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.

Reproductive strategies of living things.
Reproduction in the human species: phenomenology and regulation of cellular events in male and female gametogenesis; structure of mature gametes and fertilization.
Biological bases of differentiation

Effects of chromosomal mutations on the carrier and gametes produced.

Mechanisms and effects of chromosomal structural mutations (intrachromosomal and interchromosomal).
Mechanisms and effects of chromosomal number mutations.

Genetic determination of sex.

Mechanisms underlying genetic sex determination.
Structure and function of the X and Y chromosomes.
Dose compensation and molecular biology of X chromosome inactivation.

The new dogmas of biology

Epigenetics and regulation codes (positional, nucleosomal and histone codes).
RNA genes.

Readings/Bibliography

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

Teaching methods

Lectures, readings of scientific articles, exercises on topics addressed in the classroom.

Assessment methods

oral exam

Teaching tools

scientific texts and articles

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Canaider