Biological Chemistry

To understand biology as an emergent property arising from the physico-chemical interactions among the molecules forming the living matter. To understand the chemical logic at the basis of the molecular structure of the living organisms and of the transformations they undergo. To understand the role of weak interactions in molecular recognition. To understand, by an evolutionary point of view, the organization and function of biological macromolecules and metabolic processes. To know the principles of biological catalysis. To understand the basic concepts of bioenergetics and the adaptive meaning of metabolism. To understand the ecological meaning of the biogeochemical cycles of the major bioelements.

Ability to relate the fundamental features of living systems and of the transformations that occur in them to the underlying chemical and physical principles governing the involved chemical species. Ability to handle quantitatively protein-ligand interactions and enzyme kinetics. Ability to interpret biological phenomena based on the principles of thermodynamics. Ability to recognize the biological meaning of the main pathways if intermediate metabolism, with a focus on energy metabolism, and to identify their interconnections. Ability to recognize how global metabolic balance in living organisms is linked to biogeochemical cycles of major bioelements.