OVERVIEW

The integrated course of Etiology and Pathogenesis of Diseases is divided in five modules, extending over the two semesters: Applied Biology (General Genetics), Molecular Biology, Medical Genetics (Human Genetics), General Pathology, and Microbiology. 
This course aims to introduce the student to the knowledge about the etiology and the pathogenesis of the diseases in humans both at the cellular and at the molecular levels.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Integrated course aims to: deepen the basic knowledge of molecular biology; understand the principles of molecular diagnostics for Mendelian traits and diseases as well as the underlying mechanisms and consequences of gene mutations; deepen the general basis of inheritance; know the fundamental study methods of complex hereditary diseases; introduce the student to the knowledge of the etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of diseases in humans and to analyze their main cellular and molecular aspects; deepen the pathogenic effects of metabolic alterations, toxic substances and ionizing radiations; study the biology of pathogenic microorganisms and their possible effects on host cells and tissues; analyze the various immunological mechanisms involved in the immune responses and the pathologies associated to an altered function of the immune system.

PREREQUISITES

In order to deal with the contents of the course, students should have a good knowledge in the fields of biochemistry, cellular biology, human anatomy, and histology. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

WILLIAM BRUNO (President)

PAOLA GHIORZO (President)

MARIA CRISTINA MINGARI (President)

GABRIELLA PIETRA (President)

ALDAMARIA PULITI (President)

SONIA SCARFI' (President)

EUGENIO DEBBIA

ANNA MARCHESE

MARIA ADELAIDE PRONZATO

ANNA MARIA SCHITO

CLAUDIA CANTONI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For the modules carried on in the first semester, the exam consists of a written test. The total amount of time allowed for the examination is 90 minutes.
General Genetics section: 30 multiple choice questions and one open question, all to be answered in 30 minutes. The exam includes the resolution of genetics problems and the exposure of molecular genetics topics.

Molecular Biology section: 20 multiple choice questions and one open question, all to be answered in 30 minutes.

Human Genetics section: 20 multiple choice questions (including 10 problems and 10 questions on theoretical knowledge), all to be answered in 30 minutes.

The examination for the integrated course is made up of a single written exam for the 3 sub-sections.  The chance to carry out a supplementary oral examination is available both to students whose final average mark is between 16 and 17/30 (14/30 at least for each module)  and  to those who wish to increase the mark (above 18/30) they obtained in the written examination

The final mark of the written exam derives from the average of marks obtained in the single sections.

For the modules carried on in the second semester, the exam is an oral one. Students are allowed to undergo the oral examination only if they have passed the test concerning the modules of the first semester with at least 18/30 (this mark is valid for 18 months).

The oral examination consists of a 30 minutes interview in the presence of the course teachers. The student, in the presence of the committee, should demonstrate the ability to critically discuss all the subjects covered in the questions. Through the discussion of different topics, the committee verifies the fulfillment of the expected earning outcomes.

At the end of the oral examination, teachers elaborate a mark deriving from the weighted mean of the partial/preliminary marks and from an overall judgment/evaluation of the student.

The mark 30/30 with honors will be assigned when the knowledge of the subject is excellent.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Verification of learning is carried out through the oral exam, aimed at verifying the real acquisition by the student of the expected learning outcomes.
In order to pass the exam the student will have to demonstrate a good knowledge of the etiological basis and the pathogenic mechanisms of diseases I humans and the ability to analyze their main cellular and molecular aspects;
The following items will contribute to the final mark:
- ability to critically discuss the requested topics;
- accuracy, clarity, synthesis and fluency;
- competence in the subject;
- speaking ability and correct use of terminology.

Exam schedule