OVERVIEW

The integrated course BIOMOLECULAR METHODOLOGIES AND PHARMACOLOGY is taught in the third year of the Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences and awards 9 CFUs (credits). The course is divided into two modules: BIOMOLECULAR METHODOLOGIES and PHARMACOLOGY.

Biomolecular Methodologies describes the main methods used in the study and manipulation of nucleic acids and introduces the use of bioinformatics resources for the analysis of biological sequences.

Pharmacology is the science that studies drugs, their qualitative and quantitative interactions with living organisms, the mechanisms of action underlying therapeutic effects, clinical uses, and adverse drug effects. General Pharmacology is structured into two major branches: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The integrated course BIOMOLECULAR METHODOLOGIES AND PHARMACOLOGY aims to promote the student’s personal, cultural, and professional development by providing tools to further explore aspects of molecular biology and pharmacology. The learning objectives of the course are therefore the acquisition of knowledge and skills concerning:

1. the main technologies used for the analysis, characterization, and manipulation of genetic material, as well as their practical laboratory applications;
2. the use of the main bioinformatics resources, databases, and software for the search, analysis, and interpretation of nucleotide sequences;
3. the mechanisms of drug action, interactions with targets, and how these lead to pharmacological and toxic effects;
4. the kinetic aspects of drugs;
5. individual variability in drug response, drug safety, and drug–drug interactions.

These objectives are consistent with the learning goals of the Degree Programme in Biological Sciences and aligned with the expected professional profiles and career opportunities.

PREREQUISITES

• 65534 – MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND LABORATORY (Prof. Giovine)
• 67060 – ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND LABORATORY (Professors Grasselli and Vergani)

To effectively attend this course, students must have basic knowledge of molecular biology, particularly regarding the structure and function of nucleic acids, the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation, genome organization and expression, and the principles of the genetic code in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Knowledge of the main concepts related to gene and protein structure, genetic code and gene expression, classes of mutations and their functional effects, and molecular evolution is also required.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARINA POZZOLINI (President)

EMANUELE BOSI

CHIARA CERVETTO (President Substitute)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Student assessment will take place through an oral examination for each module, during which achievement of the learning objectives will be evaluated. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes per module in the presence of a committee composed of the professors or other members of the committee, including a PhD student/research fellow recognized by the CSS as a subject expert. Only passing both assessments will result in passing the integrated course examination.

The maximum final mark is 30/30, with possible honours (lode), and will derive from the weighted average of the marks obtained in the two modules. Please refer to the relevant course sheets for the exam procedures of each individual module.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The appointed committee is able to verify with high accuracy the achievement of the course learning objectives by asking varied questions concerning the programme. At least two questions will be asked for Biomolecular Methodologies and three questions for Pharmacology. For the final assessment, the committee will evaluate: the level of knowledge of the requested topics; clarity of presentation and appropriateness of scientific language; reasoning ability and the capacity to make connections with other topics in the course syllabus.

If the learning objectives are not achieved, the student will be invited to review their knowledge and, if necessary, seek further explanations by contacting the Professor.