OVERVIEW

This course provides a basic outline of molecular and cellular biology, of the functional mechanisms of nuclear biomolecular processes, from the management of the genetic information to the generation of specialized cell types, with a focus on pathologies associated with malfunctioning of these processes (cancer, specific hereditary diseases)

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

Aim of this course is

-To provide students with a knowledge of the basic principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology as well as the ability to analyze biological problems regarding the same topics.

-To acquire knowledge of: a) the mechanisms that rule the transmission and expression of genetic information; b) the structure and the functional organization of the cell, with a focus on the eukaryotic cell; c) the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the proliferation and differentiation of the eukaryotic cells

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 10 hours of classroom lessons on all topics of the program .

The last part of each lesson  is dedicated to solving simple biology questions.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Molecular biology:

Chemical composition and structure of  DNA
DNA replication: molecular mechanisms
DNA repair mechanisms
Transcription of RNA: molecular mechanisms
Messenger RNA and its maturation in eukaryotes
Ribosomal RNA and ribosomes
Molecular structure of genes and proteins
General characteristics of the genetic code
Translation: molecular mechanisms

Proteins: chemical-physical characteristics and structure

Cellular Biology:

Cell cycle in eukaryotes
Cell proliferation and control mechanisms (growth factors, receptors, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes)
Development and differentiation in multicellular eukaryotes and related mechanisms (homeotic genes)
Similarities and differences between viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the topics covered in class can be found in the ”aula web” slides.

https://www.aulaweb.unige.it

Any other more in-depth material is mentioned at the end of the lesson in the “aula web” slides and described in the following textbooks

-Sadava – «Elementi di biologia e genetica»

-Hills – «Elementi di biologia e genetica»

-De Leo – «Biologia e genetica»

-Raven-Johnson - « Genetica e Biologia molecolare,»

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLA GHIORZO (President)

GABRIELLA PIATTI

ROBERTO RAVAZZOLO

GIOVANNA BIANCHI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written test (10 multiple choice questions) for the Biology section.)
The examination for the integrated course  is made up of a single written exam for the 4 sub-sections (10 multiple choice questions for each module). In order to pass the examination athe student has to reach a mark of at least 24/40 (18/30).

The total amount of time allowed for the examination is 60 minutes.
Students enrolled in other universities or other degree courses who are only required to sit for some of the sub-sections  must achieve an average mark of at least 6, 12 or 18, depending on the number  of modules.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students are assessed ­by a final exam alone which aims to ensure that they have actually reached the required level of knowledge.

In order to pass the examination and to reach a mark of at least 18/30,  the students must prove their knowledge on :
 

a) the mechanisms that rule the transmission and the expression of the genetic information;

b) the structure and the functional organization of the cell, with a focus on eukaryotic cells;

c) the cellular and molecular mechanism of proliferation and differentiation of the eukaryotic cell

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students must make an appointment to talk to professors(e-mail, phone).