57113 - Applied Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Applied Biology course, the student consolidates, deepens and integrates his knowledge of cellular and genetic processes and their alterations. The student is able to apply the notions learned to understand and discuss biomedical problems and at the same time develops a critical sense on the biology and genetics topics addressed. The course allows you to see the value of the methodological scientific path underlying biological discoveries that influence human health and to understand how biological knowledge fully integrates with other biomedical disciplines.

Course contents

Biological bases of human reproduction and cellular differentiation: phenomenology and regulation of cellular events in male and female gametogenesis and in fertilization. Mechanisms underlying genetic sex determination and X and Y chromosomes.

Biological bases of stemness and differentiation: implications in Regenerative Medicine.

Inheritance of traits: in-depth study of human eukaryotic gene structure; comparison between autosomal, sex-linked, and mitochondrial transmission of wild-type and mutated traits.

Epigenetics: focus on chromosome territories.

Readings/Bibliography

Alessandro R, Bucci C, Cobellis G.

Biologia e genetica. EdiSES, 2026.

or

Bonaldo P, Brancolini C, Ghiorzo P, Poletti A, Riva P.

Biologia cellulare e principi di Genetica. EdiSES, 2026.

or

Alberts B, Heald R, Hopkin K, et al.

L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula. Zanichelli VI edizione/2026.

The texts and teaching materials will be indicated by the professor on the first day of lessons.

Teaching methods

Lectures, exercises.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of an oral exam. Assessment will focus on the student's ability to present one or more topics from the syllabus, starting from a general overview and subsequently delving into specific structures and molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, the capacity to critically connect the different course topics will also be subject to evaluation.

Teaching tools

scientific texts, scientific articles and video

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Canaider