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BIOCHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Program Overview

The Biochemistry and Environmental Biotechnology program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and microbiology, as well as their applications in environmental biotechnology.

Program Details

• Code: 98250
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• Credits:
• Scientific Disciplinary Sector: CHIM/11
• Language: English
• Teaching Location: GENOVA
• Semester: 2ｰ Semester

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to equip students with the ability to:

1. Remember and deepen the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and microbiology.
2. Familiarize themselves with the principles and technological aspects of new biotechnological applications in the environmental field.
3. Acquire a sustainable perspective in which production is intimately linked to environmental protection and/or remediation.
4. Develop the ability to work in groups.
5. Acquire transversal skills in terms of communication and preparation of a review.

Teaching Methods

The program includes classroom lectures, training activities, and laboratory work. The teaching methods are designed to promote autonomy of judgment, ability to work in a team, and communication skills.

Syllabus/Content

The teaching program covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to environmental biotechnology
2. Biotechnological processes
3. Biotechnological plants of environmental importance
4. Operations of pollutant removal
5. Kinetic aspects of environmental biotechnology
6. Fermentations for the production of biofuels and aerobic degradation
7. Environmental biotechnology
8. Implementation of a lab-scale bioprocess of environmental significance
9. Classroom exercises on how to prepare a scientific review

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

The following books are recommended for further deepening:

1. M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, J. Parker, Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi, Volumes 1 and 2, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan, 2003.
2. S. Aiba, A.E. Humphrey, N.F. Millis, Biochemical Engineering, 2nd edition, Academic Press, New York, 1973.
3. P. Barbieri, G. Bestetti, E. Galli, D. Zannoni (Eds.), Microbiologia Ambientale ed Elementi di Ecologia Microbica, 1st edition, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan, 2008.
4. S. Donadio, G. Marino (Eds.), Biotecnologie Microbiche, 1st edition, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan, 2008.
5. A. Pessoa Jr., M. Vitolo, P.F. Long (Eds.), Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. A Focus on Industrial Application, 1st edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2022.

Teachers and Exam Board

• Teacher: ATTILO CONVERTI
• Exam Board:
  • MICHELA GALLO (President)
  • ALESSANDRO ALBERTO CASAZZA
  • ADRIANA DEL BORGHI
  • SHABNAM MIRIZADEH
  • ATTILIO CONVERTI (President Substitute)

Lessons

• Lessons Start: Second semester of the academic year according to the Polytechnic School calendar.
• Class Schedule: Available on the Portale EasyAcademy.

Exams

Exam Description

The final examination consists of an oral test, where the student presents a review previously agreed with the teacher.

Assessment Methods

The assessment methods include the evaluation of the review, the presentation, and the answers to questions on the basic principles of environmental biotechnology.

Exam Schedule

The exam schedule is as follows:

• 03/06/2026, 15:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 22/06/2026, 10:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 06/07/2026, 15:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 22/07/2026, 17:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 02/09/2026, 15:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 16/09/2026, 15:00, GENOVA, Orale

Further Information

Working students and students with SLD, disability, or other special educational needs certification are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods.