Learning objectives
at the end of the semester the student
1. will be able to understand and master the concepts and principles of the scietific methods and process and how it apply to the different levels of life organization
2.will acquire knowledge of molecular genetics and genealogical trees that are necessary for understanding patterns of human genetic diseases, especially those relevant for dental science
3. will acquire critical thinking and analytical comprehension of basic problems in biology
4. will learn about the evolutionary origins of Homo sapiens
5. will learn about the techniques, methods and thei significance for the scientific methods and its application within the medical sciences
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of chemistry, physics and biology
Course unit content
The course will be divided in four parts.
part 1 focuses on the basi concepts and process in biology, energetics, cell biology, reproductive biology, mitosis and meiosis
Part 2 focuses on genetics, from Mendel's to Morgan's experiments and human genetics and genetics disorsers, DNA, RNA, mutations and the molecular bases of heredity
Part 3 focuses on evolutionary theory
part 4 focuses on the evolution of the human stomatognathic apparatus
Part 3
Full programme
1. Biology as a science. Methods and concepts; proximate and ultimate causations; The theory of evolution. Natural and sexual selection; origins and development of sex differences
2. The chemistry of life
3. Cell biology. Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes; the origin of life; structure and function of the cell and of the cellular membrane; Energy and metabolism; reproductive cycles (mitosis)
4. Sexual and asexual reproduction: meiosis, oogenesis and spermatogenesis; evolution and hormonal regulation of the sexul behavior
5. Genetics. Mendel and Mendelian extensions; Chromosomes and Morgan; Human genetics and genealogical trees
6. the molecular basis of heredity: structure and duplication of DNA; From gene to protein: DNA transritpion and translation; Mutations; the operone
7. The mechanisms of Evolution. Microevolution (Hardy-Weinberg); Macroevolution and the concept of species.
8. Evolution and Phylogenesis of Vertebrates.
9. Evolution of ammals
10. Human evolution and Darwinian Medicine
Bibliography
Campbell N., Reece et al. PRINCIPI DI BIOLOGIA. Pearson ed.
or
SOLOMON et al. Fondamenti di Biologia. EDISES
or
Morris et al., Biologia Come funziona la vita. Zanichelli
Teaching methods
In calss lectures and (when necessary) streeming lectures.
Lectures will be delivered as a mix of traditional and in class-group base and active learning activities
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and oral examination
Written exam is baseed on 60 questions (V-F, multiple choice, short answers and open questions)
Other information
- - -
