Ateneo - UPO

the functioning of cellular systems depends on metabolism; in the course of evolution, the metabolic networks of the human organism have adapted to the environment

Appling, Anthony-Cahill, Mathews. BIOCHIMICA Molecole e metabolismo –
Pearson

Biochimica della Nutrizione - Pignatti - Ed. Esculapio 2022

Research article: Robinson, et al., An atlas of human metabolism. Sci. Signal. 13, eaaz1482 (2020)

The teaching module aims to provide the student with knowledge relating to the evolution of metabolic networks in relation to environmental variations.
Knowledge and understanding - acquisition of knowledge relating to the development of metabolic networks within organisms, knowledge of the relationships with changes in the environment both in physiological and pathological contexts.
Applying knowledge and understanding: the student with the acquired knowledge will be able to understand the distinctive and peculiar traits of metabolic processes in the relationships between human beings and the environment and to identify their applicative traits.
Autonomy of judgement - ability to understand and critically discuss acquired knowledge. Ability to understand and critically discuss the results obtained in the field of metabolical biochemistry.
Communication skills - Demonstrate the ability to extract and synthesize relevant information, refine the disciplinary lexicon in the biochemical field as well as the ability to describe, with clarity and a critical sense, phenomena and problems relating to metabolic networks even to non-professionals.
Learning skills - ability to read, understand and comment on a scientific text of metabolic biochemistry in English. Acquisition of the ability to critically deepen and update the objectives and / or results of a research plan, according to both a quantitative and a qualitative approach.

Basics related to biology (cells, organisms) and biological macromolecules

Lectures with powerpoint presentations, guided exercises; commentaries on scientific literature

The control of learning in itinere is carried out through periodic tests provided to students with subsequent resolution in the classroom and self-assessment. Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) can request specific services and tools by contacting the Career Development and Coordination and Student Services Staff and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa Students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN can also contact the professor in charge of the course regarding the specific exam modalities.

The exam consists of an oral interview with questions designed to assess theoretical knowledge on topics covered in class

Cellular and organism metabolism as an energy function. Interrelationships among metabolic pathways: metabolic networks.
Evolution of metabolic networks in the human organism in relation to changes in the environment. Differences between physiological and pathological conditions. Signaling networks, nutritional networks and neuronal networks.

Knowledge: Knowledge of the interrelationships between metabolic pathways and how they have changed over the course of evolution.
Competences and Skills: Students will be able to connect the tools of artificial intelligence in a metabolic context, in order to explore and highlight correlations between human beings and the environment.