Neurobiology

Activity type

Discipline del settore biomolecolare

SSD

BIO/10

Year

1st year

Semester

2nd semester

CFU

3

Hours distribution

16 classroom hours, 12 laboratory hours

Lecturers

MARIA ROSARIA FULLONE
MARIA ROSARIA FULLONE

Activity type

Discipline del settore biomolecolare

SSD

BIO/10

Year

1st year

Semester

2nd semester

CFU

3

Hours distribution

24 classroom hours

Lecturers

MARIA CARMELA BONACCORSI DI PATTI
MARIA CARMELA BONACCORSI DI PATTI

Training objectives
Provide the knowledge of the main biochemical methods for analysing of the properties of a protein from its isolation to its structural and functional characterization with particular focus on proteins involved in neurodegenerative processes.
Objective module I
Knowledge of the main biochemical methods for analysis of the structural and functional properties of proteins
Objective module II
Knowledge of the biochemical properties of specific proteins involved in neurodegenerative processes.
A) knowledge and understanding
The student:
- Knows the main techniques necessary for the biochemical characterization of proteins;
- Knows the main proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases
B) ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student is able to:
- understand and evaluate the impact of structural modifications of biological macromolecules on their biological function;
- exploit the knowledge of biochemical techniques to investigate the role of proteins involved in neurodegeneration
C) Making judgements
- critical thinking through the study of biochemical methods and their application to structural and functional analysis of proteins
- learning by questioning
D) Communication skills
The student is able to:
-communicate what has been learned during the oral exam
E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics

At the end of the course, and upon successful completion of the examination, the student will have acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to advanced biochemical methodologies for the study of proteins.
In particular, the student will be able to:
• understand the principles and applications of biochemical techniques used in the production and characterization of recombinant proteins;
• apply and interpret spectroscopic techniques for the investigation of protein structure and function;
• use biochemical methodologies for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of macromolecular interactions.
• understand and describe the main model systems used in the study of neurodegenerative processes;
• analyze the structure and function of selected proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases;
• describe the role of metals in the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative pathologies
A) knowledge and understanding
The student:
- Knows the main techniques necessary for the biochemical characterization of proteins;
- Knows the main proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases
B) ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student is able to:
- understand and evaluate the impact of structural modifications of biological macromolecules on their biological function;
- exploit the knowledge of biochemical techniques to investigate the role of proteins involved in neurodegeneration
C) Making judgements
- critical thinking through the study of biochemical methods and their application to structural and functional analysis of proteins
- learning by questioning
D) Communication skills
The student is able to:
-communicate what has been learned during the oral exam
E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics

No formal propedeuticity is required. However, basic knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology as well as of cellular biology is necessary

Module: Mod.2
Model systems for the study of neurodegenerative processes
Protein complexes involved in neurodegenerative processes
Sistemi proteici coinvolved in neurodegerative processes
Biochemistry of metals in neurodegenerative processes


Module: Mod.2
Biochemical methods for production of recombinant proteins
Advanced spectroscopic methods for protein studies
Biochemical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of macromolecular interactions
Biophysical methods applied to the study of protein–protein interactions
Genetic methods applied to the study of protein-protein interactions

Module: Mod.2
Textbooks and teaching material are published on the Elearning 2 educational site at the web page http://elearning2.uniroma1.it


Module: Mod.2
Text books and other materials are promptly published at the educational site Elearning2 at http://elearning2.uniroma1.it

Module: Mod.2
N/D
Module: Mod.2
N/D

The course is structured in frontal lectures and guided activities in the laboratory of biochemistry.

Attendance is not mandatory.

The aim of the exam is to test the level of knowledge and depth of understanding of the topics covered in the course, as well as the student’s ability to apply critical thinking skills.The examination is oral and begins with a question chosen by the student, followed by additional questions formulated by the teachers.
Answers are evaluated based on both content accuracy and the use of appropriate scientific language.
The final grade is expressed on a scale of thirty, with 18/30 as the minimum passing mark.

The questions will focus on the topics covered in the program.
Particular attention will be given to:
-the understanding of the principles underlying the techniques and their application in the study of proteins and neurodegenerative processes,
-the experimental design and the ability to logically describe the strategies adopted,
-the critical discussion of the results, with particular regard to their interpretation

Module: Mod.2
N/D
Module: Mod.2
N/D