ID:
500434
Duration (hours):
25
CFU:
2
SSD:
BIOCHIMICA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (23/02/2026 - 05/06/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of nucleic acid biochemistry and of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the transmission and preservation of genetic information. Particular emphasis will be placed on the structure and function of nucleic acids, their metabolism, and the main cellular mechanisms involved in DNA damage repair.
Knowledge and understanding.
At the end of the course, students are expected to acquire knowledge of the structure and function of nucleic acids, the mechanisms of DNA replication and transcription, the transmission of genetic information, and the main cellular systems involved in DNA repair.
Applying knowledge and understanding.
Students should be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the understanding of the molecular basis of diseases and of therapeutic strategies targeting the regulation of gene expression and genome stability.
Making judgements.
Students should be able to critically evaluate the relationships between nucleic acid alterations, genomic instability and disease development.
Communication skills.
Students should be able to clearly explain the fundamental concepts of nucleic acid biochemistry using appropriate scientific terminology.
Learning skills.
Students should develop independent learning skills and the ability to consult scientific literature in order to remain updated on advances in molecular biology and medical research.
Knowledge and understanding.
At the end of the course, students are expected to acquire knowledge of the structure and function of nucleic acids, the mechanisms of DNA replication and transcription, the transmission of genetic information, and the main cellular systems involved in DNA repair.
Applying knowledge and understanding.
Students should be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the understanding of the molecular basis of diseases and of therapeutic strategies targeting the regulation of gene expression and genome stability.
Making judgements.
Students should be able to critically evaluate the relationships between nucleic acid alterations, genomic instability and disease development.
Communication skills.
Students should be able to clearly explain the fundamental concepts of nucleic acid biochemistry using appropriate scientific terminology.
Learning skills.
Students should develop independent learning skills and the ability to consult scientific literature in order to remain updated on advances in molecular biology and medical research.
Course Prerequisites
Understanding the topics covered in this course requires a solid background in the basic subjects taught during the foundation semester, particularly Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Biology, and Physics.
Teaching Methods
The course consists of face-to-face lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations. Upon request, the instructors are available to provide clarification and further explanations on the topics covered during the lectures. Lecture slides, the detailed course syllabus and additional information are made available on the KIRO platform.
Assessment Methods
Student assessment consists of a written examination including multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering the topics addressed in the modules of Elements of Biochemistry, Cellular Biochemistry and Cellular Biochemistry A and B. The duration of the examination is 90 minutes.
During the exam, students’ ability to integrate the knowledge acquired across the different modules of the course will be evaluated, as well as the achievement of the learning objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding. The assessment will also consider clarity of explanation and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.
During the exam, students’ ability to integrate the knowledge acquired across the different modules of the course will be evaluated, as well as the achievement of the learning objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding. The assessment will also consider clarity of explanation and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.
Texts
D. Nelson, M. Cox. I principi di biochimica di Lehninger (Zanichelli, settima edizione). J. Berg, J. Tymoczko, G.J. Gatto, L. Stryer Biochimica (Zanichelli, ottava edizione). Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt Fondamenti di Biochimica (Zanichelli). Thomas Devlin Biochimica con aspetti clinici (EdiSES). M Lieberman, A Marks, Biochimica Medica, un approccio clinico (seconda edizione, Zanichelli). For further studies: Watson et al. Biologia Molecolare del Gene (Zanichelli). Petsko, Ringe. Struttura e funzione delle proteine (Zanichelli). Alberts et al Biologia Molecolare della cellula (Zanichelli) Duranti Introduzione allo studio delle proteine (Zanichelli). All textbooks are available for consultation/loan at Biblioteca delle Scienze: http://biblioteche.unipv.it/home/biblioteche/biblioteca-delle-scienze Biblioteca.dellescienze@unipv.it
Contents
The course focuses on the main aspects of nucleic acid biochemistry and on the molecular processes regulating the transmission of genetic information. Topics include the chemical structure and organization of nucleic acids, the mechanisms of DNA replication, and the major cellular pathways involved in DNA repair. The course also covers the processes of gene transcription, the main post-transcriptional modifications of RNA, and the mechanisms of protein synthesis, with particular emphasis on post-translational modifications of proteins.
For selected topics of particular relevance and scientific interest, additional in-depth activities are planned, including the presentation and discussion of research articles from international scientific journals by the students.
For selected topics of particular relevance and scientific interest, additional in-depth activities are planned, including the presentation and discussion of research articles from international scientific journals by the students.
Course Language
Italian
Degrees
Degrees
MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Single-cycle Master’s Degree (6 Years)
6 years
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People
People
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