Course Syllabus
Aims
The Biochemistry II module aims to offer the training bases for a detailed molecular knowledge of medicine and modern technological applications to medicine.
The course is aimed at understanding the basic mechanisms responsible for alterations of homeostasis and the onset of diseases. In this way we want to lay the foundations for the molecular understanding of the complex phenomena of communication, interaction and control of cellular and tissue functions. The course also aims to make understanding, at a biochemical and molecular level, the complex communication phenomena between organs and the control systems of their functions and their interrelations in physiological conditions.
It will also be illustrated the possible different uses of different techniques, even with the use of practical common examples, with the aim of providing students the opportunity to learn to choose the best solutions to practical problems in clinical practice in the biochemical field.
Contents
The Biochemistry II module will describe in detail the integrated biochemistry of organs and tissues. It will provide useful knowledge for the best understanding of other medical disciplines and clinics.The main mechanisms of biochemical regulation of the metabolism of blood, of the digestive system, cardiovascular, hepatic, of the nervous system will be illustrated. The hormonal and metabolic regulation of the metabolism and the conditions that can lead to their alteration will be described.
Detailed program
Blood glucose regulation in physiological conditions and in diabetes mellitus. Liver and systematic biochemical metabolism of the liver. Metabolism of ethanol taken with beverages. Metabolic detoxification of toxic compounds, drugs and xenobiotics. Structure, composition, role and metabolism of the different classes of plasma lipoproteins. Metabolism of erythrocytes, blood coagulation, transport of oxygen in the blood. Hormonal regulation of metabolisms. Gastroenteropancreatic hormones: insulin. glucagon. somatostatin. Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones: GH. Prolactin. ACTH. Vasopressin. Oxytocin. Thyroid hormones. Adrenal hormones. Sex hormones. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Hormonal control of blood pressure. Approaches based on nanomedicine in the therapeutic, diagnostic and regenerative fields. Nutritional aspects in physiological and pathological conditions. Technological aspects of the assay of different biochemical macromolecules involved in various metabolic processes.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry.
Teaching form
20 h (10 lessons, 2 h each): Frontal Lesson (DE), face-to-face lessons
6 h (2 lessons of 3 h each): Frontal Lesson (DE), online lessons
4 h (2 activities of 2 h each): Interactive Lesson (DI), Exercises, face-to-face lessons
Textbook and teaching resource
Biochemistry with clinical cases . T. Devlin
Biochemistry, Berg et al.
Slides, scientific papers/reviews used during the frontal lessons will be loaded on e-learning platform.
Semester
Second semester.
Assessment method
Individual written examination
13 multiple-choice questions (2 marks each) on frontal lesson
1 open question (4 marks) on all the programme of the course
to be completed in 30 minutes.
The exam is positively evaluate with a score of 18/30 or higher. The questions proposed in the written exam will be constructed in such a way as to induce the student to biochemical reasoning, to understand the units of measurement and to be able to evaluate the skills and competences acquired according to the objectives of the course.
There are no itinere tests planned.
Office hours
On appointment to francesca.re1@unimib.it.
