Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide information on the interactions between energy and matter from the microscopic to the macroscopic point of view, proposing the fundamental concepts of molecular spectroscopy (vibrational and electronic), thermodynamics, electrochemistry and kinetics. The principles of molecular spectroscopy, classical thermodynamics with particular attention to thermochemistry, electrochemistry in the cell exchanges and kinetics will be taken into consideration.

“Chimica Fisica per le scienze della vita” di P. Atkins e G. Ratcliffe (Piccin editore). Notes prepared by the professor

Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the chemical-physical properties underlying the methods applicable to the study of systems of biotechnological, biological and pharmaceutical interest. Applying knowledge and understanding: acquire the ability to be able to evaluate, in the light of the notions learned during the course, which are the most suitable chemical-physical methods for the study of certain systems. Communication skills: acquire and know how to use an appropriate vocabulary in relation to the topics and techniques covered in the course. Autonomy of judgment: ability to critically analyze the elements related to chemical-physics in complex and realistic problems.

Notions acquired through the study of the General and Inorganic Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics

Classroom lessons with slides, videos and exercises. The .pdf files of the
lectures will be available on DIR platform.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learningdisabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The examination is conducted orally, with the lecturer posing general questions on the topics covered in the course to ascertain the students' comprehension and depth of understanding. The final grade is determined by calculating the mathematical average of the individual grades obtained in the various parts of the examination.

Introduction to physical-chemistry and its applications to biological systems and medicine. Transition from the macroscopic to the micro and nanoscopic world for the understanding of chemical and biological phenomena. Energy-matter interaction with attention to the mechanisms that concern the absorption and emission of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic spectrum properties and its use as a source for molecular spectroscopy techniques. Optical spectroscopies such as vibrational spectroscopies (FTIR and Raman) and electronic spectroscopies (UV-Vis and luminescence) will be considered by examining the theoretical principles that regulate the transitions between rotational, vibrational and electronic levels and applications for the recognition of molecules and for the study of the structure of biomolecules and complex systems. As far as vibrational spectroscopies are concerned, the FTIR and Raman spectroscopies will be analyzed, highlighting the difference of the two techniques in the theoretical aspects and underlining their complementarity. The electronic spectroscopies taken into consideration will be UV-Vis absorption and luminescence spectroscopy (fluorescence and phosphorescence) and decay processes from excited electronic states with emission of electromagnetic radiation or with exchanges of energy such as the FRET mechanism or photodynamic mechanisms. Biochemical thermodynamics in the study of energy conversions. The three principles of thermodynamics and the zero principle. Spontaneity and reversibility of chemical reactions and reactions to equilibrium. Thermodynamics and electrochemistry of ion and electron transport: ion transport through biological membranes, oxidation-reduction reactions and applications of the standard potential. Kinetics: relationship between kinetics and thermodynamics. Definition of speed and order of reaction. Kinetic laws and integration. Determination of the order of reaction and the kinetic constant. Rate determining step of reaction and steady state approximation. Reaction rate and temperature: Arrhenius law. Relationship between equilibrium constant and kinetic constant. Mechanisms of chemical reactions. Enzyme kinetics.

At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge of the main chemical-physical methods applicable to the study of systems of biotechnological and pharmaceutical interests and will be able to evaluate their potential and applicability.