- Docente: Nicola Facchinello
- Credits: 6
- SSD: BIO/18
- Language: Italian
- Moduli: (Modulo 1) Nicola Facchinello (Modulo 2)
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Biodiversity and Evolution (cod. 6771)
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from Sep 30, 2025 to Nov 13, 2025
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from Nov 18, 2025 to Jan 13, 2026
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
Introduction to genetics: from mendelian transmission to post-genomic era.
Genetic variation: origin of DNA variation and study methodologies
Genetic structure of populations : Hardy Weinberg equilibrium and its applications; inbreeding, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutation, natural selection and fitness.
Molecules of life. Genome structure. Comparative genomics, genome evolution. Molecular mechanisms underlying molecular evolution: duplication, mutation, recombination, mobile element activity. Genes: omology, orthology and paralogy. Origin of new genes. Origin of new protein domains. Epigenetic mechanisms and 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 (2 hours) 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