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.

“Physical Chemistry” by P. Atkins E J. De Paula (Oxford University Press).
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-learning-disabilities. 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.