The Course of Applied Biochemistry is aimed to describe the theoretical principles and the practical applications of the main preparative and analytical methodologies used in the biochemical and molecular biology research fields.
In the Biochemical Methods Course, the theoretical bases of the main methodologies used in biochemical research are explained. The possible uses of each of the techniques will be described, with the aim of providing students to learn how to choose the best solutions to the theoretical and practical problems in planning and performing experiments. At the end of the Course the student will be able to know the chemical and instrumental bases of the main analytical and preparation methods of biomolecules, and the best solutions to achieve the experimental goals defined during the planning of the experiments. Moreover, the student will be able to understand and discuss critically the experimental results with objectivity and appropriate scientific language.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Cell Biology, Basic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Biochemistry.
Teaching Methods
The course is based on theoretical lessons (36 hours) and experimental lab activities (18 hours). For practical activities, each student will be provided with the experimental protocols to follow.
Assessment Methods
Written test (4-5 open questions and 5 multiple-choice questions) concerning the theoretical basis of the biochemical techniques, and 4 open questions on lab activity. The final score is given in 30ies: the examination is successful if a score ≥ 18/30 is gained. The lab activity will be approved through a written scientific report of the experimental activities, mandatory for the final exam registration.
Contents
Theory: - Experimental errors. Calibration curve. Choice of the analytical method - Electrochemical techniques - Cell culture. Recombinant protein expression and protein engineering - Centrifugation - Protein purification - Chromatographic techniques - Electrophoretic techniques - Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, IR, Circular Dichroism, NMR) - Immunochemistry - Mass spectrometry - Immobilization of enzymes and cells and their applications - High-throughput screening technologies Laboratory: The applied lab activity is based on the purification and biochemical characterization of a recombinant enzyme.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Students can meet with the professor in their office by previous email appointment.
