85242 - Applied Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student should: know the concept of cell theory; the basic structure of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells as well as the functions of single structures or complexes of structures; know the main regulation mechanisms of eukaryotic cell activities (gene expression, protein synthesis, motility, communication, differentiation, cellular and organismic reproduction strategies, with particular reference to human reproduction, cell cycle and apoptosis); be able to clearly communicate their knowledge and link the argument of the whole program. The course aims to help the students to comprehend the issues needed to understand the scientific subjects that they will study along the course and to acquire the ability to critically be involved in bio-medical problems.

Course contents

THE STUDY OF LIFE

Concept of living being and properties; the cellular doctrine; the scientific method; outlines of evolution.

Biological role of elements, molecules and macromolecules; structure and properties of water; proteins, nucleic acids, ATP.

THE EUKARYOTIC CELL

Shape, size and structure of the eukaryotic cell; the plasma membrane: the cytoplasm; intracellular membrane system: rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, peroxisome, exosome; the nucleus: DNA, chromatine and chromosomes; the mitochondria; the ribosomes; the cytoskeleton: actin filaments and muscle cells , intermediate filaments and microtubules; cellular junctions; cell-cell communication.

THE GENETIC INFORMATION

DNA structure; the human genome; the eukaryotic gene; the DNA replication; the gene expression: transcription, genetic code and traslation.

Mendelian inheritance; complete and incomplete dominance; codominance; multiple alleles; Sex-Determining Genes; mutations.

EPIGENETICS

THE REPRODUCTION

The cell reproduction: cell cycle, necrosis, apoptosys and mitosis.

The organisms reproduction: meiosis, spermatogenesis, ovogenesis, ovarian cycle, uterine cycle, fertilization.

HABITAT

Physical, chemical and biotic factors that define character; relationship between genes and habitat.

Readings/Bibliography

Readings and Bibliography will be presented during lessons.

Teaching methods

Lessons, readings, discussion, practical activities in small groups.

Assessment methods

Written examination to evaluate the knowledge of the biological issues throughout multiple choice questions, open questions and exercises.

Oral examination to evaluate the ability to present an argument and to link different arguments among biology and genetics.

Teaching tools

Books, papers, slides, video.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Canaider