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

MARZIA ARESE
MARZIA ARESE
FRANCESCO FIORENTINO
FRANCESCO FIORENTINO

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.

Learning outcomes in accordance with Ministerial Decree No. 418 of May 30, 2025, Syllabus_CHEMISTRY AND PREPARATORY BIOCHEMISTRY.
https://www.mur.gov.it/it/atti-e-normativa/decreto-ministeriale-n-418-del-30-05-2025

In compliance with Ministerial Decree No. 418, Syllabus_CHEMISTRY AND PREPARATORY BIOCHEMISTRY:
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology is required that meets the
preparation standards promoted by educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with
the national guidelines for high schools and the guidelines for technical and vocational schools.

As described in D. M. n. 418 dated 30/05/2025 Syllabus_CHIMICA E PROPEDEUTICA BIOCHIMICA:

- Strong and weak interactions of matter.
Atomic structure; isotopes. General properties of the elements; periodic table of elements.
Chemical bond; hybridization of atomic orbitals. Concept of a Molecule. Nomenclature and structure of the main inorganic compounds of biomedical interest. (1 CFU)
- Properties of solutions; concentration.
Homogeneous systems: gases; relationships between volume, pressure, temperature and quantity of matter; concept of mole and Avogadro number. Condensed states of matter: liquids (and their equilibrium with the gaseous phase). Phase transitions. Properties of water.
Mixtures and solutions; measurement units of solutes in solutions: concentration. Intermolecular interactions; hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions and Van der Waals forces; their role in systems of biomedical importance. Properties of solutions; osmosis and osmotic pressure; its importance in medicine. Solubility of gases in liquids and its importance for respiratory exchanges. Quantitative treatment of the main aspects of gases and solutions. (1 CFU)
- Chemical processes at equilibrium and in their dynamics.
Chemical reactions: definition. Conservation of mass, energy and electric charge. Reversibility. Concepts of enthalpy, entropy and free energy.
Homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical equilibrium; equilibrium constant and law of mass action; principle of mobile equilibrium. Chemical equilibrium in biomedical processes. The speed of chemical reactions; speed constant; effect of temperature on the speed constant. Catalysis. Biomedical implications of catalysis: enzymes and the Michaelis and Menten model for enzymatic catalysis. Quantitative treatment of the most relevant aspects of the equilibrium state. (1 CFU)
- Acids and bases, salts and buffered systems.
The autoprotolysis of water; the concept of pH. Acids and bases definition and behavior; strength of acids and bases; salt hydrolysis. Buffer solutions. pH indicators; biological swabs; acid-base titrations. Quantitative treatment of ionic equilibrium. (1,5 CFU)
- Electron transfer and energy of natural processes.
Oxidation-reduction potentials; notes on the functioning of electrochemical batteries; Nernst equation; potentiometric measurement of pH; other potentiometric measurements of biomedical interest. Importance of redox reactions in biology and medicine. Oxygen reactions and cellular respiration. (0.5 CFU)
-Nomenclature, shape and symmetry of organic molecules.
Hydrocarbons: aliphatic (saturated and unsaturated), linear and cyclic; aromatic. Heterocyclic compounds. Geometry and shape of organic molecules. Isomerism. Functional groups and notes on their characteristic reactions. IUPAC nomenclature of organic molecules. (1 CFU)
- Amino acids and proteins.
Stereochemical and acid-base properties of amino acids. Peptide bond and polypeptide chains. Disulfide bond. Proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures. Mechanisms of three-dimensional protein folding; denaturation and renaturation of proteins. The active site. (1 CFU)
- Carbohydrates.
Chemical nature and stereoisomerism in monosaccharides; cyclic structures and mutarotation. The glycosidic bond; disaccharides; homopolysaccharides; heteropolysaccharides. Biological importance of carbohydrates. (0.5 CFU)
- Lipids.
Fatty acids; mono-, di- and triglycerides; phosphoglycerides; notes on the structure of cell membranes. Cholesterol, its esters and its derivatives; notes on their importance in human physiology.
- Nucleic acids.
Nucleotides, nucleosides, purine and pyrimidine bases. (0.5 CFU)

- FA Bettelheim et al; Chimica e Propedeutica biochimica, Edises. (english language editionedition: Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry, FA Bettelheim et al., editor: Cengage Learning)
- T Bellini; Chimica Medica e Propedeutica Biochimica, Zanichelli.
- L Binaglia & B Giardina; Chimica e Propedeutica Biochimica, McGrawHill.
- KJ Denniston et al; Chimica Generale, Chimica Organica, Propedeutica Biochimica, McGrawHill. (english language edition: General, Organic and Biochemistry by Denniston et al. etitor: McGraw-Hill)
- S. Marini et al; Chimica e Propedeutica Biochimica, Piccin.

In-person and online lectures as described in D.M. No. 418, Syllabus_CHIMICA E PROPEDEUTICA BIOCHIMICA, on the theoretical concepts and laws described in the program, along with in-class exercises to monitor the progression of acquired knowledge and skills.
detailed lesson skedule at: https://www.uniroma1.it/sites/default/files/field_file_allegati/orariochimica_polorosa.pdf

mandatory with attendance tracking (by cineca)
both in-person class and online.

in compliance with Ministerial Decree No. 418 of 05/30/2025, Syllabus_CHEMISTRY AND PROPAEDEUTIC BIOCHEMISTRY.

- What is the volume occupied by 88 g of CO2 at a temperature value of 273°K and at a pressure value of 760 mmHg?
A) 44,8 L
B) 4,48 L
C) 2 L
D) 448 ml

- By adding 0.5 L of 0.1M fructose solution to 0.5 L of 0.1M aqueous acetic acid solution results in:
A) a decrease in the solution osmolarity
B) the formation of a buffer system
C) a lowering of the freezing point
D) an increase in the pH

- If 0.05 moles of calcium hydroxide are mixed to a 0.1 M solution of a weak monoprotic acid HA (Ka = 10-3; V = 1 liter). The pH of the solution becomes:
A) >7 due to the formation of a basic salt
B) strongly basic due to the excess of hydroxide ions
C) determined using the Henderson Hasselbach formula
D) acidic

• Atomic structure, isothopes, RMN
  • Books: see textbook section (TESTI)


• Radioisotopes; periodic table of elements
  • Books: see textbook section (TESTI)


• further lessons scheduled as in syllabus (D.M. 418)