96029 - Molecular Genetics of Development and Diseases

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student possesses knowledge on the genetic control of developmental pathways involved in cell growth and differentiation and on the genetic events that transform normal cellular processes into tumour-promoting conditions. The student acquires a broad understanding of: - molecular genetics approaches to study biological processes - role of fundamental gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways during development - role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in the development and progression of cancer - experimental design and the use of transgenic organism to model cancer

Course contents

Genetic dissection of developmental pathways.

Gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways controlling body axes specification.

Control of gene expression in time and space.

Morphogen gradients and embryo patterning.

Genetic specification of cell identity.

Model organism genetics.

Experimental design and use of transgenic Danio rerio to model human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Laboratory module

The lab will explore modern molecular genetics techniques and complement the theoretical course material.

Readings/Bibliography

Updated reviews and specific research articles will be made available through the Virtuale website. Lectures slides will also be available for students attending the course through the same website.

Teaching methods

Lectures and in class discussion of primary research literature. Flipped classroom.

The experimental work will be carried out individually by each student in a lab with single workstations. To evaluate the understanding of the experimental work carried out in the laboratory, each student has to write a report.

Wetlab course NOTE:As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Students with special needs and/or certifications are asked to contact the teacher by e-mail, entering DSA service in Cc (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it).

Assessment methods

The exam aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives and consists of a 90-minute written test made up of open-ended questions and multiple-choice questions.

Students have the right to reject the proposed positive grade once (in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations, ART.16, paragraph 5).

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website ( https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work ) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.

Teaching tools

Ppt presentations and scientific papers will be available

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Facchinello