OVERVIEW

Circadian clocks have evolved to synchronize physiology, metabolism and behaviour to the 24-h geophysical cycles of the Earth.

Biological clocks are found in several organisms, human included and they play a key role for the sustain of the biological cycles and as well for the ability of measure the lenght of the light phase of the day. 

Alterations of the night/day rhytms may affect the health status of the organisms.

In animals the biological clock is based on loops of retroactve feedback between DNA trasncription and protein synthesis.

Several parameters may play an inportant role as Zeigeber in the clock syncronization. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module aims to provide student a general knowledge about the structure and the functioni principles of the circadian clocks in anuìimals higligting the common elements and the peculiarity in the main model organisms. 

During the lectures the main pathologies associated with the desynchronization of the circadian clock will be also presented. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the module student will:

know the structural and functional element of the circadian clock in animals

know the principal Zeitgeber responsibleof the clock synchronization

understand the causes of the clock deregulation and  desyncronization

know the principal pathologies associated with the clcok desynchronization and deregulation

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is divided into 32 hours of training activities of which n. 16 hours of theoretical lectures on all the topics of the program and n. 16 hours of exercises and analysis of practical cases.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Importance and evolutionary role of the clocks

genes and proteins of the main model organis and of the humans

The Zeitgeber

Element of deregulation and desynchronization of the circadian clock (mutations, Jet lag, shif work)

Patologies associated with clock gene muations

Patologies associated with the desyncronizationand deregulation of the biological clock

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable go to the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Please check also this module Aulaweb page for timetable updates dependent on the sanitary and epidemic situation.

Class schedule

CHRONOBIOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Verification of learning takes place only through the final exam which aims to ascertain the actual acquisition by the student of the expected learning outcomes.

The student to pass the exam, thus obtaining a grade of not less than 18/30, must demonstrate:

- To know the structural and functional elements of the circadian clock as presented during the lectures 

-To have understood the mechanisms and causes of the clock deregulation

-To know the most mportant pathologies associated with the deregulation and desynchronization of the clock. 

The following contribute to the final mark expressed out of thirty:

- Ability to deal with the requested topics in a transversal and critical manner;

- Correctness, clarity, synthesis and fluidity of presentation;

- Mastery of the subject;

- Adoption of appropriate terminology

The mark of 30/30 with possible honors will be awarded when the knowledge / skills of the subject are excellent.