AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the molecular mechanisms supporting the principal cell functions (from morphology and internal organization up to gene expression regulation, generation of differentiated cell lineages and genetic traits transmission). 

TEACHING METHODS

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

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 ( Prof. Luca Raiteri, Luca.Raiteri@unige.it ) before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific learning methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes. VERY IMPORTANT: any request for compensatory tools and adaptations in the exam MUST be done within 10 working days before the date of the exam according to the instructions that can be found at https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/comunicazioni

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divided in six main areas:

1. Macromolecules – Topics to be developed: Basic structure and properties of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates shall be presented with focus on chemical bonds and molecular structure and interactions to provide notions to understand the basic cell biology.

2. Citology – Topics to be developed: Cell morphology and structure of procariotes and eucariotes. Biological membranes (models, chemical composition and functions), cell organelles (Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, lisosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondria, nucleus), cytoskeleton (composition and functions of the different systems). 

3. Cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions - Topics to be developed:  Cell junctions (different systems, meaning and functions), extracellular matrix (different forms, meaning and functions), cell communications (different systems, meaning and signaling mechanisms).

4. Gene expression - Topics to be developed:  Nucleic acids structure and functions, DNA duplication, transcription, translation, gene expression regulation.

5. Cell proliferation - Topics to be developed:  Cell cycle and control mechanisms, mitosis, meiosis, gametogenesis, mechanisms and meaning of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), mechanisms of cell differentiation and cell transformation.

6. Basic genetics - Topics to be developed:  Mendel’s Laws of Heredity, probability of inheritance, alleles and genes, dominant and recessive alleles, homozygous and heterozygous definitions. Sex Chromosomes and Sex-Linked Inheritance. Karyotype aneuploidy.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

-Becker et al.; "Il mondo della cellula"; Pearsons Eds.

-Solomon et al.; "Biologia"; Edises

-Karp et al.; "Biologia cellulare e molecolare"; Edises

-Pollard et a.; "Biologia Cellulare"; Elsevier-Masson Eds.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written part consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions (along with the written part of the Human Anatomy module) and an oral part. The questions are based on the topics covered in the lectures. Successfully passing the written part (achievable with at least 9 correct answers out of 15 for each module) grants access to the oral examination, where the student's knowledge of the subject will be further assessed through a discussion with the instructor. This evaluation will also consider language proficiency, the use of appropriate terminology, and the student's ability to make connections between different concepts.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The teacher will further assess the student's level of preparation by evaluating their knowledge of the subject matter and their ability to make connections between different concepts.

Exam schedule