concepts of cellular injury, inflammation and necrosis. The fundamentals of pharmacology including targets of drug action, absorption and metabolism of drugs and drug development will also be detailed. This provides a platform for commencing the integrated study of pathophysiology, pathology and drug treatment of various disorders, beginning with pain, inflammation and neoplasia.

Specific skills.

a) knowledge and understanding
- Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between structure and function of the main cell types of the nervous system;
- understanding of neuronal and glial development;
- knowledge of the main signaling pathways of neurotransmission and drug targets;
- understanding of the principles and phenomena underlying the main neuropharmacological tools;

b) applying knowledge and understanding
- ability to interpret and explain the neuronal functions from a physiological and pharmacological point of view;
- ability to apply appropriate techniques to specific experimental problems;

c) making judgments
- be able to understand physiological relationships between cells;
- be able to identify physiological phenomena that can be explained using a pharmacological approach;
- be able to select and evaluate the most appropriate techniques to solve a specific experimental problem;

d) communication skills
- be able to illustrate and explain physiological phenomena with appropriate terms and with logical rigor;
- be able to explain pharmacological drug action in general;
- be able to describe how the main physiological and pharmacological techniques work;

e) learning skills
- acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive tools to continue independently in the study of physiology and pharmacology;
- acquisition of the basic knowledge necessary to progress autonomously in other biological disciplines;
- ability to learn quickly and apply physiological and pharmacological techniques in laboratory working environments;

Educational objectives

This course provides an introduction to the pathologic basis of disease and drug treatment, and draws together knowledge gained from prerequisite subjects into the study of the aetiology and pathogenesis of disease. It focuses on the interaction between the immune and the nervous systems at molecular, cellular and systems levels, and provides an overview of current and developing concepts in Neuroimmunology from both Neuroscience and Immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarize students with the molecular and cellular elements of interconnectivity between the immune and nervous systems and the effect of neuro-immune interaction on physiological responses and disease processes. Moreover, it provides the basis of crosstalk between cells of immune and nervous systems in the stress response and in the onset and development of neurological disorders. Students will be introduced to concepts of cellular injury, inflammation and necrosis. The fundamentals of pharmacology including targets of drug action, absorption and metabolism of drugs and drug development will also be detailed. This provides a platform for commencing the integrated study of pathophysiology, pathology and drug treatment of various disorders, beginning with pain, inflammation and neoplasia.

Specific skills.

a) knowledge and understanding
- Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between structure and function of the main cell types of the nervous system;
- understanding of neuronal and glial development;
- knowledge of the main signaling pathways of neurotransmission and drug targets;
- understanding of the principles and phenomena underlying the main neuropharmacological tools;

b) applying knowledge and understanding
- ability to interpret and explain the neuronal functions from a physiological and pharmacological point of view;
- ability to apply appropriate techniques to specific experimental problems;

c) making judgments
- be able to understand physiological relationships between cells;
- be able to identify physiological phenomena that can be explained using a pharmacological approach;
- be able to select and evaluate the most appropriate techniques to solve a specific experimental problem;

d) communication skills
- be able to illustrate and explain physiological phenomena with appropriate terms and with logical rigor;
- be able to explain pharmacological drug action in general;
- be able to describe how the main physiological and pharmacological techniques work;

e) learning skills
- acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive tools to continue independently in the study of physiology and pharmacology;
- acquisition of the basic knowledge necessary to progress autonomously in other biological disciplines;
- ability to learn quickly and apply physiological and pharmacological techniques in laboratory working environments;

Educational 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.

Educational objectives

The course is composed of two modules: "Molecular Biology Techniques" (3 CFU) and "Protein Purification and Characterization" (6 CFU). At the end of the course and after passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the areas described for each single module. In general, it will be able to: explain the principles and the applications of the most common biochemical methodologies and set up an experiment starting from the consultation of the literature up to its execution on the laboratory counter. On the basis of the acquired knowledge, the student will have the ability to interpret and explain the results of the biochemical experiments through the interpretation and discussion of the experimental results. Students' critical and judgmental skills will be developed through numerous classroom exercises in which numerical exercises and database research will be carried out, and several practical laboratory experiences (starting from cloning of PCR-produced DNA fragments to purification and characterization of proteins with enzymatic activity). Communication skills will be exercised during the theoretical and practical lessons, which will include moments of open discussion. In the future, the student will be able to count on the knowledge and skills herein acquired for work in analysis and research laboratories.
The general skills and the specific skills of each module are described in detail in the related sections.

Educational objectives

General skills.

At the end of the course and after passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the areas below. In general, it will be able to: explain the principles and the applications of the most common biochemical methodologies and set up an experiment starting from the consultation of the literature up to its execution on the laboratory counter. On the basis of the acquired knowledge, the student will have the ability to interpret and explain the results of the biochemical experiments through the interpretation and discussion of the experimental results. Students' critical and judgmental skills will be developed through numerous classroom exercises in which numerical exercises and database research will be carried out, and several practical laboratory experiences (starting from cloning of PCR-produced DNA fragments to purification and characterization of proteins with enzymatic activity). Communication skills will be exercised during the theoretical and practical lessons, which will include moments of open discussion. In the future, the student will be able to count on the knowledge and skills herein acquired for work in analysis and research laboratories.

Specific skills.

a) Knowledge and understanding of the following:
- methodologies concerning recombinant DNA (PCR, restriction, ligation);
- methodologies for the purification of DNA and RNA from cell cultures and tissues;
- methodologies for the analysis of nucleic acids: mRNA reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), quantitative PCR (Real-time qPCR);
- basic techniques of cell culture;
- preparative methods for the purification of proteins (centrifugation, chromatography);
- analytical methodologies for the study of DNA and proteins (electrophoresis);
- spectrophotometric techniques applied to the study of proteins and to enzyme kinetics;

b) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- ability to apply the appropriate techniques to specific experimental problems, starting from scientific literature and database research;
- ability to design and carry out biochemical experiments concerning structure and function of DNA, proteins and enzymes;
- ability to interpret and discuss experimental results and to explain biological phenomena with biochemical argumentations;

c) Autonomy of judgment:
- to be able to solve autonomously both experimental and numerical problems;
- to know how to select and evaluate the most appropriate techniques to solve a specific experimental problem;

d) Communication skills:
- to be able to illustrate and explain biochemical phenomena with appropriate terms and logical rigor;
- to be able to describe the principles behind the main biochemical techniques;
- to know how to discuss and describe the experimental results in a critical key;

e) Learning ability:
- acquisition of the fundamentals cognitive tools to be able to independently continue the study of biochemistry, both from a theoretical and a practical point of view;
- acquisition of basic knowledge to progress autonomously in other related biological disciplines.

Educational objectives

The course is composed of two modules: "Molecular Biology Techniques" (3 CFU) and "Protein Purification and Characterization" (6 CFU). At the end of the course and after passing the exam, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the areas described for each single module. In general, it will be able to: explain the principles and the applications of the most common biochemical methodologies and set up an experiment starting from the consultation of the literature up to its execution on the laboratory counter. On the basis of the acquired knowledge, the student will have the ability to interpret and explain the results of the biochemical experiments through the interpretation and discussion of the experimental results. Students' critical and judgmental skills will be developed through numerous classroom exercises in which numerical exercises and database research will be carried out, and several practical laboratory experiences (starting from cloning of PCR-produced DNA fragments to purification and characterization of proteins with enzymatic activity). Communication skills will be exercised during the theoretical and practical lessons, which will include moments of open discussion. In the future, the student will be able to count on the knowledge and skills herein acquired for work in analysis and research laboratories.
The general skills and the specific skills of each module are described in detail in the related sections.

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies I" consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies I" consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies I" consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The “MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES” course is articulated into two integrate modules: “Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies” and “Microbial Biotechnologies: Medical Applications”. The learning outcomes of the integrated course concern the methods for the industrial production of pharmaceutical substances and the biotechnology strategies used to study and contrast bacterial infections. The learning outcomes of each single module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

General skills.

On completion of the course, the student:
- will be able to illustrate and compare different methods for the industrial production of pharmaceutical substances using biotechnological techniques;
- will be able to evaluate the strategy underlying the use of the different production systems, such as bacteria, animal and plant cells for biotechnological drugs (for example: antibiotics, vaccines, proteins for therapeutic use, monoclonal antibodies);
- will acquire basic notions of new methodological approaches for the development of biotechnological drugs (e.g.: gene therapy, stem cells).

Specific skills.

The main target of the Biochemical Biotechnologies II - Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies course is to provide the student with knowledge and skills related to the application of:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology techniques for the identification of a biotechnological drug (targeted therapeutic strategy);
- Biotechnology of recombinant DNA and protein engineering for the development and production of biotechnological drugs.

Furthermore, the student will have basic notions on the immunogenicity of biotechnological drugs and will be able to understand the meaning of the pharmacological parameters for the quality assurance of the developed products.
Teaching takes place in the form of lectures and group work, but will also include seminars held by industry professionals and specialists in the field, to provide students with a direct contact with the research and development area at an industrial level.

a) knowledge and understanding.
Students will gain up-to-date knowledge in the field of Biotechnological Techniques (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and relevant pharmaceutical application. In particular, they will deepen their knowledge of:
- design and production of recombinant vaccines, humanized antibodies, anticancer drugs, enzymes in diagnostics and molecular therapy; RNA and SiRNA interfering techniques as therapeutic tools;
- use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies.

b) applying knowledge and understanding.
Students will be able to approach research in the biochemical/pharmacological field using the latest biotechnology methodologies and also be able to identify the appropriate and profitable research strategy to best address the design of novel diagnostic methods, follow new-generation therapeutic/pharmacological approaches or improve existing therapies.

c) making judgments.
The course will consist of interactive lessons held in a classroom, but will include seminars held by industry professionals and specialists in the field. The general concepts and important points of the Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies are explained using an interactive approach based on class discussion and questions aimed at developing a problem-solving attitude, both during lectures and seminars. Students will be invited to ask questions and analyse the topic under discussion so as to acquire and improve their proactive and critical attitude, also using skills and knowledge acquired during previous courses.

d) communication skills.
Student will be able to analyse topics of the Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies course program. They will able to account for the development of biotechnological methods are used nowadays in pharmaceutical research and industry. The final examination will allow evaluation of the student's communication skills, in relation to what they learnt during the course.

e) learning skills.
Students will be able to deepen the topics covered during the course through recommended texts and documents. Students will also develop a learning ability that will allow them to update their knowledge through the consultation of updated scientific bibliography.

Educational objectives

The “MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES” course is articulated into two integrate modules: “Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies” and “Microbial Biotechnologies: Medical Applications”. The learning outcomes of the integrated course concern the methods for the industrial production of pharmaceutical substances and the biotechnology strategies used to study and contrast bacterial infections. The learning outcomes of each single module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The course, composed of the integrated modules of “Bioethics” (3 CFU) and “Regulatory Aspects of Scientific Research” (3 CFU), deals with the ethical and regulatory aspects of scientific research, closely interconnected on the moral and legislative levels. Students will know and understand how the development of scientific research can open new horizons to knowledge and contribute to the improvement of our lives, but at the same time confronts society with the need to establish ethical principles and laws to which researchers must obey. Students will know and understand specific regulatory aspects concerning the efficacy and safety of new products developed for therapeutic and diagnostic purpose. The general and specific skills of each module are described in detail in the appropriate sections.

Educational objectives

General skills

The course is the first teaching course in Regulatory Aspects of Scientific Research. Regulatory science addresses the safety and efficacy of new medical products, diagnostics and treatments. Regulatory affairs ensure new products meet the regulations and standards set by governing agencies. This course aligns regulations with science in the lifecycle of medical products. The regulatory science is also related to clinical research management focused on regulatory affairs and regulatory sciences.
The students will acquire also the fundamentals on National and CEE pharmaceutical or health products laws, as well as on intellectual property and patenting.
At the end of theoretical lessons, integrated by highly connotative seminars coordinated by the professor:
the students will acquire the fundamentals knowledge on laws governing health and well-being products, the National Health system, the regional health system, the production and the marketing authorization of medicines and of health product with particular regard to the national and European laws.

Specific skills

Knowledge and understanding:
-national and international pharmaceutical laws concerning production and marketing of drugs and of healthcare products (medical devices, food supplements), and concerning regulatory aspects concerning pharmacy;
-devise and implement global strategies for drug, biologic, and device development and evaluation;
- relate principles of clinical research design to practices in clinical trial management;
- basic knowledge on intellectual property and patenting.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
Regulatory science/affairs positions at pharmaceutical companies, as well as medical device and biotechnology companies
ability to understand the law, the economic and the administrative aspects of the health products and of the regional and national healthcare system.

Making judgements:
- be able to refer to specific regulatory and law texts;
- be able to identify , evaluate and correlate regulatory aspects related to each specific health product.

Communication skills:
A classroom environment relies heavily on the quality of communication taking place within it. As an instructor, taking steps towards improving the communication skills of our students will contribute positively towards your classroom climate. Furthermore class discussion will be fundamental to develop critical and highest level of competence to be well prepared when entering the professional ranks as a new pharmacist.

Learning skills
The course aims to enable the transition between university and professional life and to help students to become people with lifelong learning ability and habit.
The course aims to help students to become able, during their professional life, to approach to the regulatory matter, that is always evolving, for health and well being products

Educational objectives

General skills

The extraordinary development of scientific research, particularly in the field of life sciences, opens up considerable horizons to knowledge and can contribute to the overall improvement of the life of human beings. To achieve this goal, a climate of trust in science based on transparency, freedom and sharing is necessary. On the ethical level, the target key is to extend the opportunities and the ability to choose the people as part of a company that is focused on accountability and plural culturalism.

Specific skills

Knowledge and understanding
The aim of the course is to pass the study focused on notions. The main theories and positions in the bioethical field will be analyzed. Useful tools will be provided to analyze the issues and various themes typical of bioethical reflection.
 
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The ability to use different categories of interpretation, he will allow students to correctly frame the issues under study, identifying the main ethical problems.
 
Autonomy of judgment
The acquisition of these skills and their exercise will be verified through the discussion of specific cases in the classroom. In this way students will be able to develop greater critical skills.  This ability will be aimed at identifying proposals characterized by originality and possibility of realization.
 
Communication skills
Students will be encouraged to acquire communication skills based on rational argument. Only using this methodology will students be able to make a correct and responsible evaluation of the topics covered by the course
 
Learning ability
The pursuit of the educational objectives of the course also includes the awareness that the issues subject to bioethical reflection are rapidly transformed. In progress will direct the teaching, not so much towards the acquisition of notions as towards the improvement of critical skills. This choice is aimed at developing intellectual curiosity and rational argument. In this way the student will be able to identify the most appropriate thematic insights. 

Educational objectives

General skills

At the end of the course the learner will be able to:
- Organize and present scientific data based on the principles of science communication;
- describe how to effectively present different types of data (narrative, table, plot, graphical representation, etc.);

Writing Skills

At the end of the course, the learners will be able to describe

● how to prepare a scientific publication, in particular:
○ how to select a scientific journal based on the subject area, target audience, impact factor, article type, etc.
○ the concept of “scientific journal format”
○ how to structure a scientific article
○ how to write references correctly
○ the features of scientific language
○ best practices of paper writing
● how to structure a grant proposal, in particular:
○ how to identify a suitable call for a given research
○ the main elements of a grant proposal: work packages (WPs), milestones, deliverables, budget, etc.
○ how to structure a grant proposal
○ the different roles of participants (PI, WP leads, partners)

● the characteristics of a scientific report, in particular:
○ how to identify the purpose of a report
○ how to structure a scientific report

Presentation Skills:

At the end of the course, the learner will be able to explain

● how to identify the most appropriate communication style given a target audience (students, experts, examining committee, etc) and a context (formal, non formal, teaching, training, thesis defence, etc.)
● why the body language is important
● what are the “key rules” when communicating science from a stage
● how to move on a stage
● how to use their body and voice
● how to effectively use visual, movable, and portable supports (white board, slides, props, etc.)
● the features of effective slides

Learners will also be able to create
● effective slides, keeping into account what cognitive sciences teach us: cognitive extraneous overload and attention split, and dual coding (how to combine words and visuals).

Graphic Skills

knowledge and understanding:

Students will be able to:
● Describe and explain the concept of image resolution
● Distinguish among the different colour spaces
● Tell the difference between raster and vector image formats
● Recognise the different image file formats
● Explain the concept of image compression
● Utilise the main tools (from the main palette) of Open Source software such as GIMP, Inkscape, for raster and vector image modification.
● Organise the layout of a complex image based on the rules of graphic design composition.

Application, analysis and synthesis:

Students will be able to:

● Design and create a multi-panel image from scratch. This includes the ability to: modify source images; include legends and diagrams; export data and plots as image files; organize the layout and assemble the figure
● Prepare scientific figures and illustration in agreement with editorial artwork-guidelines
● Design and export images in the correct format, with image properties optimized for a specific communication media (e.g. scientific paper, research project, oral presentations, poster)

Educational objectives

The final examination consists in the preparation and discussion of an original dissertation written in English by the student, under the guidance of a supervisor, and following a specific laboratory training entirely dedicated to the experimental work subject of the thesis. At the end of this experience, the students will be able to report in writing, and to present and critically discuss the experimental research work carried out on a specific topic, also demonstrating knowledge and critical understanding of the relevant scientific literature.