Medicine and Surgery "B" - Roma Azienda Policlinico Umberto I

CARLO TRAVAGLINI ALLOCATELLI
CARLO TRAVAGLINI ALLOCATELLI
STEFANO GIANNI
STEFANO GIANNI

Understanding the chemical-physical foundations of biological phenomena
Demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including concepts of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and properties of molecules.
Explain key biochemical principles such as the structure and function of biomolecules and molecular interactions.
Cognitive Skills

Analyze and interpret experimental data in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry by applying theoretical concepts learned during the course.
Integrate chemical and biochemical knowledge to understand drug mechanisms of action and the molecular basis of diseases.
Practical Skills and Professionalism

Apply acquired knowledge to interpret laboratory data, formulate hypotheses, and draw valid conclusions.
Communicate learned content and concepts clearly and accurately, both verbally and graphically, using appropriate scientific terminology.
Transversal Skills

Work collaboratively in groups to solve problems.
Demonstrate adaptability and autonomous learning skills, continuing to develop their competencies in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry, even after obtaining a degree in Medicine.

Understanding the importance of chemical bonds and how they stabilize molecular structures. Acquire theoretical knowledge of the principles that regulate the formation and stability of molecules. Understand the importance of molecular structures, with particular attention to the structure-function relationships of simple and complex molecules. 2. Understand the meaning of chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics. 3. Know the main functional groups of organic molecules and the mechanisms of the main reactions so as to be able to subsequently understand the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis. 4. Know how to use the knowledge acquired to solve numerical and/or chemical logic problems. Know how to present topics orally in an organized and coherent way, using appropriate scientific language. 5. Recognize the possible applications of the skills acquired in a future medical career.

Notions of algebra, physics and chemistry at the secondary school level

At the end of the course, the students should: i) know the chemical bases of pathophysiological processes, ii) address in molecular terms some simple biomedical aspects, iii) be aware of the importance of the chemical instruments in the cultural formation of a medical doctor.

Program of General Chemistry module.
The matter: atomic and molecular orbitals; Periodic Table.
Chemical bonds, strong and weak interactions, states of matter.
The behaviour of Gases: ideal/real gas laws,solubility of gases in liquids
Solutions: definition and properties.
Concentration; vapour pressure; electrolytes; dissociation equilibrium;
colligative properties; osmosis.
Redox reactions and electron transfer; biological relevance.
Thermodynamics: enthalpy, entropy, free energy and temperature. Equilibrium.
Chemical reactions: equilibrium and kinetics; the
mass action low and the equilibrium constant.
Water solutions: acids, bases strength and pH;
buffers, the interaction of salts with water.

Program of Bio-organic Chemistry module

The biomolecules: classification, shape and conformation.
Hydrocarbon compounds, linear and cyclic, saturated and unsaturated, homocyclic and heterocyclic: nomenclature, classification, properties.
Functional groups, chemical properties and biomedical relevance: the carbonyl group, aldehides and ketons; the carboxylic group, the alcoholic hydroxyl- , the amino- and the sulphydril- group; ethers and esters.
Glucides: nomenclature and classification.
Structure stabilization and stereochemistry, anomeric carbons and mutarotation. Redox properties of saccharides.
Mono-, di- and polysaccharides: structural properties and stabilizing bonds.
Aminoacids: nomenclature and classification. Structure stabilization and stereochemistry.
The functional groups and the a-Carbon properties. Protonation and deprotonation equilibria.
Proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure; denaturation and folding.
Lipids: nomenclature and classification. Fatty acids, mono- di- tri-glycerides; basic structure of phospholipids and bio-membranes. Cholesterol. Nucleic acids.
Seminars and video tutorials.

Objectives of the interactive teaching activity
Quantitative analysis of solutions (acids, bases, salt and buffer solutions).
Classroom tests.

lectures with slide projection, question and answer sessions, solving exercises in small groups and on the blackboard

Mandatory

Written exam
Stoichiometry problems; closed-ended questions on topics related to general chemistry and Introduction to Biochemistry

Oral exam
Assessment of the ability to think independently and critically on topics related to General Chemistry and Introduction to Biochemistry

describe the principles underlying the formation of a chemical bond
write the structural formula of a given chemical compound (inorganic and organic compounds)
explain the meaning of chemical equilibrium
describe the mechanism underlying an acid-base chemical buffer system