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

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

Students will acquire knowledge of: a) cell structure, functions and activities, particularly referring to the eukaryotic cell; b) the cellular and molecular mechanisms that rule and control proliferation and differentiation in eukaryotic cells; c) the mechanisms that overview and regulate gene expression and genetic transmission.

TEACHING METHODS

Front lessons; power-point slides will be presented and made available to the students on the proper institutional AulaWeb page. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Biology:

Introduction to the "Cell theory".

Intra- and inter-cellular communication mechanisms. 

The cell cycle in the eukaryotic cell; proliferation and cellular control mechanisms (growth factors, receptors, oncogenes and oncosuppressors). 

Chemical and structural composition of the DNA molecule; molecular mechanisms of replication; breaking the genetic code: transcription and translation.   

General principles of cell differentiation and development; similarities and differences among 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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

EMILIA BELLONE

RENATA BOCCIARDI

WILLIAM BRUNO

EMILIO DI MARIA

LORELLA LANZA

DANIELE MARRE'

PIETRO PEGOLLO

GABRIELLA PIATTI

ALDAMARIA PULITI

PAOLA GHIORZO (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).