OVERVIEW

Biochemistry, together with molecular biology and human genetics, is necessary to understand the molecular events underlying human physiology and pathology. This Biochemistry Course will teach the basic mechanisms of chemical and metabolic modifications in order to understand the molecular basis of diseases.

Clinical biochemistry studies the clinical significance of laboratory tests. In the Clinical Biochemistry module, we will start to address some of the topics which will be further dealt with in more depth in the course of Medical Semiotics (3rd year). This is your first impact with laboratory medicine, which represents a key part of the diagnostic reasoning process.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

During this course we will study the principal catabolic and anabolic pathways of carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen compounds, gaining insight into the mechanisms allowing cells to obtain energy from the oxidation of nutrients and to use that energy to synthesize complex macromolecules.

We will address the metabolic signatures of the various organs and tissues, their interactions and the hormonal regulation of metabolism, both under physiological conditions, including the fed and fasted states, and under pathological conditions, such as the principal metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia) and the neoplastic cell.

At the end of the Biochemistry course, the student will have acquired an understanding of the biochemical reactions of the major anabolic and catabolic pathways, and of their relevance to understand the molecular basis of disease.

The aim of the Clinical biochemistry module is to provide basic knowledge to understand the meaning of the main laboratory parameters that constitute the "clinical-chemistry profile," a kind of laboratory "physical examination." To acquire knowledge about the units of measurement of these parameters and their dynamic range under pathological conditions.

TEACHING METHODS

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy