Learning objectives
To provide base knowledge about the eukaryotic cell, animal in particular, and on animal organisms. To provide examples of biotechnological applications of the knowledge. To provide to the student the specific language and terms of biology.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
Elements of cell biology considered as fundamental for the biotechnology operator. Elements of animal biology related to biotechnological applications.
Full programme
First part: general biology
Introduction (general approach to biology, scientific method)
Chemical bases of life (carbon, water)
Biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins)
How to study cells (microscopy, experimental approaches)
The cell (main structures)
Membranes and transport
Enzymes, metabolism and cell respiration
Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis
Information on nucleic acids
Introduction to evolution
Second part: Animal Biology
Protists and Fungi
Animal diversity: invertebrates and vertebrates
Tissue organisation of animals and homeostasis
Animal tissues
Organisation of animals
Apparata and functions: skin, digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, escretory system
Exercises: individual research: biotechnological applications of some animal groups
Bibliography
Campbell-Reece BIOLOGY, tenth edition
Other texts on General Biology
Material provided by the lecturer through the Elly platform
Teaching methods
The course is organised with frontal lectures, using slides to illustrate the fundamental concepts. The slides are integrated with in depth information about application of animal organisms to biotechnology, and at times with material taken from the international literature. the Elly platform provides further material for integration and other activities that the student can perform at home.
Distance learning (full or blended) will be considered based on health risks.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam for module 2 is oral (online iif needed). To access the exam, the student must deliver an original text made of two parts: 1-discussion about the applications to biotechnology of some groups of animals; 2-description of one apparatus/function in different groups of animals.
The evaluation of the text contributes to the mark for 15% and it is considered basal knowledge to pass the examination.
The oral exam includes two questions. The first one is on structure and functions of the animal cell, and must be successfully completed to gain access to the second one.
The second question concerns structure and features of a group of animals.
The mark of module 2, made up as described, contributes to the final mark of the course in proportion to the number of credits, i.e. 6/12.
Verification of abilities (Dublin descriptors):
-knowledge is verified with the questions in the oral exams
-application of knowledge is verified through the written text, and in the exam
-communication skills and learning skills are verified in the different parts of the exam.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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