57113 - Applied Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student should know: the organization and the main molecular mechanisms of eukariotic cells; the organization of genetic information, its transmission and expression; the reproduction of cells and organisms.

Course contents

Prerequisites:

To best approach the learning experience, it is helpful to have basic knowledge of mathematics and chemistry.

Program:

STUDY OF LIFE

Properties of living organisms; cellular theory; prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

EUKARYOTIC CELL

Shape, size and structure of eukaryotic cells; plasma membrane: structure and permeability; the cytoplasm; the nucleus: DNA, chromatin, chromosomes, genome and karyotype; ribosomes: structure and function, the system of intracellular membranes: structure and function of smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, the lysosome; mitochondria: structure and inheritance; the cytoskeleton and its ability to define the cell shape and movement: microtubules, intermediate filaments and microfilaments.

GENETIC INFORMATION
The structure of DNA; the eukaryotic gene; DNA replication; gene expression information: DNA transcription, maturation of primary transcripts, the genetic code, translation, post-translational modifications and final destination of proteins; gene regulation; gene and chromosomal mutations.

REPRODUCTION
The cell division: cell cycle; mitosis; meiosis and human reproduction.

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested Books:

- Elementi di biologia

Eldra P. Solomon, Charles E. Martin, Diana W. Martin

ottava edizione italiana

EdiSES

- Campbell Biologia e genetica

Lisa A. Urry - Michael L. Cain - Steven A. Wasserman - Peter V. Minorsky - Rebecca B. Orr - Neil A. Campbell

dodicesima edizione

Pearson • Con Pearson eText

- Elementi di biologia e genetica

David Sadava, David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally Hacker

quinta edizione italiana (libro multimediale)

Zanichelli

- Elementi di biologia e genetica

Bonaldo P. et al.

prima edizione

EdiSES 

- Biologia e Genetica per le Scienze Motorie

Caporossi D. et al.

prima edizione

EdiSES

For further information:

- Fondamenti di biologia

E. P. Solomon, C. E. Martin, D. W. Martin, L. R. Berg

settima edizione italiana

EdiSES

Teaching material can be downloaded through Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/)

Teaching methods

Lectures with ppt slides. Self-evaluation questions.

Assessment methods

Applied Biology is one of the four modules of Biochemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology I.C. (Integrated Course).

The I.C. learning assessment consists of a written test lasting a total of 2h 30’, including open-ended questions, multiple-choice tests and true/false questions. The score of each question will be reported on the test. Further specifications will be provided during the lessons by the lecturers of the individual courses included in the I.C. Biochemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology. During the exam, the use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices is not permitted. The use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Assessment is designed to verify that students have achieved the learning outcomes of the course and have acquired the expertise in integrating the course contents.

To pass the integrated course exam and proceed with the official recording of the grade, students must achieve a passing mark (18/30) in all subjects (biochemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology) included in the integrated course. The final grade will be calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the individual modules of the integrated course.

The Biochemistry test consists of three open-ended questions to be completed within 45 minutes. Each question has a maximum score of 10.5 points if done correctly and comprehensively; the score will gradually decrease in the case of errors (in content or terminology) or incompleteness of the answer. The score awarded will be equal to the sum of the scores obtained in the individual questions. For students registered in A.Y. prior to 2026/27, the Biochemistry test continues to be oral.

The Biology test consists of three treatises to be completed within 45 minutes. Each treatise is divided into short-answer open-ended questions, sentence completion questions, true/false questions and representations. Each treatise has a maximum score of 10.5 points if done correctly and comprehensively; the score will gradually decrease in the case of errors (in content or terminology) or incompleteness of the answer. The score awarded will be equal to the sum of the scores obtained in the individual treatises. For students registered in A.Y. prior to 2026/27, the Biology test continues to be oral.

The Anatomy test consists of 31 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 35 minutes. Each question has four answer options, of which only one is correct. Questions left unanswered and those with incorrect answers do not award any scores (0 points). Achieving 31 correct answers out of 31 corresponds to a grade of 30 cum laude.

The Physiology test consists of 33 true/false questions to be completed within 25 minutes. Each correct answer is worth one point; incorrect answers do not incur any penalty. If a student obtains 18 points, the final grade will be 18; if 19 points are obtained, the final grade will be 19, and so on. If more than 30 points are obtained, the final grade will be 30 with honors (30 cum laude).

To book an exam, the student must use AlmaEsami (https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm ).

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 [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students] ) 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.

Teaching tools

Use of computer to show scientific videos and to present the lecture. Students will be provided with ppt slides (https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/federica.facchin2/).

Office hours

See the website of Federica Facchin