85243 - 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.

EUKARYOTIC CELL

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

GENETIC INFORMATION: EXPRESSION AND TRANSMISSION
The structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA); the eukaryotic gene; gene expression information: DNA transcription, maturation of primary transcripts, the genetic code, translation; DNA replication; DNA and the transmission of monogenic characters.

CELL DIVISION
Cell cycle; mitosis and meiosis.

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

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

Teaching methods

Lectures with ppt slides. Self-evaluation questions.

Assessment methods

Final written examination of biology.

The applied biology test will consist of multiple choice tests, completion questions, representations and open questions. The score of each question will be reported on the test. Wrong or ungiven answers will not take away points. 

Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:

Knowledge of a very limited number of topics; sufficient analytical ability; 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 time available to the student to carry out the applied biology test will be 45 minutes. During the test the use of books, notes and computer media will not be permitted.

The student to pass the examination will be sufficient (18/30) in all subjects of the course (biochemistry, biology and medical genetics). The final score will be the average of the results obtained in the individual subjects of the course.

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