OVERVIEW

This course provides a basic outline of the principles of classical genetics Methods to determine the relative positions of genes in the genome are explained, and various patterns of inheritance are described. The main areas that are covered are: transmission genetics, gene and genome structure, stability and variability mechanisms. The course also provides students with the skills to solve simple genetic problems .This is carried out by using an interactive approach.a

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

Aim of this course is to provide students with  knowledge of the basic principles of Genetics as well as the ability to analyze basicl problems regarding the same topics so to develop their analytic skills.

By attending class and then by studying on their own what discussed during lessons, students will acquire knowledge of:

- general mechanisms of inheritance, with particular attention to human heredity

- fundamentals of molecular genetics mechanisms that underlie monogenic inheritance models .

-basic features of the process and the molecular basis of mutations

-potential  medical applications using simulation exercises.

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 genetics will be addressed during class by means of active discussion engaged by the Lecturer via examples and specific exercise with the Lecturer assistance in solving simple genetic problems

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

Mitosis versus Meiosis

Basic principles of inheritance: applications of Mendel's principles to eukaryotes followed by an introduction to humans (notions of features of autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance)

Sex-chromosomes and the chromosomal theory of inheritance. Sex-linked traits

Extensions of Mendel's classic genetics: allelic variations, gene-gene interactions, gene-environment interactions

Linked genes: recombination and gene mapping in eukaryotes.

Basic features of mutations: molecular basis of mutation  and different phenotypic effects. Chemical and physical mutagens.

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 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 performed by written multiple choice test.
The assessment of the integrated course  is made up of a single written exam for the 4 sub-sections(10 multiple choice questions per each module: Biology, General Genetics, Medical Genetics and Microbiology). In order to pass the class athe student has to reach a mark of at least 24/40 (18/30).

The total amount of time allowed for the exam 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 class, students must reach a mark of at least 18/30. 

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

All the topics covered in class can be found in the ”aula web” slides.
Any other, more in-depth material is mentioned at the end of the lesson and can be found in the “aula web” slides.
 https://www.aulaweb.unige.it

For further explanations, Lecturers are available to arrange one-to-one meetings; students can contact them via e-mail or phone call.