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
Introduction to biology; properties of living organisms; cell theory; prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

CELL AND ITS FUNCIONAL COMPARTMENTS

Shape, size and structure of eukaryotic cells; plasma membrane: structure and permeability; the cytoplasm; the nucleus: structure and function; ribosomes: structure and function; the system of intracellular membranes: function of smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, the lysosome; mitochondria: structure and inheritance.

GENETIC INFORMATION: ITS EXPRESSION AND TRANSMISSION

Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA. The structure of DNA and its nuclear organization: chromatin and chromosome; gene expression: DNA transcription, maturation of primary transcripts, the genetic code, translation, post-translational modifications and final destination of proteins. DNA replication.

CELL DIVISION, CELL DEATH AND REPRODUCTION

The cell cycle: check points and phases; mitosis; different pathways and functions between necrosis and apoptosis; meiosis and reproduction of human organisms.

INTRODUCTION TO GENETIC AND GENOME

Introduction to Genetics. The human genome. Description of the human karyotype: number and types of chromosomes. Karyotype analysis. Chromosome banding.

HEREDITARY TRANSMISSION OF CHARACTERS

Mendel's laws. Mode of transmission of monogenic characters: Autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance, X-linked recessive inheritance.

MUTATIONS AND VARIABILITY
Definition, causes and types of mutations. Gene mutations: types and effects on the gene product. Chromosomal mutations. Genomic mutations.

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested books:

- 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

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

ottava edizione italiana

EdiSES

- Biologia Come funziona la vita (cellula genetica)

Morris JR et al.

prima edizione

Zanichelli

- 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

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

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, video and discussion of some topics.

Self-evaluation questions. Exercise of genetics.

Assessment methods

The student must face an oral examination about Applied Biology: two or three question. 

The topics of the exam will be the master arguments treated during the lessons and specified in class at the end of the course.

Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:

Knowledge of a very limited number of topics; analytical ability that emerges only with the help of the teacher; exposition of concepts and language acceptable as a whole → 18-19;

Knowledge of a limited number of topics; ability to analyse independently only on purely executive issues; exposition and language generally correct → 20-24;

Knowledge of a large number of topics, but with some inaccuracies; ability to analyze and link independently. Exposure of concepts in the right succession and with appropriate language → 25-29;

Full preparation, consolidated and without inaccuracies on the topics covered in the course. Ability to promptly frame the topic. Ability to analyze and connect independently different topics. Concepts in the right succession and full command of the specific language with some original elaboration by the student → 30-30L.

The final score will be the average of the results obtained in the individual subjects of the course. In order to pass the exam the student will be sufficient (minimal score 18/30) in all teachings of course (biochemistry and applied biology).

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.

As for learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

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