Learning objectives
o 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
Laboraroty experience
Individual research: biotechnological applications of some animal groups
Bibliography
Campbell-Reece BIOLOGY, twelve 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.
Laboratory experiences are also associated to the course, with the use of microscope to analyse unicellular organisms and tissues of pluricellular organisms.
Distance learning (full or blended) will be considered based on health risks.
Assessment methods and criteria
The oral exam includes two questions relating to the structure and functions of the animal cell. In addition, upon passing the oral exam, the student must bring to the exam an original text on an in-depth analysis of the applications in biotechnology of some groups of unicellular and multicellular animals and the laboratory report which contributes to the final evaluation.
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
14, 15
