57113 - Applied Biology

Learning outcomes

The student acquires an understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, the nature of living matter, and the flow of genetic information within living systems. The course covers the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell, the molecular organization and roles of DNA and RNA, and the mechanisms of DNA replication and cell division.

Course contents

LIVING SYSTEMS Key features of living systems. The central dogma of biology. The cell theory. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

WATER AND BIOMOLECULES Biological functions of water; the importance of carbon to life; structure and biological activity of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

FROM GENOTYPE TO PHENOTYPE The informational molecules. The eukaryotic gene structure .DNA transcription, maturation of primary transcripts, genetic code and translation. Regulation of gene expression.

THE EUKARYOTIC CELL General organization of the eukaryotic cell. The plasma membrane: plasma membrane chemical composition, membrane transport mechanisms, signals and receptors, membrane antigens. The nucleus: chromatine and chromosomes. The intracellular membrane system: structure and function of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and lysosome. Mitochondria: structure and inheritance

MOLECULAR, CELLULAR AND ORGANISM REPRODUCTION. DNA replication. Cell cycle. Mitosis. Meiosis. The gametes in humans.

Readings/Bibliography

Solomon E.P., Berg R.L., Martin D.V. - Elementi di biologia - Ed. EdiSES

two issues edition:

Solomon E.P., Berg R.L., Martin D.V. - Genetica: La continuità della vita - Ed. EdiSES

Solomon E.P., Berg R.L., Martin D.V. – La cellula - Ed. EdiSES

Sadava D., Orians G.H., Heller H.C. – Elementi di Biologia e Genetica- Ed. Zanichelli

two issues edition:

Purves W.K., Sadava D., Orians G.H., Heller H.C. - L'informazione e l'ereditarietà - Ed. Zanichelli

Purves W.K., Sadava D., Orians G.H., Heller H.C. - La cellula - Ed. Zanichelli)

Campbell NA-Reece JB (Urry, Cane, Wassermann, Minorsky, Jackson) - Biologia e Genetica - ED Pearson

two issues edition:

Campbell-Reece –Biologia. Fascicolo1 La chimica della vita e la cellula – Ed. Pearson Benjiamin Cummings

Campbell-Reece –Biologia. Fascicolo2 La genetica– Ed. Pearson Benjiamin Cummings

Teaching methods

Frontal teaching.

Teacher-led classroom activities designed to help students clarify and deepen their understanding of previously discussed topics.

Self-assessment test

 

Assessment methods

A 90-minute written test consisting of 32 questions, which may be multiple choice or open-ended. Each correct answer is worth one point. A minimum of 18 points is required to pass the exam.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) during the assessment is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

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/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

A computer will be used to display drawings and diagrams from textbooks or scientific articles, as well as short films.

All teaching materials will be made available on the Virtuale platform: https://virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Cinzia Zucchini