Learning objectives
the main purpose is to stimulate the interest for biological topics trough the hypothetic-deductive logic applied in science. For this reason all the full understanding of the subjects is obtained by the study of the experiments by which the major discoveries have been obtained and allowed the development of theories. This is pivotal for the students future ability to observe , make hypotheses and planning experiments to test the hypothesis. This will also increase the student capacity to communicate and use the acquired knowledge .
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
The purpose of this course is to give students the ability to learn and appreciate the importance of scientific method and biological knowledge ( especially general biology and genetic) for the cultural background of graduates in health care professions. The evolutionary approach is the core theme of the present course. In fact the theory of evolution is the unifying principle of the biological sciences ranging from molecule activities to behavior of organisms. In this connection the various topics ( focused mainly on animal biology) such as molecular bases of life, cellular biology, genetic, reproduction , animal and human behavior are necessarily approached with a good knowledge of the mechanisms of evolution. This lecturing program is conceived to give a biological cultural background to future graduates specialized for health care professions.
Full programme
The foundation and core of biological sciences: the theory of evolution
2. Chemistry of life. Biological macromolecules and their functions. Origin and evolution of life on earth. Origin of the cell: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cell. The endosymbiontic theory of eukaryotic cell evolution.
3. Cell Biology with particular emphasis on Eukaryotic cell. Structures and functions of cell components. Cell cycle and asexual reproduction .Mytosis and cell cycle. Basic understanding of cell metabolism: glycolisis and oxidative rerspiration. Evolution of sexual reproduction. Meiosis and cell sexual cycle. Cost and benefit of sexual reproduction. Gamete formation and hormonal control of sexual reproduction (mammals in particular). Adaptive significance of sexual reproduction : sexual selection and parental investment.
4. Genetic. Mendel and the gene idea. Mendelian genetic and its extension. Chromosomal bases of inheritance: morgan experiments. Linked genes and the mapping of genes. Sex chromosomes and inheritance of related genes. Chromosomal determination of sex . Human genetic. Molecular bases of inheritance and gene expression: from genes to proteins.Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotic cells (the operon) and eukaryotic cell.
5. Mechanisms of evolution. Darwinian theory the past and the modern synthesis(neo-darwinian theory) Hardy-weinberg principle and microevolutionary processess. Macroevolution. the origin of secies and higher taxa. Human evolution. Primate evolution : hominids , the genus Homo and brain evolution.
6. Behavioral Biology: proximal and ultimate causes . Instinct and learning: nature vs nurture debate. Genes and behavior. Understanding hormonal regulation of behavior. Social behavior . Basic understanding of Evolutionary psychobiology and Darwinian Medicine
Bibliography
Solomon et al Fondamenti di Biologia EDISES
Campbell et al. Elementi di Biologia
Pearson
Morris et al . Biologia. Come funziona la vita. Zanichelli ( versione ridotta e versione integrale)
Sadava et al Principi di biologia .Zanichelli
Teaching methods
The course will be held with oral lectures and will make use of multimedia systems(i.e. Power point and video presentation) The course will be held through lectures to students either in front of the classroom (“in presence”) or in synchronous-streaming on Teams platform (internet telepresence technology ) During the lessons, students will have the opportunity to discuss the key aspects of the course. The teachers will be available throughout the duration of the course to answer questions and support students during their training with individual meetings by appointment. Lectures will be supported by slide presentations, which will be available to students on Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
written exam consisting of multiple choice tests and open questions
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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