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ANIMAL BIOLOGY

Overview

This teaching unit introduces the student to the cell's main functions and mechanisms. The fundamental notions of cell biology - from the inner cell organization up to the handling of the genetic information - will be discussed in order to present the cell as the living functional autonomous unit and to evidence its properties that are useful and mandatory to generate tissues and organs, as well as to consider cells as the targets of pharmaceutical treatments to sustain or ameliorate human health.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The students will learn how fundamental molecular mechanisms regulate the main cellular functions, starting with morphology and internal organization of the cell to end up with the processing of the genetic information and the generation of specialized cell types; they will also learn how and why molecular and cellular mechanisms may represent therapeutic targets. The main aim is to clearly define the cell as an autonomous functional living unit as well as a component of a higher-grade hierarchical order in living tissues and organs.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the student must retain:

• Knowledge of the morphology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• Knowledge of the internal organelles of the cells, of their structure and functions, including the molecular details
• Comprehension of the controls ruling cellular communications and signaling, gene expression and cell contacts
• Comprehension of DNA replication, and genetic inheritance, including the laws that rule those processes
• Knowledge of the cell cycle, both mitotic and meiotic The student must be able to compare and explain (why and how) different cellular mechanisms, cell organs or cell types respond to specific stimuli. Students are also required to know and use the appropriate scientific terminology.

Prerequisites

To obtain a proper comprehension of the course items, basic competences in chemistry (inorganic and organic chemistry), physics, and general biology are recommended – although not mandatory.

Teaching Methods

The teaching unit lasts 48 hours of front lessons, provided either in presence or online, during which lesson items are presented through PowerPoint presentations; critical discussion and observations during lessons are encouraged. Textual and non-textual material is available for the students on the AulaWeb site, through controlled access.

Syllabus/Content

The teaching unit is essentially divided into six main themes:

1. Biological Macromolecules
2. Cytology
3. Cell interactions
4. Genomic Information and Expression
5. Cell Proliferation
6. Genetics

Teachers and Exam Board

• Teacher: Paolo Giannoni
• Exam Board:
  • Paolo Giannoni (President)
  • Paolo Giordani
  • Rodolfo Quarto (Substitute)

Lessons

• Location, date, and timetable of the lessons will be provided by the competent office.

Exams

Exam Description

The exam consists of a written test and an oral part. The written test includes 15 multiple-choice questions; each question has a value of 2 points, for a total amount of 30 available points; the test is to be answered in a total of 15 minutes. To pass the test, students are required to answer correctly to at least 9 answers (i.e., 9 correct answers for a total of at least 18 points). Passing the written test is mandatory to gain access to the oral examination.

Assessment Methods

During the ongoing lessons, students will face tests based on a game-to-learn approach, on specific parts of the program. The aim of these tests is to evidence possible scarce knowledge/comprehension of such portions and to render the students familiar with the types of questions of the written final examination.

Exam Schedule

• 10/04/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
• 16/06/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
• 03/07/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
• 22/07/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
• 11/09/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
• 19/01/2027, 09:00, GENOVA
• 12/02/2027, 09:00, GENOVA

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• Alberts et al. "L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula", Ed. Zanichelli
• Becker et al.: "Il mondo della cellula", Ed. Pearson
• Karp et al.: "Biologia cellulare e molecolare", Ed. EdiSES
• Ginelli et al.: "Molecole, cellule e organismi", Ed. EdiSES