Teaching code

4S010584

Teacher

Alessandra Astegno

Coordinator

Alessandra Astegno

Credits

4

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY

Period

Semester 2 dal Mar 4, 2024 al Jun 14, 2024.

Courses Single

Authorized with reserve

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide the biochemical basis to understand the nutritional role of food, with reference to the processes of metabolic transformation, and to present the biochemical aspects of food intolerances and allergies. Furthermore, the course aims to offer a modern vision of the biochemistry of nutrition through an analysis of the following aspects: methods of controlling metabolism; enzymatic defects and related pathologies. On this basis, knowledge is provided on the biochemical aspects of specific nutrients and bioactive compounds,
as well as their role in the activation of specific metabolic pathways. Moreover, during the course, tools are provided to understand the biochemical aspects connected with the main metabolic dysfunctions that can lead to the onset of diseases.

Examination methods: The examination at the end of the course aims to assess the achievement of learning objectives:
- to know the macro- and micronutrients in common foods, their dietary intake and requirements;
- to know the metabolic role of nutrients as a function of their bioavailability in conditions of both nutritional and assimilation deficiencies;
- to have acquired ability to expose the course contents using discipline-specific terminology.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Basic concepts of general and organic chemistry

Program

The foods in human nutrition. Introduction to biomolecules. Amino acids and proteins. Enzymatic activity of proteins. Vitamins and minerals in nutrition. The energy function of foods. Carbohydrate metabolism. Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway. Glycogen and hormonal control. Pyruvate fates. Lactic and alcoholic fermentation. Krebs cycle. Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Energetic balance of glucose oxidation. Lipids. Biosynthesis and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Protein metabolism. Protein digestion. General catabolism of amino acids. Obesity and regulation of body mass.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Topics are covered by in-class lectures.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam consists of an oral examination (approximately 30 minutes) aimed at verifying both the acquisition of knowledge defined in the 'Obiettivi Formativi' of the course and the ability to make necessary logical-deductive connections. The exam typically consists of three to five questions related to the course curriculum.

Evaluation criteria

To pass the exam, the students must demonstrate that they have fully achieved the set learning objectives.
The completeness and accuracy of the acquired knowledge, as well as the ability to present and demonstrate critical thinking, will be evaluated. The examination format is the same for both attending and non-attending students

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade depends exclusively on the oral interview. The evaluation of the exam is expressed out of thirty, the minimum mark for passing the exam is 18/30 and the maximum mark is 30/30, to which "honors" can be added (30 cum laude)

Exam language

Italiano

Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs

This initiative contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Agenda 2030. More information on sustainability