- Docente: Nicola Facchinello
- Credits: 6
- SSD: BIOS-14/A
- Language: Italian
- Moduli: Federico Manuel Giorgi (Modulo 1) Nicola Facchinello (Modulo 2)
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Biodiversity and Evolution (cod. 6771)
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from Sep 22, 2026 to Nov 03, 2026
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from Nov 10, 2026 to Jan 14, 2027
Learning outcomes
The course provides the knowledge of the basic elements of population genetics and molecular evolution needed to understand evolutionary processes, stimulate and consolidate the student's critical thinking and interpersonal skills through open discussion situations and group work.
Course contents
Module 1
Required preliminary knowledge: basic concepts of general genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology.
Definition of population. Forces controlling genetic variation. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Pedigrees and family trees. Evolution: how to simulate it computationally. Inbreeding. The inbreeding coefficient (F). Analysis of animal populations and human dynasties.
From variant to phenotype: using populations to infer quantitative traits.
Historical domestications: the wolf and teosinte.
Module 2
Genome structure and organization. Comparative genomics. Genome evolution.
Molecular mechanisms underlying genome evolution. Mutation. Gene duplication. Recombination. Mobile element activity in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Genes: homology, orthology, and paralogy. Origin of new genes. Origin of new protein domains.
Introduction to epigenetic mechanisms and their role in evolution.
Readings/Bibliography
Lessons materials will be distributed in PDF files to students attending the course.
Some issues will be examined on the basis of reviews and original papers that will be available for the students.
Teaching methods
The theoretical lessons will be held by using slides.
Assessment methods
The exam aims at the assessment of the expected learning outcomes. Written exam (90 minutes) comprising both open-ended and closed-ended questions.
Students have the right to reject the proposed positive grade once (in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations, ART.16, paragraph 5).
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 ) 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.
Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website ( https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work ) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.
Teaching tools
Ppt presentations and scientific papers will be available (Virtuale Unibo)
Office hours
See the website of Nicola Facchinello
See the website of Federico Manuel Giorgi