OVERVIEW

This class will introduce students to the basics in experimental biology
for scientific research. Specific focus will be dedicated to advanced cell
biology highlights in this field; the main relevant principles driving stem
cell biology and their applications in regenerative medicine, tissue
engineering and gene therapy will be comprehensively addressed. The program
will also include the characterization and analysis of cellular components
released in the extracellular space as novel tools with therapeutic and
diagnostic relevance.*

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main learning outcomes will focus on making students become familiar
with the main current concepts in experimental biology for preclinical
biomedical research for diagnostic and translational purposes

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• AIMS

Lessons aim to introduce students to the most advanced aspects of cell biology applied to biomedical translational research, so that, at the end of the class, students will be able to discuss the cell as functional unit for therapeutic and/or diagnostic and/or pharmacological applications in different disease models.

• LEARNING OUTCOMES (DETAILED)

Students are required to develop critical thinking attitude as required for scientific research in experimental translational biology, with specific relevance to regenerative medicine and to the impact into biomedical research. Students will be expected to know, comprehend and be able to compare the main mechanisms underlying stem cell biology potential for basic research as well as clinical purposes; they will also be required to critically evaluate possible applications of cell biology in tissue engineering and gene therapy.  Students will also be expected to retain and use the proper scientific terminology. Students who have not acquired the basic content as discussed and explained during class will not be be able to pass the exam.

PREREQUISITES

Students will be required to master the basics of cell biology, gene
expression regulation, inter- and  intra-cellular signalling and
communication. A good background on general cell physiology, tissue
homeostasis, as well as the main mechanisms of tissue damage and healing is
also needed.*

TEACHING METHODS

Classes will be managed as frontal lectures with Power Point presentations; during classes, students will be engaged in active discussion, via examples and specific exercises. If necessary, lessons may be provided on-line, through specific platforms, upon pre-arrangements, when necessary.

Students will be provided with class notes as online material (lectures power point notes) available on the AulaWeb website. The lecturer can be reached via email to arrange specific one-to-one meeting for further assistance/explanation as needed.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to stem cell biology principles; classification of stem cells and their potential in translational research; clinical applications of human stem cells; induced pluripotent stem cells and personalized medicine; experimental biology applications in gene therapy and tissue engineering; characterization of cell-derived extracellular vesicles and their relevance as innovative therapeutics and/or diagnostic tools

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Power point notes of class lectures are available for students to be downloaded from AulaWeb. 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, among which this may be useful for the basic principles in stem cell biology: Alberts et al. “Molecular Biology of the Cell”, Zanichelli Ed.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CARLO GENOVA (President)

STEFANO THELLUNG DE COURTELARY (President)

SVEVA BOLLINI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the formal communication provided by the competent office of each Faculty/School.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is will be a one-to-one interview on the main topics discussed in class. Interview via remote online connection can be arranged upon specific need, to be discussed and evaluated with the Lecturer. The critical discussion will be started by the Lecturer asking 3 initial questions to the student in order to evaluate their knowledge on the main and most relevant topics presented during class.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims to verify the students’ comprehension on the main topics discussed in class. Questions will span through all main items/topics presented during the course. The student capacity to master the principles of experimental biology in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and gene therapy will be evaluated. Critical thinking will be also assessed by discussing scientific research approaches.

The students’ ability to memorize specific terms/statements and to correlate them with specific cellular functions/activities shall be evaluated, primarily, by correlation questions. Different additional types of questions, among which multiple choice questions, will also be used to evaluate the students’ competence relating molecular and functional cellular activities. The appropriateness of the students’ understanding about cause/effect correlations may also be examined.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Registration for the exams is strictly limited to the on-line registration system. No students will be allowed to take the exam if not enrolled or if enrolled by any other means. If students experience any trouble/inconvenience while enrolling, they are strongly encouraged to contact the on-line student service on time before the exam registration deadline.

Topics covered during lessons are summarized by the power-point presentations available on the AulaWeb page. Additional material can be presented at the end of the front lesson and made available through AulaWeb (https://www.aulaweb.unige.it).

Professor Sveva Bollini's profile is available at:

https://dimes.unige.it/rubrica/docenti/sveva-bollini

https://rubrica.unige.it/personale/UkNFX19v