AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

We aim to guide the student to the acquisition of in-depth knowledge of general, cellular biology and general genetics, with special emphasis on Eukaryotes, the mechanisms of cell differentiation and proliferation, reproduction, and the biological and molecular basis of evolution. 
Upon completion of the teaching, the student should have acquired basic knowledge of the mechanisms of DNA duplication, flux, expression and regulation of genetic information, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the realization and transmission of characters and the occurrence of mutations. In addition, the teaching aims to present the student with an overview of the possibilities of using the main and modern technologies applicable to the study of problems in cell biology and general and human genetics.
During the course, students are given a number of tests to assess their acquired knowledge, which they answer individually and anonymously. Immediately after each test, feedback is provided by the lecturer, who immediately displays the correct answers. This is followed by a time for discussion of the themes that emerged in the test, with an opportunity by the lecturer, to clarify any doubts. 

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes classroom teaching on topics of Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Citology.

To achieve the educational objectives of this course,students are provided with a general framework of the fundamentals and functional significance of the subjects covered through.

-Classroom lectures  
-presentations (ppt) with graphic illustrations, photographs of cytological preparations, animations etc.

 Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Biological macromolecules. 
General organization of cells. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes. 
Structure of nucleic acids and topology of DNA. 
Chromatin structure and organization of the genome.
Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication.
The flow of gene information.  
Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Transcript maturation, protein synthesis and their regulation. 
Cell death: Apoptosis and Necrosis. 
Cell cycle: phases and regulation. Mechanics of cell division. 
Mitosis. Meiosis. Gametogenesis.
The interactions between cells. Adhesion molecules and the extracellular matrix. 
The acquisition of the differentiated cell state. 
Elements of general genetics

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alberts et al.; "L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula"; Zanichelli Editori.

Bonaldo, Brancolini et al, "Molecole, Cellule e Organismi, EdiSES

Zaccheo e Pestarino; "Citologia, istologia e anatomia microscopica"; Pearson

Maraldi e Tacchetti; "Biologia-Citologia medica"; Edi Ermes

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

RODOLFO QUARTO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of testing-through a written test-the preparation acquired by the student relative to the objectives of the teaching.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Verification of achievement of the module's educational objectives will consist of a written test. Passing the module will be achieved with at least 6 out of 10 correct answers.