Teaching code

4S011592

Credits

12

Coordinator

Elena Zenaro

Language

English

Courses Single

Not Authorized

Moodle Seminars 0

The teaching is organized as follows:

Learning objectives

The course aims to foster the acquisition of knowledge of the main physiological processes of the cell and the molecular alterations underlying cell, organ, and whole body damage; understanding of the fundamental biological mechanisms that regulate the functioning of the immune system in defense against disease; and knowledge of the possible applications of the acquired notions in the field of precision medicine.
The course is structured in three distinct modules:
- the Cell physiology and biophysics module illustrates the functional mechanisms of the plasma membrane. It enables the student to understand the genesis of cellular potentials and the nature of membrane ionic currents, with a focus on the neuron. It also provides theoretical and practical skills on electrophysiological techniques for measuring nerve function;
- the Cytology and histology module extends the description of the cell from the membrane to its internal components and interactions with the surrounding environment. It also introduces the concept of tissue, an association of similar cells with each other accompanied by a characteristic extracellular matrix. The description of the major tissues of the human body emphasizes the correlation between morphology and function and paves the way for understanding the pathological changes in these tissues. Finally, the most common histologic preparations and the main tools for microscopic observations are illustrated, and basic skills in the recognition of major tissues and quantitative methods of histologic investigation are provided;
- the Cell pathology, inflammation and immunology module delves into the fundamental biological mechanisms that regulate the functioning of the immune system in defense against disease and in pathologies, such as autoimmunity and cancer. More specifically, the module enables the student to: understand the mechanisms and responses to injury, illustrate the concepts and principles of acute and chronic inflammation with pathological implications, delve into state-of-the-art techniques applied to the study of the immune system, and provide knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in antigen- specific immune response and innate immunity. In addition, issues of translation of new immunological knowledge and expertise into the development of immune-targeted precision drugs for the treatment of diseases and their clinical efficacy will be discussed. Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired: a) in-depth knowledge of the organization of the cell, with special emphasis on the biophysical and physiological properties of the membrane; knowledge of the major tissues of the human body, the immune system, and the pathological implications of inflammation; b) ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the study of the biological and molecular basis of various diseases, particularly inflammatory diseases; c) knowledge of the principles governing the proper use of experimental techniques employed in research; d) ability to expound the main laboratory analyses that make use of histological, immunological, and pathophysiological techniques; and e) ability to interpret the results of experimental analyses and to communicate them in accordance with the standards of the scientific community.

Bibliography

Learning assessment procedures

Cell physiology and biophysics module: The exam consists of a written test containing multiple-choice questions and an oral report on a membrane physiology and biophysics topic assigned to student groups.
Cytology and histology module: the exam consists of a written test based on multiple-choice quizzes, lasting 1 hour, and discussion of a histological preparation under a "virtual" microscope (15 minutes). The examination mode is the same for non- attending and Erasmus students.
Cell pathology, inflammation and immunology module: the oral examination, lasting 30-40 minutes, consists of the discussion and in-depth study of 3-4 topics concerning both the fundamental mechanisms governing cellular pathology, inflammation, and immune response and the technical aspects employed in research laboratories for their study. The examination mode is the same for non-attending and Erasmus students.

Evaluation criteria

To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate that he or she has fully achieved the pre-set learning objectives. The overall grade is the weighted average of the marks obtained in the three modules.
For the Cell physiology and biophysics module: theoretical knowledge will be assessed by written examination and critical ability will be assessed by oral exposition.
For the Cytology and histology module: theoretical knowledge will be assessed by the written test, while the virtual microscope test will be used to assess observational skills, logic behind the recognition of structures of interest, and expressive skills.
For the module Cell pathology, inflammation and immunology: the examination aims to assess the student's ability to express himself/herself with competence, clarity, scientific rigor, and appropriate technical language on the topics of the module.