506498 - GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY A

courses

ID:

506498

Duration (hours):

87.5

CFU:

SSD:

Biochimica

Year:

2026

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2026 - 15/01/2027)

Course Objectives

At the successful conclusion of GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY A and GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY B you should be able to demonstrate the following level learning outcomes:

CLO.1 Knowledge & Understanding
You will acquire knowledge of:
• the structure, function, and chemical properties of biomolecules; explain major metabolic pathways and their regulation.
CLO.2 Application of Knowledge
You will be able to:
• apply biochemical knowledge to interpret cellular metabolism and physiological processes and analyse metabolic and signalling pathways to predict the effects of changes or disruptions.
CLO.3 Autonomy of Judgement
You will be able to:
• evaluate biochemical data and integrate knowledge across pathways; draw reasoned conclusions about cellular function in health and disease
CLO.4 Communication skills
You will be able to:
• clearly interpret and communicate biochemistry concepts in writing.
CLO.5 Learning Skills
You will be able to:
• demonstrate responsibility for independent study by integrating lectures, readings, and self-directed learning to solve molecular biology problems.

Course Prerequisites

For further information please see the Integrated Course Syllabus

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods include lectures, discussion and guided independent study. Lectures present key concepts (supports LO.1, LO.2), facilitate interactive discussion of clinical cases and scientific approaches (supports LO.3-4) and are supported by the e-learning platform (supports LO.5). Teaching will include guidance to help you prepare for the exam and throughout you will be presented with references to further readings and other materials to support your development (supports LO.5).

Assessment Methods

For further information please see the Integrated Course Syllabus.

Texts

For further information please see the Integrated Course Syllabus.

GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY A and GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY B are taught together as an integrated whole and will introduce you to the molecular foundations of cellular function, including the structure, properties, and functions of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, with reference to major protein classes, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans. These modules introduce the fundamentals of catalysis, enzyme mechanisms, and bioenergetics, as well as principles of compartmentalisation, pathway operation, and metabolic control.
Metabolism is explored in depth, beginning with carbohydrate metabolism, followed by oxidative metabolism, lipid metabolism (triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols), amino acid, porphyrin, and nucleotide metabolism, and culminating with ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation. The integration of metabolic pathways, their hormonal regulation, and tissue-specific metabolism are emphasized. Cellular signalling mechanisms are also presented to illustrate the interconnections between metabolism, molecular processes, and cellular function.
These modules will provide you with a foundation for understanding cellular and tissue function in health and disease and prepares students for subsequent studies in physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.