D1 - Knowledge and understanding.
Students taking this course will gain in-depth knowledge of enzymes, their definition, and their classification. They will be able to understand the critical role enzymes play in biological reactions and industrial applications. In addition, participants will have a solid understanding of enzyme thermodynamics, including the fundamental concepts of free energy and the spontaneity of reactions. This knowledge will enable them to understand the activation energies and kinetic barriers involved in enzymatic processes.

D2 - Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
Students will be able to apply their theoretical knowledge to analyze enzyme kinetics. They will be able to interpret and use the Michaelis-Menten equations and other derivatives, as well as understand the kinetic models of enzyme inhibition. With these skills, students will be able to evaluate the factors that influence the enzymatic reaction rate and determine the kinetic parameters such as Km, Vmax, kcat, etc. They will learn to interpret experimental data using Lineweaver-Burk plots and use this information to understand the kinetic behavior of enzymes.

D3 - Making judgments.
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate enzyme applications in diverse industrial contexts, such as food, drug, and biofuel production.

D4 - Communication skills.
Students will be able to communicate the results of their analyzes clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. They will be able to present technical information in an accessible way even to a non-expert audience, demonstrating scientific communication skills.

D5 - Learning ability.
Students will be able to synthesize the information learned during the course and connect it to broader concepts in the industrial application of enzyme catalysis. They will be able to critically address complex problems related to enzyme kinetics and develop new solutions based on their knowledge and skills. In addition, students will develop the ability to learn independently, staying informed about the latest discoveries and innovations in the field of enzymology and related industrial applications.

Organic chemistry
Thermodynamic
Basic principles of physics and mathematics

Through a combination of lectures and laboratory activities, students will have the opportunity to acquire both theoretical and practical skills in the analysis of enzyme kinetics.

Definition and classification of enzymes.
Role of enzymes in biological reactions and industrial applications.
Enzymatic thermodynamics.
Fundamental concepts of free energy and spontaneity of reactions.
Activation energies and kinetic barriers.
Kinetics of enzymatic reactions.
Michaelis-Menten equations and derivatives.
Kinetic models of enzyme inhibition.
Factors affecting the rate of enzymatic reaction.
Kinetic parameters.
Determination of kinetic constants: Km, Vmax, kcat, etc.
Analysis of experimental data using Lineweaver-Burk graphs.
Enzyme kinetics in industrial processes.
Applications of enzymes in the production of food, drugs, and biofuels.
Enzymatic engineering to improve the efficiency of industrial processes.
Use of enzymes in the synthesis and modification of polymeric materials.

Slides and educational material provided by the teacher

The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic principles governing the activity of enzymes, bio-catalysts which nowadays play an important role in industrial processes and in the production of materials. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory activities, students will have the opportunity to acquire both theoretical and practical skills in the analysis of enzyme kinetics.

Definition and classification of enzymes.
Role of enzymes in biological reactions and industrial applications.
Enzymatic thermodynamics.
Fundamental concepts of free energy and spontaneity of reactions.
Activation energies and kinetic barriers.
Kinetics of enzymatic reactions.
Michaelis-Menten equations and derivatives.
Kinetic models of enzyme inhibition.
Factors affecting the rate of enzymatic reaction.
Kinetic parameters.
Determination of kinetic constants: Km, Vmax, kcat, etc.
Analysis of experimental data using Lineweaver-Burk graphs.
Enzyme kinetics in industrial processes.
Applications of enzymes in the production of food, drugs, and biofuels.
Enzymatic engineering to improve the efficiency of industrial processes.
Use of enzymes in the synthesis and modification of polymeric materials.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
Understand the thermodynamic and kinetic principles that regulate the activity of enzymes.
Analyze and interpret experimental data related to enzyme kinetics.
Evaluate the application of enzymes in industrial processes and in the production of materials.
Develop laboratory skills to measure enzyme kinetics.

Lectures with power point slides provided to students; laboratory exercises.

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The evaluation will be based on an oral interview, carried out based on a paper developed on laboratory experiences.

The knowledge of the topics listed in the program and the ability to apply the acquired knowledge must emerge from the thesis and subsequent oral interview. The evaluations are expressed in thirtieths, according to the following criteria:
-Excellent (30 -30 cum laude): excellent knowledge of the topics, excellent language skills, excellent analytical skills; the student can brilliantly apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases.
-Very good (27 -29): good knowledge of the topics, remarkable language skills, good analytical skills; the student can apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases correctly.
-Good (24-26): good knowledge of the main topics, good command of the language; the student can apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases.
- Satisfactory (21-23): the student does not show full mastery of the main topics of the teaching, even if he possesses the fundamental knowledge; however, he shows satisfactory language skills and sufficient ability to apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases.
- Sufficient (18-20): minimum knowledge of the main teaching topics and technical language, limited ability to adequately apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases.
- Insufficient (<18): the student does not have an acceptable knowledge of the various topics of the program.

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs)