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

This class will help students to develop knowledge, understanding and a strong foundation in the cell biology basics.

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.

By attending class and then by studying on their own what discussed during lessons, students will acquire knowledge of: a) cell structure, functions and activities, particularly referring to the eukaryotic cell; b) cellular and molecular mechanisms that rule and control proliferation, replication, signal transduction and differentiation in eukaryotic cells; c) the mechanisms that overview and regulate gene expression and genetic transmission.

TEACHING METHODS

Students are required to attend class for at least 75% of the scheduled lessons.

Class will be managed as frontal lectures with Power Point notes. Basics in cell biology will be addressed during class by means of active discussion engaged by the Lecturer via examples and specific exercise.

Students can take advantage of online material (lectures power point notes) available on the AulaWeb website; Lecturer can be reached via email to arrange specific 1-to-1 meeting for further assistance/explanation as needed.

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

Power point notes of class lectures are available for students to be downloaded from AulaWeb (https://www.aulaweb.unige.it). Files are strictly for personal use only; files must not be shared on social media, posted on any internet website or put on any sharing platform; files must not be printed out for sale or photocopied.

Other basic biology and genetics textbooks can be also used, providing they are intended for University Master Degree courses.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam assessment will be perfomed as 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 succeed 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, replication, intra- and inter-cell communication and differentiation of the eukaryotic cell.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

For clarifications, further explanation or any required information, students are strongly invited to contact the referring Lecturer(s) via e-mail or by phone.