Chemistry and biochemistry, biology and genetics 4

Module Biology and genetics

The course in Biology and Genetics aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the fundamental concepts of Biology and Genetics, useful for understanding the organization and functioning of the cell, the mechanisms underlying heredity and the expression of gene information, complementing them also with references to applications so as to complete the view of the overall biological picture.

Dublin Descriptors

a. Knowledge and understanding
The student will acquire fundamental and up-to-date knowledge of Biology and Genetics, with particular reference to cell organization and function, cell division, heredity, and the expression and regulation of genetic information. The student will understand the main biological mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological processes.

b. Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to apply the acquired biological and genetic knowledge to the understanding of physiological and pathological phenomena, interpreting simple situations and problems of biomedical and nursing interest. The student will also be able to recognize the main implications of genetic knowledge in healthcare practice.

c. Making judgements
The student will develop the ability to critically evaluate biological and genetic information, distinguishing scientifically supported concepts from information that is not adequately evidence-based. The student will be able to use the acquired knowledge to formulate assessments consistent with the main scientific evidence, also in relation to healthcare-related issues.

d. Communication skills
The student will be able to correctly use the scientific language of Biology and Genetics and communicate biological and genetic concepts and information clearly and appropriately. The student will also be able to interact effectively with other healthcare professionals, using terminology appropriate to the healthcare setting.

e. Learning skills
The student will develop the skills necessary to independently deepen their knowledge of biological and genetic topics, integrating the acquired knowledge with that of other subjects within the degree programme. The student will be able to update their knowledge through the consultation of scientific sources and use the acquired skills as a foundation for their subsequent academic and professional development.

The course consists of face-to-face lectures (14h). If the teaching is given in a blended or online learning mode, necessary variations from what is stated may be introduced in order to comply with the provided syllabus

Basic knowledge of the structure and function of major biological macromolecules and the cellular metabolism

Attendance is required and 30% absences are permitted

The rights of working students and students with disabilities are protected.

1. Introduction to the course: the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell;
2. Organic macromolecules: proteins;
3. Organic macromolecules: nucleic acids;
4. DNA, chromatin and chromosomes;
5. Structure and function of genes;
6. Transcription in eukaryotes and prokaryotes;
7. Translation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes;
8. DNA duplication in eukaryotes and prokaryotes;
9. Mitosis and Meiosis;
10. Point mutations and Chromosomal aberrations;
11. The Cell Membrane: structure and transport mechanisms;
12. Oncogenes, Oncosuppressors and Cancer;
13. Hints of Mendelian and human genetics.

1) Biologia e Genetica. G. De Leo, S. Fasano, E. Ginelli. Ed. EdiSES (IV Edizione)

2) Fondamenti di biologia e genetica. Riccardo Pierantoni, Gilda Cobellis, Rosaria Meccariello. Ed.
EdiSES

Oral Examination and/or Written Examination (multiple choice questions).

Assessment criteria

Fail
Severely insufficient knowledge, with significant gaps in fundamental concepts. Limited ability to understand the main biological and genetic processes, with unclear or inaccurate presentation.

18–20
Basic and partial knowledge of the main topics. Limited understanding of biological and genetic processes, with only minimally adequate ability to describe them and some inaccuracies in presentation.

21–23
Adequate overall knowledge of the fundamental topics. Fair understanding of the main biological and genetic processes and sufficient ability to describe their mechanisms and significance.

24–26
Good knowledge and understanding of the topics. Good ability to describe and interpret the main biological and genetic processes, using scientific terminology appropriately and establishing a solid foundation for understanding other subjects.

27–29
Thorough and well-structured knowledge of the course contents. Strong ability to understand, analyse and describe biological and genetic processes, with good command of scientific terminology and a solid basic preparation for the subsequent stages of the degree programme.

30–30 cum laude
Excellent preparation, demonstrating full command of the course contents and outstanding abilities in understanding, analysing and synthesizing information. The student demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of biological and genetic mechanisms and a strong ability to explain and discuss the topics, providing a particularly solid foundation for learning subsequent subjects. The distinction cum laude is awarded to students who demonstrate particularly thorough, independent and critical knowledge.

Verification of learning may also be conducted by online tool, if the conditions should require it

Examples of questions and/or exercises
Gene mutations
The eucoriotic cell
The genetic code
Synthesis and maturation of mRNA
Translation
Cell membranes and transport mechanisms