B1949 - BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE (11 CFU)

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student has adequate knowledge of the fundamental principles and basic mechanisms of molecular biology. In particular, the student is able to understand and discuss issues of gene expression, DNA replication and repair, the structure of the genome, nucleosome, and the regulatory RNA at the molecular level. The student has also knowledge of basic molecular biology technologies.

Course contents

The course provides the molecular foundations of cellular function, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms governing the maintenance, transmission and expression of genetic information, as well as on the principal methodologies used in molecular biology.

Recommended prerequisites: a basic knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry and genetics is recommended.

Module 1

• organization of genes and genomes;
• structure and properties of DNA and RNA;
• messenger RNA, the genetic code and protein synthesis;
• transcription and transcriptional regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes.

Module 2

• regulatory strategies of bacteriophage λ;
• regulation mediated by regulatory RNAs;
• DNA replication;
• DNA recombination and DNA repair mechanisms.

Module 3

• eukaryotic promoters and enhancers;
• regulation of transcription in eukaryotes;
• RNA splicing and RNA processing;
• major molecular biology techniques and their applications.

Module 4 – Laboratory

The laboratory module consists of practical experimental sessions focused on PCR amplification, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA cloning and expression of a reporter gene in Escherichia coli. The laboratory activities are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the principal experimental methodologies of molecular biology.

Throughout the course, students will also develop transversal competences including scientific reasoning, interpretation of experimental results, problem-solving skills and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials presented during the lectures are intended to support and complement the recommended textbooks. They facilitate the understanding of the course topics but do not replace the reference texts.

Recommended textbooks:

• Il Gene, Second Compact Edition. Chapters 1–3, 7–9, 11–15, 18–20, and 24–28.
• Watson J.D. et al., Recombinant DNA: Genes and Genomes, Zanichelli. Chapter 4.

Additional teaching materials and supplementary resources will be made available through the University’s Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

The course is organized into four teaching modules.

Modules 1 and 2 (6 CFU) consist of lectures introducing the fundamental principles of molecular biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular function.

Module 3 (4 CFU) includes lectures (3 CFU) devoted to the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes and classroom exercises (1 CFU) designed to facilitate the understanding of the principal molecular biology techniques.

Module 4 (1 CFU) consists of laboratory sessions focused on PCR amplification, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA cloning and expression of a reporter gene in Escherichia coli.

Teaching activities include:

• lectures;
• guided classroom exercises;
• practical laboratory activities.

Teaching materials will be made available through the University’s Virtuale platform.

Because the course includes laboratory activities, attendance of the laboratory module requires compliance with the University’s laboratory safety regulations and, where applicable, completion of the mandatory safety training required by the Degree Programme before accessing the laboratory.

Students with disabilities, specific learning disorders (DSA), special educational needs (BES) or other health conditions may contact the University’s disability and inclusion services to discuss appropriate support measures.

Assessment methods

Student learning is assessed through a single final written examination, common to all course modules, lasting 120 minutes. During the examination, the use of books, notes, electronic devices or any other supporting material is not permitted.

The examination is designed to assess the achievement of the intended learning outcomes, including:

• understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing the maintenance, transmission and expression of genetic information;
• ability to apply acquired knowledge to the interpretation of fundamental biological processes and molecular biology methodologies;
• ability to analyse and solve basic molecular biology problems;
• appropriate use of scientific terminology.

The written examination consists of 44 multiple-choice questions (24 questions covering Modules 1 and 2, 16 questions covering Module 3, and 4 questions covering Module 4) and 2 open-ended questions (one covering Modules 1 and 2 and one covering Module 3).

Each multiple-choice question is worth 0.34 points, while each open-ended question is worth up to 8 points. The final mark (out of 30) is calculated by summing the scores obtained in all parts of the examination.

Assessment is based on the following criteria:

• understanding of the course topics;
• completeness of the acquired knowledge;
• ability to apply theoretical knowledge to problem solving;
• appropriate use of scientific language and ability to synthesize concepts;
• ability to integrate and connect the different topics covered during the course.

The use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools is not permitted during the assessment. Any use of generative AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA) are encouraged to contact the University’s dedicated office well in advance. Appropriate accommodations may be proposed and must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination for approval, in accordance with University regulations and the learning objectives of the course.

Students officially recognized as working students should consult the University’s dedicated webpage to request this status and obtain information about the available support measures.

Teaching tools

Students will have access to:

• PowerPoint presentations used during lectures;
• supplementary teaching materials;
• exercises and classroom materials;
• laboratory protocols and supporting handouts;
• additional resources uploaded to the University’s Virtuale platform.

The teaching materials are intended to complement, rather than replace, the recommended textbooks. Students are also encouraged to use digital resources, including generative Artificial Intelligence tools, critically and responsibly as support for individual study, always verifying the information against authoritative scientific sources.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Roncarati

See the website of Davide Carlo Ambrosetti

See the website of Paolo Emidio Costantini

See the website of Andrea Vannini