To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

Program

General characteristics of living organisms.
- Life macromolecules: DNA, RNA, proteins.
- Cell structure and function: general characteristics. Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus.
- The molecular basis of hereditary information. DNA characteristics, Watson and Crick model. DNA replication.
- Gene expression. Genetic code, transcription, translation. Gene expression regulation.
- Genetics. Composition of the genome.
- Mutations: types and effects. Spontaneous mutations. Mutagenesis by chemical and physical agents.
- Genome Organization.
- Chromatin: composition and structure.
- Chromosomes: structural patterns, karyotype, anomalies.
- The cell cycle. Mitosis
- Sexual and meiosis reproduction. Gametogenesis. Meiotic Errors: Aneuploids. The gene dosage and inactivation of the X chromosome, the determination of sex in the embryo.
- Genetics. Transmission of hereditary characters, Mendel's laws. Genotype and phenotype, autosomal and sex-related inheritance. Interpretation and discussion of genealogical trees. Genetics of blood groups. Methods of transmission of genetic diseases in humans. Molecular Diagnostics.

Didactic methods

Lessons are delivered face-to-face. Oral explanations will be supported by Power Point presentations and videos, which will be made available to students on the Moodle space. During the whole Academic Year, students may request personal reception to the teacher by email.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam of the Applied Biology module is carried out in written form, at the same time as the exam of the Biochemistry module. The writing has a total duration of 90 minutes. The written test potentially covers all the topics listed in the Applied Biology program. The exam consists of a written test structured as follows:
- 18 multiple choice questions, each with four possible answers. - 2 open questions, to which the student will have to answer briefly in a limited space.
The exam method is the same for non-attending students and for Erasmus students.

Evaluation criteria

To pass the Applied Biology exam, the student must demonstrate that he has acquired knowledge of scientific terminology in the biological field, the ability to systemically connect knowledge of biology and molecular genetics, and the ability to describe and exemplify biological structures. For multiple choice questions, each correct answer is worth 1.5 points. For open questions, each correct open answer is worth 3 points. The Applied Biology exam will be passed if the overall evaluation of the integrated course is greater than or equal to 18/30.

Exam language

Italiano