B8414 - Metabolic Pathways of Nervous and Muscular Tissues

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

By the end of the course, the student: knows the mechanisms of generation of the transmembrane electrochemical potential responsible for the signaling mechanism in neurons; knows the interactions between proteins modulated by chemical energy in the molecular mechanism of muscle contraction.

Contenuti

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization, functioning, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the metabolism of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the skin and its appendages, essential for recognizing the normal aspects of clinical relevance in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographical anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, including their relevance to kinetics and kinematics.

The Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.24.

Specific Course contents:

The course will consider the signal-transduction mechanism that includes gated ion channels and intracellular second messengers to change the membrane potential of neurons. How movements arise from the activity of protein-based molecular motors will be explored. Choreographed interactions between myosin and actin, coupled with the hydrolysis of ATP by myosin will be the molecular mechanism studied to explain the muscle contraction.

Testi/Bibliografia

• Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry Eighth Edition, 2021 David L. Nelson; Michael M. Cox - Macmillan Learning
• Biochemistry Eighth Edition, 2021 Jeremy M. Berg; John L. Tymoczko; Gregory J. Gatto, Jr.; Lubert Stryer – W.H. Freeman & Company

Metodi didattici

Lessons will cover the programme topics illustrated with the aid of slides, and animations. Step by step the topics will be discussed with students.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 60 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 0.5 points; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1.5h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is a practical examination held in the Clinical Skills Lab or at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including the execution of manual procedures of the physical examination and the description and interpretation of images or videos related to the different imaging techniques, allowing the evaluation of the acquisition of practical and verbal competences. To pass the practical examination, the student must demonstrate sufficient competences, obtaining a minimum grade of 18/30.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is calculated as the weighted average of the written test (60%) and the practical assessment (40%). Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali].

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Blackboard, video projector, PC.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Salvatore Nesci