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General Info

SUBJECTSEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
119922 - MATHEMATICS

DIMITRI MUGNAI

First Semester 8MAT/05ita

Learning objectives

Learn basic contents and techniques from Mathematical Analysis, which are needed to study functions, to solve problems relying on integral calculus and to solve simple differential equations. When possible, these themes will be related to applied problems, mainly in Biology. Students will learn basic concepts: limit, differentiability, study of functions; integral and its applications; differential equations.
This concepts will be used to solve concrete problems and to face simple mathematical models.
Knowledge and understanding (Dublin descriptor 1)
Understand the concepts of function, limits, differentiability of functions of 1 variable and all notions needed to study a function; integral, methods of integration and basic applications of integral calculus; differential equation and some resolution methods.
Applying knowledge and understanding (Dublin descriptor 2)
To be able to use the studied tools to
• solve equations and inequalities;
• calcolate limits, derivates, integrals and study functions;
• solve differential equations.
Making judgements (Dublin descriptor 3)
• To be able to detect the rules needed to solve new problems, analogous to the ones faced in lessons.
Communication skills (Dublin descriptor 4)
• Stimulate students to intervene, reason and discuss on questions raised in lessons.
Learning skills (Dublin descriptor 5)
• To be able to discuss some scientific topics with easy mathematical models.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Functions and number sets
Introduction: operations among sets. Function; domain, co-domain, image and graph of functions. Injective, surjective, inverse function and composition. Increasing and decreasing, odd and even functions, Number sets N, Z, Q, R.

Elementary functions
Review on lines, parabolas, exponential, logarithmic and trigoniometric functions. Absolute value. Neighborhood of a real number.

Sequences
Limit of sequences. Uniqueness of the limit. Extended algebra of limits. Monotone sequences. Nepero's number. Sign permanence theorem. Comparison theorem. Squeeze theorem (Theorem of the two Cabinieri). Special limits. Hierarchy of functions.

Limit and continuity
Finite and infinite limit; sign permanence theorem. Right-side and left-side limit. Existence and uniqueness of the limit. Comparison theorem. Algebra of limits and indeterminate forms. Infinite and infinitesimal. Vertical, horizontal and oblique asymptote. Continuous functions. Weierstrass theorem. Intermediate value theorem. Intermediate zero theorem.

Derivatives
Definition of derivative and its geometric interpretation. Calculation of derivatives. Differentiability and continuity. Point of non differentiability. Higher derivatives. Rolle's and Lagrange's theorem. De L’Hôpital's theorems. Taylor's theorem and McLaurin's expansion. Fermat's theorem. Maximum and minimum points. Convexity and concavity. Inflection point. Study of a function.

Integral
Definition of indefinite integral and its properties. Straightforward anti-derivatives. Integration by parts. Integration by substitution. Definite integral and its properties. The fundamental theorem of calculus. generalized integral. Area. Volume of solids of revolution. Measure of the ball and of the sphere. Generalized integrals. Comparison and absolute convergence theorem. Integrability of negative powers at 0 and at infinity. Generalized integral: comparison and absolute convergence.

Differential Equations
Differential Equations: an introduction. Differential Equations of first and second order and Cauchy problems. Separate variables differential equations. Malthus model; bacterial growth; epidemic diffusion; radioactive decay. Logistic growth. Time of the crime.

examMode

Ongoing evaluation, written test, optional oral test.

If ongoing evaluations are passed, students can validate the final score.

Ongoing evaluations or written exam (of 1h 30') are passed if the evaluation is at least 18/30.

The test contains the study of a function, as well as differential equations, limits and integrals of fast solution. Moreover, there are 5-6 theoretical questions of fast description.

books

"Elementi di Calcolo. Versione semplificata per i nuovi corsi di laurea"

di Paolo Marcellini e Carlo Sbordone

Liguori Editore.

mode

Face-to-face lesson at the blackboard

classRoomMode

Optional, but strongly recommended

bibliography

"Elementi di Calcolo. Versione semplificata per i nuovi corsi di laurea"

di Paolo Marcellini e Carlo Sbordone

Liguori Editore.

15310 - CYTOLOGY AND HISTOLOGY

NICLA ROMANO

First Semester 9BIO/06ITA

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide basic knowledge on the functioning of cells (of how cells function and interact, how they organize themselves in tissues), providing a reference framework for a further study of specific genetic, biochemical and molecular topics during the Biology course.
1) Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the principles of cell biology and the organization in tissues. Knowledge of the principles of cell structure, formation, transport and functioning of biological macromolecules in the cellular and extracellular environment. Basic understanding of the structure of the nucleus and DNA / RNA. Basic knowledge of cell functioning from transcription to gene translation.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding: The basic knowledge acquired through the study of cytology will allow students to understand better the disciplinary insights that will follow from the teachings in the consequent years. Furthermore, besides providing a basic knowledge of cellular functioning, this course will notably deepen the understanding of ion pumps, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and cell adhesions, and the transport of newly formed proteins/ex endocytosis. The students will then apply the knowledge above to the study of tissues, particularly the neuron and nervous tissue, muscle and muscle contraction, the epithelium, and its relationship with the connective tissue.
3) Making judgments: The course offers links with other disciplines of the degree program by providing an integrated, current and dynamic knowledge, susceptible of specific insights such as a) reading of scientific material found through keyword research and also provided and shared with learners on the google-drive site see text item; b) possibility to work on the PowerPoint material provided by the teacher and available on the above link; c) possibility to participate in themed seminars organized by the teaching staff-
4) Communication skills: During the lessons, students are invited to give their opinions and study in groups to develop their communication skills. These skills are then verified during the ongoing exams and at the end of the training activities.
5) Learning skills: Students must be able to describe scientific topics related to cytology and, in particular, the biology of the cell and its organization with other cells in tissues. To consider the learning of the objectives as expected, it will consider from students the ability to connect the various topics of the program, express them through terms the specific terms, and apply them to themes will be taken into consideration. Similar to the program. The active involvement of students in the in-depth study of the course topics will favour the development of these skills.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Part I

The concept of a living organism. Cellular theory. Procariots and Eucaryotes. Unicellular and multicellular organisms. Organizational levels of pluricellular organisms: differentiated cells, tissues, organs. Orders of magnitude of the dimensions of different organisms and various levels of organization. Chemical composition of living. Water: Its features of biological interest. Suspensions and solutions. Ions. The pH of the solutions. The hydrogen bond. The carbon atom and the chemistry of life. The concept of "symmetry" in carbon compounds is of biological interest. The hyaluronic macromolecules: the main biological glucds (exotic and pentose). Steric and optic isomers. Their polymers. The main lipids of biological interest (phospholipids, fatty acids, steroids, hydrophobia and hydrophobia.) Water-soluble and liposoluble compounds Proteins such as amino acid polymers Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures Glycosylated proteins and lipoproteins The "form" Protein molecules concerning their function Enzymes as biological catalysts Nucleic acids DNA structure RNA structure and biosynthesis Riboenzymes Ribosomes Structure, synthesis and function Generalities on protein synthesis The cell as a unit Fundamental features of living organisms Common characteristics and differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, between plant and animal cells Cell-study methods: different types of microscopes, colourings, immunohistochemistry, etc.
Cell membranes: chemical composition and characteristics. The fluid mosaic model. Intrinsic and extrinsic proteins. Glycosylate and glycolipid proteins and membrane lipoproteins. Plasma membrane and "recognition" between cells. The glycol. Permeability and active transport. Ionic channels and ionic pumps. Energy metabolism: from photosynthesis to breathing. Transducers of electrons and protons. Triphosphate nucleotides. Ionic channels Na, K, Ca. Endocytosis and exocytosis processes. Membrane potential. Endocytosis mediated by receptors. Cucumbers. The smooth and wrinkled endoplasmic reticulum. The central vacuum of plant cells. The Golgi apparatus. Lysosomes and endocellular digestion. Pinocytosis and phagocytosis. The Perissisomi. Membrane-bound membranes. Characteristic of internal membranes in organelles: mitochondria and plastids of plant cells. Probable origin of mitochondria and plastids. Characteristics of the membranes of Golgi end endoplasmic reticulum. Relationship between structural organization and energy metabolism function of mitochondrial membranes and chloroplasts (notes). Notes on the presence of ion channels acting on ATP-synthetase.
Generalities on the four fundamental tissues and their embryonic branching. Pluricellularity and differentiation. Epithelial tissue. General characteristics. Excitable Fabrics: 1) glandular epithelial tissue; Muscle tissue; 3) Nervous tissue. Glandular epithelium. Endocrine and Exocrine Glands: Characteristics and Embryonic Differentiation. Classification criteria. Cytoplasmic specifics of glandular cells related to their specific functions. The secular role of synaptotagmin. Skeletal and cardiac striated muscular tissue, contractions. Neuron and cellular organization, exocytosis of neurotransmitters.
Part II

The Epithelium. Classification and functions. Free surface specialization. The lashes and microvilli. Relationships between cells and junction structures: zonula occludens, adherent zonula and desmosomi. The basal surface of the epithelium: relationship with connective tissue and basal lamina. Renewal of coating epitels: the germinating layer. Connective tissue. The different connective tissues: general characteristics and specific characteristics of the different connective tissues. The connector properly said. Classification of connectors. Reticular and elastic collagen fibres: morphofunctional characteristics. The connective cells and their function. The connective and the processes of defence of the organism. The Scythian reticulum system. Special connective tissues. The adipose tissue. The blood. Functions. Plasma: composition and functions. White and erythrocyte cells: Morphological and functional characteristics. Migration of white blood cell and connective cells. Cellular differentiation and specific functions in the connective. Plates: origin and function. Hematopoietic tissues. Hematopoietic lymphoid and myeloid. Embryo and fetal hematopoiesis. Blood and lymph vessels: general characteristics. Arteries, veins and capillaries. Support Connectors. The cartilage tissue. The matrix and the chondrocytes. Histogenesis and degenerative cartilage phenomena. Bone tissue. Calcium support and reserve function. Spongy bone and compact bone. Microscopic bone structure: the osteone. Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts: dynamic stability of bone tissue. Bone histogenesis: intramembranous ossification. The cytoskeleton and the "shape" of cells in animal and plant organisms. Microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. The rigid wall of plant cells. The cellular movement. Control and regulation of endocellular movements. Ameboid movement. Eyelashes and scourges. Intercellular junctions. Mechanical joints (desmosomes); Sealing joints; Communicating junctions and electronic coupling. Plasmodymas of plant cells. Functional analogues between communicative junctions of animal cells and plasmodies of plant cells. The endocellular membranes in eukaryotic cells. Biogenesis of membranes.
The nucleus of eukaryotes and its equivalent in procaryotes. Structure of the interfacial core. Eucromine and Heterocromatine. Structural and optional heterochromatin. The nucleolus. Nuclear enclosure and nuclear pores. Core-Plasma Communication. Chemical composition of chromatin and its organization. Histones and nucleosomes. The cell cycle. The interfase (phases G1, S, G2). DNA and its genetic function. DNA with unique, average and highly repetitive sequences. Genetic code and protein synthesis. DNA in mitochondria and plastids. Biosynthesis and function of messenger, ribosomal and transfer RNAs. Selective activation of genes and differentiation. Interface arrays with peculiar characteristics: polythene chromosomes. The cell cycle: cell division. Stateless cells, diploids and polyploids. The mitosis (equation division) in animal and plant cells. Cell division in prokaryotes. The bacterial "chromosome". Eucaryotic chromosomes. Structure of chromosomes. The pattern of the overwhelming aspect chromosome. Meiosis or Reduction Division. Phases and subchapters of meiosis, the meaning of meiosis. Somatic cells and germ cells. Apollo phase and diploid phase. Zygotic, intermediate and terminal meiosis. Special features of gametes. Gametogenesis in upper vertebrates. Gonadal differentiation and protogon migration (only notes). Meiosis: description of the process and its genetic meaning. Nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation. Specificity of egg cell differentiation: synthesis and accumulation of substances important in the early stages of embryonic development: RNA long-life messengers, specific proteins with informational role (hints).
A practical laboratory experience will be scheduled for 1 hrs: 1) the use of an optical microscope; 2) examination of some histological sections.

examMode

The examination might be taken in two steps. The first part of the examination is an oral exam with one or two open questions on the part of the program that was done after 1-2 months of lessons. Students who get a score of at least 18/30 could support the 2nd step of the examination, which is again an oral exam about the rest of the program. However, those who did not pass or support the test can still support an oral examination of the entire Cytology and Histology program. The final exam is oral. The final test is on the latest edition of the entire program of the Cell Biology and Development course The questions are built to verify the ability to know and link the course contents. The final vote corresponds to the exposure and cognitive ability demonstrated in the oral test.
The examination takes place in the forms set by the University Teaching Regulations the assessment method can be traditional (in the classroom) The vote is expressed in thirty-five, with any praise. Exceeding the examination requires a minimum of eighteen / thirty-one votes and implies the allocation of corresponding university education credits. The evaluation of the test and the award of the final vote will take into account: the level of knowledge of the content (superficial, appropriate, accurate and complete, complete and in-depth) of the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts (Good, good, well-established), analysis skills, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, good), critical ability and judgment formulation (sufficient, good, good), mastery of expression (Lack of display, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct In particular, the questions will be aimed at verifying the learning objectives: Knowledge of the basics of cytology, cell formation, the principles of constitution and mechanisms of protein displacement, their role in the cell; Regulation of the cell cycle, migration and the importance of cytoskeleton, extracellular environment, and tissue organization. The appeals calendar and enrollment for exams are made through the University portal.

books

Main text: CITOLOGIA ed ISTOLOGIA
Dini, Romano et al, Idelson-Gnocchi (2021)


to read (easily to find in the English language)
-C. Lewin "Cells", Zanichelli
Wheather, Histology and Microscopic Anatomy (text + atlas)

In the University's Library (Polo bibliotecario tecnico-scientifico, via de Lellis, Viterbo)
are available in English:
1) Junqueira's basic histology : text and atlas
di Anthony L. Mescher,ISBN: 9781260462982 1260462986
Numero OCLC: 1347267051
find in: Sala 611.018/MES/202252 -

2) "Lewin's Cells" (Cell Biology), George Plopper, David Sharp, Eric Sikorski
ISBN: 9781284029390 1284029395 Numero OCLC: 1310367285
Find in:Sala 571.6/LEW/202253 -


Additional didactic study and in-depth materials are available on classroom/google drive available from the Unitus Moodle platform
 

mode

The course consists of lectures in the classroom supported by PowerPoint presentations with figures, process diagrams and videos. At a distance, students have access to all the material (moodle, google drive, with a link in the text item). In addition, an hour of practical lessons with the microscope could be done as an approach to histology. Seventy-two hours are foreseen for the frontal teaching activities.
Depending on the pandemic situation for SARS-COV-2, the teaching method may be: traditional (preferably as much as possible in the classroom), mixed distance-traditional, or entirely remote. In the second and third eventualities, online lessons will be guaranteed on a platform determined by the University. Practical lessons under the microscope could be eliminated from the pandemic situation.

classRoomMode

Frequency is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the Professor to receive the Google -Drive link for e-mail where all the up-to-date and necessary course material is done to prepare the course

bibliography

Provided by the teacher and retrievable from the drive platform made available to students.

17547 - GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

NICO SANNA

First Semester 7CHIM/03ITA

Learning objectives

The course introduces, through frontal lessons and exercises, the basic concepts of Chemistry, aiming to the understanding and to the theoretical and experimental analysis of biological phenomena. The study of stoichiometry allows to describe the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions. The knowledge of the atomic structure and the periodicity of the atomic properties is the foundation for the discussion of the different kinds of chemical bonds and interactions, of the molecular geometries as well as the nomenclature of simple chemical compounds. Chemical thermodynamics deals with the energy involved in chemical processes (both reactions and phase transitions), while chemical kinetics describes the rate of such processes, allowing to rationalise the concept of chemical equilibrium, a central topic in biochemical phenomena. Examples of fundamental chemical reactions are finally presented, like acids and bases, precipitation and redox reactions. These concepts are key to the critical understanding of the chemical aspects underlying the different topics of the degree course.

Expected results
1) Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the basic principles of General Chemistry to understand the reactivity and fundamental chemical properties of matter, with particular reference to its application in Biochemistry.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding: the students will be able to balance chemical reactions, estimate the heat, rate and spontaneity of a chemical process, solve problems about colligative properties, chemical, acidic and base and solubility product equilibria.
3) Making judgements: gain the basic knowledge required to interpret the chemical topics discussed in the course.
4) Communication skills: develop a good exposing ability (written and oral) of the acquired concepts.
5) Learning skills: to be able to learn and analyse the topics in different contexts and autonomously.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

1. Introduction
States of aggregation of matter. Homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Chemical elements and substances. Main techniques of separation. Chemical and physical transformations. Energy and chemical transformations. Intensive and extensive properties of matter. Fundamental laws of physics.
The atom: protons, neutrons and electrons. Atomic number and mass number: isotopes. Atomic masses and relative atomic masses. Chemical symbols and their quantitative meaning. Molecular compounds and ionic compounds. Relative molecular mass. Avogadro number. The mole concept.

2. Chemical formulas and equations
Chemical equations and balance. Kind of reactions: combinations, decomposition and combustion. Chemical analysis by combustion. Balanced equations and quantitative information. The concept of limitant reagent. Chemical reaction in solution: acid-base and precipitation. Balancing redox equations. Concentration of solutions and corresponding units.

3. Atomic structure
Electromagnetic radiation. Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. Atomic spectra. De Broglie and the wave nature of matter. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Schrodinger equation. Wave-particle duality. Atomic orbitals. Quantum numbers. Pauli exclusion principle. Electronic configuration of the elements. Principle of Aufbau. The periodic system of the elements. Periodic properties: Dimensions of atoms and ions, ionization energy, electron affinity. Metals, non-metals and metalloids. Notes on coordination compounds and their biological significance.

4. The chemical bond
Ionic and covalent bonding. Bond properties: order, distance and energy. Electronegativity and Dipolar moment. Lewis's structures. VSEPR model and geometry of molecules. Chemical bond theory: hybrid orbitals and resonance theory in chemistry. Magnetic properties of matter. Intermolecular forces. Hydrogen bond.

5. The gaseous state
Ideal gas state equation. Dalton's Law for gaseous mixtures. Density and relative density of gases and gaseous mixtures. Average molecular mass of a gaseous mixture. Kinetic-molecular theory and velocity distribution. Graham's effusion law. Experimental methods for the determination of the molecular masses of gaseous substances. Real gases, Van der Waals equation.

6. Condensed states
The Liquid state
Intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Intermolecular interactions of an electrostatic nature. Enthalpy of vaporization and its dependencies. Hydrogen bond. Phase's equilibria. Vapour pressure. Phase transitions and related enthalpies. Clausius-Clapeyron equation. One component phase diagram. Water Phase diagram of water.
The Solid state
Crystalline lattices and elementary cells. Molecular, ionic, covalent and metallic solids. Polymorphism and allotropy. X-ray diffraction. Definition of solids based on symmetry and intermolecular interactions.

7. Chemical thermodynamics
Definition of thermodynamic system. Status functions. Cyclic and open transformations. Reversible and irreversible transformations. Heat, work and internal energy. First principle of thermodynamics. Enthalpy and Hess's law. Entropy. Second principle of thermodynamics. Spontaneous processes. Free energy. Third principle of thermodynamics. Introduction to the concept of chemical equilibrium.

8. Solutions
Solubility and dissolving processes. Gas solutions in liquids. Enthalpy of dissolution and effect of temperature on solubilization processes. Ideal solutions and real solutions. Raoult's law. Ebullioscopic elevation and cryoscopic lowering. Colligative properties of the ideal solutions and determination of the molecular masses of compounds. Osmosis. Not ideal solutions. Fractional distillation. Azeotropic mixtures. Henry's law. Activity and ionic strength.

9. Chemical equilibrium
Spontaneous processes and thermodynamic equilibrium in chemical reactions. Mass action law. Isoterm and isochoric of van't Hoff. Homogeneous equilibria. The principle of Le Chatelier. Effect of the variation in concentration of a reagent or a product on equilibrium. Effect of variation of volume, pressure and temperature on homogeneous equilibria. Heterogeneous equilibria.

10. Equilibria in Solution
Acid-base equilibria: General definitions (Arrhenius, Broensted-Lowry, Lewis). Strength of acids and bases and equilibrium constants. Molecular structure and properties of acid-base. Water autoionization. The pH and the pOH. PH calculation of acidic, basic and saline solutions. Buffer solutions. Solubility and solubility product of salts.

11. Chemical Kinetics
Reaction rate. Kinetic laws and integrated kinetic laws. Order and molecularity of a reaction. Arrhenius equation. Activation energy. Kinetic mechanism of reactions. Collision theory and theory of activated complex. Catalysis.

12. Electrochemical
Galvanic cells. Electrode and electrode reaction. Standard potential. Thermodynamics of galvanic cells. Nerst equation.


Stoichiometry: Mole. Molecular and minimal formulas. Nomenclature of the main inorganic compounds. Chemical equations and ponderal ratios. Limiting reactive. Law of gases and gaseous species in chemical reactions. Indirect analysis. Solutions and volumetric analysis. Gaseous, homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical balances. Thermochemistry and thermodynamics of reactions. Colligative properties of non-electrolytes and electrolytes solutions. PH calculation of acid, base and salts solutions. Buffer solutions. Solubility and solubility product of salts.

examMode

The written test will focus on the applicative aspects of the topics covered in the lessons, also with reference to the resolution of stoichiometry problems of chemical reactions in the gaseous phase and of electrolyte solutions in the aqueous phase.

books

Le basi della chimica
Autori: Stefano Borocci, Marcello Cruciarelli, Maria Luisa Di Vona, Caterina Fraschetti, Stefania Lamponi, Gemma Leone, Agnese Magnani, Donato Monti, Leucio Rossi
Edizioni A.L.E.
Anno edizione: 2022
ISBN: 979-12-80427-09-0

Stechiometria “Chimica generale attraverso gli esercizi”
Autori: Massimiliano Aschi, Maria Luisa Di Vona , Antonello Filippi, Caterina Fraschetti, Felice Grandinetti, Gemma Leone, Nico Sanna, Pietro Tagliatesta
Edizioni A.L.E.
Anno edizione: 2021
ISBN: 979-1280427014

NOTE: The teacher will communicate at the beginning of the course the link to the additional teaching material available to students.

mode

lectures and tutorials

classRoomMode

Attendance at classes is not mandatory, but for a better understanding of theoretical concepts, attendance in class is highly recommended.

bibliography

Any bibliography will be provided by the teacher

13639 - PHYSICS

ANNA RITA BIZZARRI

Second Semester 7FIS/07ITA

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with the fundamental concepts of physics while conveying, at the same time, the logical-deductive tools necessary to arrive at a full understanding of the topics presented. Students will have to acquire the basic principles of the scientific method that combines the experimental approach with a mathematical-deductive approach. Particular attention will be paid to the critical and historical analysis of the concepts on which a scientific theory is based. The course also aims to provide the basis for understanding the physical principles involved in some biological processes and in the applications of some physical methodologies in the biomedical field.

Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and ability to understand: To have developed the knowledge of the fundamental principles of Physics and of the relative methodologies.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Knowing how to use the concepts learned even in contexts different from those presented.
Autonomy of judgment: Develop critical analysis skills and be able to solve new problems even if similar to those discussed in class.
Communication skills: Students' ability to discuss the implications of concepts presented in class and the possible questions that may emerge from the topics discussed will be stimulated.
Learning ability: Being able to discuss fundamental scientific topics of Physics and its applications. This skill will be developed and verified by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Models, theories, laws, measures and uncertainties. Unit of measurement (International System). Physics and its relationship with other disciplines.
Motion description: kinematics in one dimension and kinematics in two dimensions. Vectors and operations between them.
Come on, mass. Newton's laws. Applications of the laws of dynamics (inclined plane, circular motion, friction). Law of gravitation
Job. Kinetic energy. Power. Kinetic energy theorem. Conservative forces. Potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.
Momentum. Rotary motion.
Vibrations and waves. harmonic motion. Pendulum. Sound, intensity.
Bodies in balance: elasticity and fracture.
Fluids (static, dynamic, viscosity, surface tension).
Review of: temperature and kinetic theory of gases, heat, principles of thermodynamics, thermal machines, entropy.
Electric charge and electric field. Electric potential and electricity. Electric dipole. Electric capacity. Dielectrics. Electric currents. Direct current circuits. Ohm's law. Magnetism. Electromagnetic induction and Faraday's laws. Magnetic properties of matter.
Electromagnetic waves and their spectrum.
Introduction to modern physics. Black body. Photoelectric effect.
Quantum theory. Models of the atom. Radioactive decay. Measurement of ionizing radiation doses.
The part of geometric optics, physical optics and optical instruments will be carried out in the module held by another teacher (see for details).

examMode

The written test focuses on the entire program carried out. The student will be asked to solve 6 exercises. Each exercise can be solved according to the methodologies, the understanding of the physical principles and the examples presented in class. In addition to questions that require application and development of formulas, as well as numerical resolution, open questions can be introduced, to which the student must answer concisely. The exam is passed if the student receives an evaluation of at least 18/30 in the written test. The student can undergo the oral exam if you intend to improve your written grade. If the oral test is also taken, the final grade is the average between the written test and the oral test.
The oral exam focuses on ascertaining the knowledge of the topics that are not easily traceable to the logic of the numerical exercise and, if necessary, on the deepening of the theoretical notions underlying the exercises carried out by the student in the written tests.
In the same session it is possible to participate in sessions for the written exam which are at least 15 days apart.
In the event of a health emergency due to the pandemic, the exam will consist of an oral exam held electronically.

books

Fisica, Giancoli, Ambrosiana (III edizione con fisica moderna)

mode

Lectures in the classroom, integrated with graphic illustrations, experiments and simulations of experiments. Lessons are also aimed at solving problems similar to those that will constitute the exam tasks. Frontal lessons are equivalent to 7 credits (56 hours).
Following the pandemic emergency, the lessons will be held in a mixed mode: presence and telematics, according to the directives of the University.


Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information on the program, teaching materials and methods of assessing their achievement.

classRoomMode

Attendance of the course is not required.

bibliography


The supporting teaching material (slides of the lessons and examples of exam tests) will be available on the teacher's website.

15286 - BOTANY

LAURA ZUCCONI GALLI FONSECA

Second Semester 9BIO/03ITA

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the students tools for understanding the diversity of Plants, adaptation strategies, and different reproduction processes. The knowledge of the biodiversity of micro- and macroscopic organisms occupying different environmental compartments - air, water and soil - is a basic skill for understanding their role in the ecosystems and possible consequences due to Climate Change. The course will supply the basis for further studies in ecology and many other disciplines of the next two years.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1) Knowing the biodiversity of plants and their morphological and physiological characteristics resulting from adaptation to specific and different environmental conditions.
2) Ability to apply knowledge acquired and understanding. Learn how to use acquired skills to interpret data observed or understand any morpho-functional alterations due to variations in environmental parameters.
3) Autonomy of judgment. Ability to formulate hypotheses in response to any problems.
4) Communicative Skills. Students are encouraged to acquire a scientifically correct terminology.
5) Learning Skills. Stimulate the curiosity and knowledge on Plants.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The plant cell. The cell wall. The cytoplasmic membrane. Plastids, chloroplast structure. Vacuole (structure and function).

Plants: structure and function. Vegetable Tissues. Primary and secondary meristematic tissues. Fundamental. Mechanical, Protective, Absorbent, Secretive and Conductive tissues. The root: root functions, primary and secondary structure, lateral and adventitious roots; absorption of water and mineral salts. The stem: stem functions, primary structure in monocotyledons and dicotyledons; Vascular cambium, secondary structure; Cork, phellogen and phelloderm. The leaf: shape, structure and function. Stoma: anatomy and stomatic mechanism.

Traspiration. Photosynthesis. The transportation of raw and processed lymph.

Reproduction: generation alternation: microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis; Macrosporogenesis and macrogametogenesis.
Biological cycles. The flower: morphology. Evolutionary aspects. Reproductive strategies: anemophilous and entomophilous pollination. Fertilization. The fruit: embryo development; endosperm; Fruit development. Seed: structural aspects; Dissemination.

Biodiversity and plant classification. Taxonomy, systematic and evolution. Main morphological, biological, phylogenetic and ecological aspects of: Cyanobacteria. Algae: Euglenoids, Dinoflagellate, Diatoms, Phylum Rhodophyta, Phylum Phaeophyta, Phylum Chlorophyta. Fungi: Chytridiomycota, ex-Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota, mitosporic fungi. Lichens and mycorrhizae. Musci and liverworths: Phylum Bryophyta, Phylum Hepatophyta. Vascular plants: Phylum Lycophyta, Phylum Pteridophyta.

Phylum Coniferophyta
Phylum Anthophyta
Class: Dicotyledones
Main characters of the following families: Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae.
Class: Monocotyledones

examMode

Optional opportunity to take two written multiple-choice tests during the course, the first one halfway through and the second one towards the end of the course, open to non-attending students and students enrolled in years beyond the first.

If one or both of the tests are passed, no questions will be asked during the oral exam on the parts of the syllabus covered by the tests. Instead, the oral exam will focus on one family of Spermatophytes (morphology and life cycle), based on a sample selected from the teaching herbarium.

Upon the student's request, if they are not satisfied with the test grade and wish to improve it, questions can be asked about the relevant parts of the syllabus.

As an alternative to the tests, or if the tests are not passed, the oral exam will cover the entire syllabus and the sample from the teaching herbarium. If one of the two tests is not passed, the oral exam will cover the part of the syllabus related to that test and the sample from the teaching herbarium.

Participation in the exercises will be rewarded in the evaluation.

The schedule of exam sessions and the registration for the exam sessions are done through the University portal.

books

Pasqua G., Abbate G., Forni C., 2015. Botanica generale e diversità vegetale. Piccin Editore
Speranza, Calzoni. Struttura delle piante in immagini. Zanichelli Ed.(si consiglia la consultazione del volume, di cui sono presenti diverse copie in biblioteca).
In alternativa:
Venturelli F., Virli L., 2009. Invito alla Botanica. Zanichelli, Bologna.
Ray F. Evert, Eichhorn S.E., 2013. La biologia delle piante di Raven. Zanichelli, Bologna

mode

The lectures will be conducted in the classroom.
The course includes laboratory exercises (registration at the beginning of the course is required for scheduling shifts) and field learning experiences.

classRoomMode

Attendance to lessons is not required, but strongly recommended

bibliography

The professor might provide some papers for possible in-depths on certain issues during class. Some lessons could be make available on Moodle.

15287 - ZOOLOGY

ANNA MARIA FAUSTO

Second Semester 9BIO/05ITA

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with a general knowledge of biodiversity as regards the animal kingdom and the experimental approaches that enable it to be studied, and in particular knowledge on physiology, morphology, behaviour, evolution, and classification of species. Students will learn an evolutional approach to animal biology to understand animal diversity in all its manifestations in relation to the various environments and organisms. The acquired knowledge and methodological approach can be useful both in the future of biological studies and in professional application.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. Students will have to demonstrate good basic knowledge in the zoo, be familiar with the scientific inquiry method and be able to interpret the data by making evolutionary links and synthesizing acquired knowledge.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. The course aims to allow the student to acquire the tools to describe the structures, functions, and behavior of animals as well as the recognition of the main taxa.
MAKING JUDGMENT. Making judgements by taking advantage of the acquired knowledge, the student will have to be able to confront the great theme of the origin of life and animal biodiversity. As they are enriched with new hypotheses.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS. Students' ability to talk, discuss, and discuss questions raised during lessons about the topics discussed will be stimulated.
LEARNING SKILLS. Students will have to be able to discuss Zoology related issues with particular attention to the mechanisms of evolution, animal biodiversity and its protection. This ability will be developed and tested by involving students in oral class discussions.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Modern zoology and its branches, Role of zoological fields in modern Biology.
The species: concepts and definition of biological species; diagnostic characters of biological species. Systematic characters of species, rules of zoological nomenclature. Distribution of animal species and zoo-geographical regions.
Creationism and Darwinism. Genetic variability: origin, distribution, regulation. Introduction to population genetics. Micro-evolution and macro-evolution. Mechanisms of speciation, sympatric and allopatric. Adaptations and mechanisms of reproduction. Homologies and analogies.
General description of adaptive physiology: nutrition, respiration, systems of internal transport, homeostasis and excretion, skeletons and locomotion, nervous and sensorial systems, comparative immunology and internal defences.
Mechanisms of reproduction: agamic reproduction and regeneration. Sexual reproduction. Sex determination. Primary and secondary sexual characters. Sexual dimorphism. Gonocorism, ermaphroditism partenogenesis. Internal and external fecundation, embryonal and post-embryonal development.
Introduction to ethology: stimuli and signals, communications, courtship, parental cares, aggression, innate and acquired behaviour. Social animal species.
Intra- and inter- specific relationships, societies and colonies, competition, territorialism, predation, competition, symbiosis, parasitism. Colour adaptations, cryptic and mimetic features, bioluminescence.
General concepts of evolutionary biology, biodiversity, systematics and phylogenesis. Systematic nomenclatures and cladystics, genotypes and phenotypes, adaptation strategies, reproduction and development of main animal taxa: Protozoa, Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelmintha, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinoderma, Chordata.

examMode

The student will have to demonstrate that they have learned all the topics included in the program. In the final evaluation for the attribution of the vote, the following will be taken into account: the level of knowledge of the contents, the ability to link the theoretical concepts to concrete examples, the mastery of expression, using the correct scientific terminology.
The student is given the opportunity to take an intermediate test (a written test with multiple choice questions) on the first part of the program and, once the intermediate test has been passed, a final oral test on the second part.

books

The following books are recommended as an alternative to each other:

Hickman et al. Zoologia, McGraw-Hill, diciottesima edizione.
Casiraghi et al. Zoologia, UTET
De Bernardi et al. Zoologia: Parte generale - Parte sistematica, Idealson-Gnocchi
Hickman et al. Fondamenti di Zoologia e Diversità Animale, McGraw-Hill
Miller-Harley. Zoologia: Parte generale - Parte sistematica, Idealson-Gnocchi.
Argano R. et al. Zoologia e Diversità animale, Monduzzi.

The teaching material shown in class will be made available through the moodle platform.

mode

Lessons are lectures in an aula with self-made presentations (ppt), Documents from scientific literature, Videoclips from the web. 8 hours of laboratory activities will be carried out at the didactic laboratories of the department.

classRoomMode

Frequency recommended but optional

bibliography

See texts

119926 - ENGLISH LANGUAGE - B1

IVANO CROSIO

Second Semester 5ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to develop language skills at a pre-intermediate level (B1 in The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), focusing on building essential grammatical and lexical foundations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. The learner is able to know and understand the topics related to the syntax and vocabulary of the English language for a B1 level, which concern the structures to be used in everyday communication. He/she is also able to understand the key points of topics relating to their specific field of study.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. The learner is able to interact with ease, without errors and misunderstandings, in everyday situations where the language of communication is English. He/she is able to use the tools and vocabulary learned related to their field of study
MAKING JUDGMENT. The learner is able to independently deepen, through information and communication technologies, what he/she has learnt with regard to everyday aspects of language use but especially with regard to knowledge acquired in his/her specific field of study
COMMUNICATION SKILLS. The learner has acquired the ability to produce written texts, in a clear and complete manner, on topics of everyday life but also on subjects related to their specific field of study.
LEARNING SKILLS. The learner is able to act independently to deepen and integrate the knowledge acquired during the course, expanding the specialised lexicon, writing and communication strategies to be implemented in an English language conversation.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

PROGRAMMA
Analisi dei tratti salienti del livello B1 del CEFR
GRAMMATICA
12 Basic verb tenses:
Simple : Present, Past, Future
Continous: Present, Past, Future
Perfect: Present, Past, Future
Perfect Continuos
Question Forms
Negatives
8 Parts of speech:
Noun, Verb, Determiner, Adverb, Pronoun, Adjective, Preposition, Conjunction
Collective noun definition
Countable and uncountable nouns
4 conditionals: zero, first, second, third
Verbs Do and Have
Homophones and homographs
Modal verbs
Indirect Speech
Past Habits: Used to
Names and description of people, things, animals, relations, hobbies etc…
Letter and email writing
Weather talk and getting around town
Shopping and restaurant and travel talk
Listening and reading through short videos of speeches from AMERICAN RETHORIC and other sources available online.
Written homework every week


Biological Science Program:
Chemical Basis:
Atoms and molecules, Water, Organic Compounds, Macromolecules
Cells:
Cell structure, Metabolism, Cellular respiration, Photosynthesis, Cell signaling, Cell cycle
Genes:
Genetics, inheritance, Genes and DNA, Gene Expression and regulation, development and evolution, Evolutionary processes, speciation, Phylogeny, History of life
Diversity:
Bacteria and Archaea, Eukaryotes, Viruses
Ecology:
ecosystems, populations, communities, biosphere, conservation

examMode

Written test with a generic theme but specific to your degree.
The form is mostly important, not the content.

books

Learning material will be available in class and on the recorded lesson on MOODLE.

classRoomMode

lessons will be on mondays and fridays at the polo riello blocco b aula magna from 3 pm to 5 pm

SUBJECTSEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
OPZIONAL GROUP - -- -
STATISTICS AND PHYSICS LABORATORY

INES DELFINO

Second Semester6FIS/07ita

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the students with 1) knowledge of basic physics in order to complete those introduced during the first year and 2) the tools needed to design and carry out a scientific experiment and analyze the data obtained through the most appropriate statistical analysis tools (using graphical and analytical methods). The course aims to make students acquire the ability to orally expose a scientific topic and to draw up a scientific report. This is within a simple but rigorous modeling and mathematical approach to familiarize students with graphic representations and estimates of scale sizes and physical phenomena.

Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding skills
At the end of the learning activity the person will know: A) define the measure of a physical quantity in direct and indirect manner; B) describe a physical dimension through numerical and graphical, linear and nonlinear methods; C) identify the right dimensional equations and the unit of measure; D) describe the operation of an instrument and highlight its properties; E) distinguish systematic and random errors of the measuring instruments in their absolute and relative representation; F) define a propagation of the error in derived quantities; G) define the significant figures of a measure; H) outline the concept of probability distribution; I) identify a confidence interval; L) comparing experimental results; M) design a mechanics, calorimetry experiment and study of the DC circuits capable of determining with good approximation some fundamental constants of the physical or physical properties of the apparatus; N) write a scientific report that gives clear, complete and immediate control of the protocol and collected data.

Knowledge and understanding skills applied
At the end of this didactic activity, the student must demonstrate, doing an experiment or in an examination context, to know how to: A) associate the magnitude to measure the physical laws describing the system; B) estimate the effects that change the expected value of the measured quantity within the used approximation; C) do an experiment and define the optimum conditions for carrying it on; D) give a value of uncertainty of the measured quantities; E) analytically evaluate how the error is propagated on indirectly measured quantities; F) choose the most effective way to get the value to be measured that is affected by minimal random error and systematic uncertainties; G) analyze the significance of the results through the statistics.

Judgment autonomy
At the end of this activity, the student must demonstrate that he / she knows how to: A) choose a working condition or an approximation for the experimental verification of a physical law; B) formulate and support appropriate hypotheses on the type of experiment most suitable for obtaining an experimental result; C) apply the most appropriate protocols to increase measurement sensitivity; D) apply the most appropriate protocols to reduce accidental and systematic errors.

Communicative Skills
The student must demonstrate that he/she is able to describe in a scientific report the physical law relevant for an experiment, the experimental conditions, and the theory best suited to the determination of physical quantity measurement, data collection and statistical analysis. Communication skills will be verified by evaluating the reports that each group of students will have done about the experiments conducted during the course. They will then be further verified during the examination.

Ability to learn
At the end of this activity, the student must demonstrate that he / she can use the experimental method learned to investigate the characteristics of various systems.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Physics insights
Ohm's law. Mesh law, node law.
Direct current RC circuits: capacitor charge and discharge.
Use of a multimeter to measure resistances, currents, potential differences.
Alternating current. Alternating current power.
Resistance, capacity and inductance in AC circuits.
Photoelectric effect. Elements of modern physics. Wave-particle duality. Quantum theory and models of the atom. Bohr atom. Molecules and solids.
De Broglie relation. Uncertainty principle.
Principle of operation of the laser. Characteristics and applications of lasers.
Nucleus and radioactivity. Radioactive decay.
Biological effects of radiation.

Methods and tools for measuring physical quantities and for the analysis of experimental data
Measurement of a physical quantity.
Features measuring instruments.
Confidence interval
Systematic errors, reading errors, random errors, errors, significant figures, error propagation.
Significant figures and confidence interval,
Significant figures and relative error,
Representation results: truncation and rounding,
Tables of experimental measurements
Graphical representation of the experimental data.
Repeated measures.
Histograms.
Average, and mean weighted mean, standard deviation.
Probability. Distributions and distributions limit.
Gaussian distribution.
Confidence limit.
Error function.
Rejection of data, Chauvenet criterion.
Comparison between experimental data and theoretical models.
Fitting procedures. Principle of maximum likelihood.
Linear fit. Method of least squares.
Covariance. Linear correlation coefficient.
Adaptation of the method of least squares to other curves.
Weighted Fit.
Linearization of a function and method of least squares
Hypothesis tests. Chi2 test.
Poisson distribution.
Procedure, methods and tools for measuring various physical quantities.
Instruments for measuring currents, ddp, resistors, etc ..
Voltage generators (real and ideal) AC and DC
Principle of operation of the multimeter.
Using the multimeter to measure resistance, current, potential differences.
Instruments for measuring quantities in AC circuits .
Measurement of doses of ionizing radiation.
Instruments for measuring ionizing radiation.
Operating principle of the Geiger counter.
General safety rules for laboratory operations.

Practice lesson/Laboratory Experiments (mandatory attendance)
Statistics
Mechanics
Calorimetry
Ohm's law in direct current.
Optics.

examMode

Evaluation of understanding and knowledge
The evaluation is assessed by:
- participation, with profit, in the laboratory activities that take place during the course.
- an oral test aimed at verifying the completeness of knowledge on the topics of the program.

Description of assessment methods
The exam takes place in the forms established by art. 23 of the University Didactic Regulations. A special report is drawn up, signed by the President and the commission members and by the student examined. The mark is expressed in thirtieths, with possible praise. Passing the exam presupposes the awarding of a mark of not less than eighteen / thirty and entails the attribution of the corresponding university training credits.
In the evaluation of the test and in the attribution of the final mark, account will be taken of: the level of knowledge of the contents shown (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply the theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts , discreet, good, well established), the ability to analyze, synthesize and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to make critical sense and formulate judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), mastery of expression (poor, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct exposure).
To ascertain the skills, the exam includes a practical test (or participation, with profit, in the practical activities that take place during the course) and a subsequent oral test.
Admission to the oral test is subject to the achievement of sufficiency (at least 18/30) in the practical test (or in the papers carried out in relation to the exercises followed). The oral test is given a mark out of thirty. The final mark will derive from the average of the marks resulting from the practical test / exercises and the oral test.
Successful completion of the practical test (or participation, with profit, in the laboratory activities that take place during the course) is valid for the entire duration of the student's career.

In the same session you can participate in appeals for the written test, including at least 15 days.

books

Textbook used for the Physics course.
J.R.Taylor, “Introduzione all’analisi degli errori”, Casa Editrice Zanichelli.

mode

The course includes:
- 32 hours of classroom lessons on statistical data analysis.
- 16 hours of lectures, mainly carried out in the laboratory (mandatory attendance), devoted at carrying on experiments and related data analysis will be carried out using the knowledge carried out in the other lessons.

classRoomMode

For the 16 hours of highly practical lessons there is a mandatory attendance.

bibliography

Libro di testo usato per il corso di Fisica
J.R. Taylor, “Introduzione all’analisi degli errori”, Casa Editrice Zanichelli.

13646 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

RAFFAELE SALADINO

First Semester 7CHIM/06ITA

Learning objectives

The course introduces the concepts and the experimental approaches of organic chemistry, working on the consolidation of principles acquired in the field of physics and general and inorganic chemistry to advance the knowledge of carbon chemistry. In the first part of the course, the cultural and practical bases for understanding the structure of organic molecules will be provided, paying particular attention to the existing relationships between the chemical structure and the chemical-physical and biological properties associated with them. The different physical hybridization states of the carbon will allow the three-dimensional vision of the molecules, facilitating the understanding of their role in the cell. The second part of the course is dedicated to the application of properties in the context of chemical reactivity. The student will have the opportunity to have answers to some of the key questions in his study: why do molecules react? What are the experimental factors that control the kinetics of the reactions? When is a reaction under thermodynamic control rather than kinetic? How is it possible to synthesize complex molecules from simple reagents? What is the impact of organic chemistry on the environment and how can it be reduced? This knowledge will allow the student to undertake subsequent study courses with strong structural and molecular expertise.

B) EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
Knowledge of the principles governing the formation of the chemical bond, using traditional theories (valence bond theory) and advanced theories (theory of molecular orbital and quantum mechanics ). Knowledge of nomenclature and classification (theory of functional groups) of organic molecules, with particular attention to the association between the family of organic molecules and biological and chemical-physical properties. Knowledge of the reactivity of organic molecules and experimental parameters capable of controlling thermodynamics and kinetics of organic transformations. Knowledge of the relationship between organic molecules and the origin of life.

In addition to the knowledge gained through the study of organic chemistry, students will be able to apply the acquired concepts for the resolution of practical exercises related to the identification and classification of substances based on Their activity on the body, the effect of chirality on pharmacological activity, the possibility of separating organic isomers and the general methodologies for their analysis and their recognition.

Making judgments: The course offers links to other disciplines (Physics, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Computational Chemistry and Genetics) by providing an integrated knowledge. The student's critical judgment will be stimulated by constantly referring to the reading of recent studies published in scientific journals, questioning the current issues related to some of the core concepts of the discipline. Thanks to the multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of organic chemistry, it will be also possible to link the acquired concepts to other disciplines, allowing the student to form his own autonomy of judgment about the effectiveness of an integrated scientific approach.

Communication skills: At the end of each part of the course, the students will be invited to form working groups to develop solutions and compete with others in solving practical exercises. The educational gain is aimed at increasing the communication skills and the ability to know how to work in a group, all aimed at consolidating the acquired concepts.

Learning Skills: Students' learning abilities will be evaluated during the course of the

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Module A STRUCTURE
Alkanes and cycloalkanes. Introduction. Structure. Sp3 hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties. Isomerism of structure. Conformational analysis (ethane, cyclohexane). Stability of cycloalkanes (angle strain, torsional strain, tension steric). Derivatives of cyclohexane (stereoisomery cis-trans). Bicyclic alkanes and polycyclic. Natural role and applications of alkanes.

Alkenes. Introduction .. Structure. Sp2 hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties. Stability (heat of hydrogenation, heat of combustion). Nomenclature system (E) - (Z) for alkenes. Cicloalcheni.Funzione biological.

Alkynes. Introduction. Structure. Sp hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties.

Functional groups and classes of organic compounds. Alkyl halides. Alcohols. Ethers. Amines. Aldehydes and ketones. Carboxylic acids. Esters and amides. Introduction. Structure. Nomenclature. Physical Properties.

Stereochemistry. Introduction. Chirality of carbon. Enantiomers and chiral molecules. Graphical representation. Nomenclature (R) (S). Optical activity (specific optical rotation, definition of racemate, optical purity). Diastereoisomers (meso compounds). Chiral molecules without chiral carbons.

Aromatic compounds. Introduction. Benzene. Structure and stability. Huckel rule. Other aromatic compounds. Nomenclature of benzene derivatives. Induction phenomena and resonance. Heterocyclic aromatic compounds. The aromatic compounds in biochemistry.

Carbohydrates. Classification. Monosaccharides. Mutarotation and formation of glucosides. Configuration D or L. Disaccharides. Polysaccharides.

Protein. Structure of the amino acids. Nomenclature. Peptide bond. Oligopeptides.

Nucleic acids. Purine and pyrimidine nucleic bases. Nucleosides. Nucleotides. Oligonucleotides.

Lipids.

Form B. THE REACTIVITY '

Reactions of alkanes and cycloalkanes. Chlorination of methane. Free radicals. Stability and structure. Thermodynamics and kinetics. Halogenation of higher alkanes.

Ionic reactions of substitution and elimination. Formation of carbocations. Stability and structure. Nucleophilic substitution reactions. SN2 reaction. SN1 reaction. Mechanisms and trends stereochimici.Effetti solvent and leaving group. Elimination reactions. E1 reaction. E2 reaction. Competition between substitution and elimination. Substitution reactions and elimination of biological interest.

Reactions of the C = C double bond. Addition reaction. Addition of hydrogen halides. Markovnikov rule.

examMode

The exam includes a written test followed by an oral test. The written test generally consists of five exercises whose contents cover all the topics of the course. Each exercise is assigned the maximum value of 6 points. The oral exam is accessed having achieved the minimum score of 18/30. The oral exam consists of two parts. The first concerns the discussion of the written test with in-depth analysis on the performance of the exercises. The second some questions concerning further developments of the themes of the written test.

books

- Basic Organic Chemistry, Bruno Botta, Editore EdiTes (most recent Edition).
Da consultare:
- Organic Chemistry, Robert Thornton Morrison, Robert Nielson Boyd, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Distribuzione Zanichelli (most recent edition).

mode

classroom lessons characterized by a theoretical part with the description of the main theoretical principles and an experimental part concerning the resolution of exercises on the topics of the course.

classRoomMode

face to face

bibliography

- Basic Organic Chemistry, Bruno Botta, Editore EdiTes (most recent Edition).
Da consultare:
- Organic Chemistry, Robert Thornton Morrison, Robert Nielson Boyd, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Distribuzione Zanichelli (most recent edition).

15291 - GENETICS

LUCA PROIETTI DE SANTIS

First Semester 9BIO/18ITA

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with the information necessary for understanding the theoretical foundations of classical and modern genetics and the experimental approaches that have allowed their definition. Students will have to learn the logic of formal genetic analysis and the methodologies of genetic dissection of biological phenomena. They will have to know how to connect the concepts of genotype and phenotype and the interaction of these with the environment. A relevant chapter of the course will be dedicated to the students' acquisition of the concepts of mutation, mutagenesis and repair of genetic damage; as well as the impact that these processes have in the generation of syndromes, in the onset of degenerative diseases and in the evolution of populations. The notions will be provided to understand the paradigm shift that took place in the post-genomic era, and the understanding of the importance of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic model systems will be stimulated.
Knowledge and understanding.
To have developed the knowledge of the principles of formal genetics: Mendelism, sex-linked inheritance, mapping of genes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, mutations, regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetics of populations. Having acquired the basic notions of Environmental Mutagenesis and Molecular Genetics and having understood the potential of post-genomic analysis.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
Knowing how to use the notions learned in class and developed in the exercises to interpret the patterns of inheritance and to solve problems in the various fields of Genetics.
Autonomy of judgment.
Being able to identify the appropriate rules of Genetics to apply to the resolution of new problems even if similar to those discussed in class.
Communication skills.
The students' ability to speak, reason and discuss the questions raised during the lessons regarding the topics covered will be stimulated.
Learning ability.
To be able to discuss scientific issues related to Genetics also in its medical applications and in its evolutionary implications. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Mendel's genetic analysis:
genetic variability;
the law of segregation;
the law of independent assortment;
genes and alleles: the concept of polymorphism.

Extensions of Mendelian analysis:
dominance relationships;
multiple allelia;
pleiotropy;
multifactorial inheritance,
inheritance of quantitative traits ..

Chromosome theory of inheritance:
mitosis and meiosis;
sex-linked inheritance;
meiosis and Mendelism.

Association and recombination:
segregation of genes located on the same chromosome;
crossing over-over;
the chi-squared test
genetic maps;
three-point essay.

The physical basis of heredity, DNA:
identification of the genetic material;
structure; *
replication; *
recombination.

The function of the gene:
genetic dissection through mutations
the hypothesis a gene an enzyme;
complementation;
fine structure of the gene;
the genetic code;
the transcription; *
translation. *

The eukaryotic chromosome
structure and organization of chromatin;
the model with radial lugs;
structure and function of the telomere and centromere;
the organizing regions of the nucleolus (NOR).

Chromosomal mutations:
of structure;
the mobile elements;
of number.

Genetic analysis of bacteria and viruses *:
the bacterial chromosome;
isolation of mutants;
gene transfer in bacteria:
natural and artificial transformation;
conjugation;
genetic maps in bacteria.
transduction

Gene regulation in prokaryotes:
negative and positive regulation;
the lac operon;
the tryptophan operon;
attenuation.

Gene regulation in eukaryotes:
regulation of transcription;
post-transcriptional regulation;
the role of chromatin structure;
epigenetic inheritance;
euchromatin and heterochromatin;
variegated position effect (PEV);
inactivation of the X chromosome in mammals.

Genomic analysis:
the cloning of genes;
hybridization of nucleic acids;
the PCR;
DNA sequencing;
genome sequencing;
DNA polymorphism analysis:
SNP;
Microsatellites.

Population genetics:
gene and genotype frequencies
the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium;
evolution of populations and species.


* These topics are treated only from the point of view of Genetics, leaving out the biochemical, molecular and microbiological aspects that are treated in other courses.

examMode

The intermediate written exemption and the final final written test take place in the same way.
Exercises are assigned, usually 10, with the same value for the purposes of the vote out of thirty, ie 3 points per exercise. The exercises consist in the practical application of the notions of Genetics and Environmental Mutagenesis explained in class and which allow to understand if the student has acquired the ability to reason according to the paradigms of the hereditary transmission of characters. The exercises assigned do not differ from those carried out in the exercises. Particular emphasis is given to exercises that demonstrate knowledge of the formal aspects of genetics: mendelism, sex-linked inheritance, mapping of genes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, mutations and mutagenesis, regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes, population genetics.
The final written test focuses on the second part of the course, or on the entire course, depending on whether or not the student has passed the exemption test (grade equal to or greater than 15/30).
The final grade of the written exam results from the average of the ongoing exam (if passed). and the final written test.
If the final mark of the written test is equal to or greater than 18/30, the student can usually decide to confirm it, without taking the oral exam.
If the oral test is necessary, the final grade is the average between the written test and the oral test.
The oral exam focuses on ascertaining the knowledge of the topics that are not easily traceable to the logic of the numerical exercise and, if necessary, on the deepening of the theoretical notions underlying the exercises carried out by the student in the written tests.
The exam calendar and registration for exam sessions are done through the University portal.

books



Griffiths et al., Genetica - Principi di analisi formale, Zanichelli

mode

Lectures in the classroom, presentations (ppt) with graphic illustrations, photographs and videos. Exercises aimed at solving problems that demonstrate the knowledge of the formal aspects of genetics and the ability to apply them, on the type of exercises that will constitute the examination tasks. Laboratory exercise consisting in a blind cross between drosophiles with alternative characters, from the results of which the student must infer the inheritance pattern of the character in question. The lectures are equivalent to 8 credits (64 hours) and the exercises to one credits (8 hours).

classRoomMode

Attendance is not mandatory but recommended

bibliography

Griffiths et al., Genetica - Principi di analisi formale, Zanichelli

OPZIONAL GROUP - -- -
CYTOGENETICS

ROBERTA MESCHINI

Second Semester6BIO/18ita

Learning objectives


The course introduces the fundamental concepts and experimental approaches to the study of cytogenetics, a branch of genetics that analyzes the structure of the chromosomes to determine the relationship existing between the hereditary and specific karyotypes characters.
The course aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge base on chromatin structure and its intranuclear organization, the metaphase chromosome as well as its specialized structures such as centromere, telomere and fragile sites and their role in maintaining genome stability. The course also aims to address the study of human chromosomal instability syndromes and the role of the biologist in their diagnosis using classical and molecular cytogenetics techniques.
It also provides a basis for specialized studies such as the analysis of chromosomal aberrations in biological dosimetry and the use of the Comet test in genotoxicity.


EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS

Knowledge and
 understanding
At the end of the course students will have a thorough knowledge of the basic principles of cytogenetics such as organizing intranuclear chromatin, the chromosome structure and its specialized components. In addition, they will have learned the main classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques. Finally, they will have gained the ability to process the diagnostic protocols, the use of chromosomal aberrations as a biological dosimeter and the Comet assay as a tool for the study of genotoxicity.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be encouraged to take advantage of the knowledge acquired during the course and during laboratory practice in order to apply them to specific issues such as, for example, the identification of a specific chromosomal instability syndrome or the genotoxic capacity of chemical or physical agent as well as the application potential of the techniques learned.

Making judgements
Students will be able to interpret and discuss scientific papers presented during class and be able to identify in them the highlights and key points.

Communication skills
During the lessons it will be stimulated students' ability to think and discuss about the topics covered as well as the comparison of opinions to develop their communication skills. These skills will then be tested in the examination.

Learning skills
Students will be able to expose and develop scientific issues related to the course. The active involvement of students through oral classroom discussions and experiences in the laboratory practices, will develop that skill.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

The structure of chromatin in eukaryotes: histones and histone proteins; The nucleosome; Chromatin fiber; Hints on histone modifications; Histone variants and specialized folding domains; The solenoid; The loop domains; Models of the metaphase chromosome; Mechanical properties of chromosomes. Chromosomal Territories: Their Dynamic Organization (Chromosomal Territories, Interchromatinic Domain, Nuclear Matrix); Experimental evidence and models; Chromosomal territories and cytogenetic damage. Evolution of the eukaryotic genome: organization in isochores; Compositional correlation; Distribution of genes and compartmentalization of the genome; Compositional transition in the vertebrates, their causes and their maintenance. Relationship between chromosomal territories and isochore content. The telomere: structure; function; Telomeric and accessory proteins; Replication (telomerase and recombination); Regulation of the elongation. The centromere: structure, function and accessory proteins in the lower eukaryotes; Structure, function and additional proteins in the higher eukaryotes; Epigenetic control of the centromere. The fragile sites: classification and structure; Genes at fragile sites; Fragile sites and cellular checkpoints; Repair at fragile sites; Instability of fragile sites in tumors; The X-fragile syndrome. Chromosome banding: differential banding techniques (bands G, R, Q); Selective banding techniques (bands C, NOR, G-11, restriction enzymes); Fluorochrome and counterstaining techniques; Replication banding; High resolution banding; Banding applications (karyotype study, chromosome aberration study, diagnostic and medical applications, etc.). Fluorescent in situ hybridization: basic concepts; The technique; Applications in classical and interfase cytogenetics, mutagenesis, diagnostic and medical fields, etc. The "Comet" assay: the technique and its applications. Chromosomal aberrations: classification. Theories. Molecular mechanisms of formation. Chromosomal instability syndromes. Biological dosimetry. Biological significance and consequences of chromosomal aberrations.
Practice (1 CFU): building a karyotype; analysis of the spontaneous frequency of micronuclei in epithelial buccal cells; microscopic observation of cytogenetic preparations.

examMode

Passing the exam presupposes the awarding of a grade of not less than eighteen / thirty and entails the attribution of the corresponding university credits. In the evaluation of the test and in the attribution of the final grade, the following will be taken into account: the level of knowledge demonstrated (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and in-depth), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts , fair, good, well-established), the ability of analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to criticize and formulate judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), the skill of expression (lack of exposure, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct). In particular, the oral exam must ensure that students have acquired knowledge and skills in Cytogenetics, consistent with the teaching program.

books

The teaching materials and all the lessons in power-point format are provided by the teacher.

Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information on the program, teaching materials and evaluation of the profit.


mode

Classroom lecture sessions with PowerPoint presentations with figures and process diagrams for a total of 40 hours. In addition, there are 8 hours of teaching labs during which students will build a karyotype; moreover, they will set up a cell preparation of their buccal cells for the spontaneous analysis of micronuclei; the preparations will then be observed at the optical microscope.

classRoomMode

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended

bibliography

The reference bibliography will be provided by the teacher.

HYDROBIOLOGY

FRANCESCO CERINI

Second Semester6BIO/07ita

Learning objectives

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES. The aim of the course is to provide students with the useful information to learn the theoretical bases of classical and modern hydrobiology and the theoretical and experimental approaches that have enabled their development today. Expanding knowledge on aquatic habitats and the oranisms that inhabit them from a taxonomic, ecological and trophic-functional point of view. Students will have to learn the logic of ecosystem analysis of aquatic environments and the methodologies suitable for evaluating structures and functions of organisms and ecosystems in aquatic environments. Notions will be provided to understand the most recent developments in the ecosystem of aquatic environments (food web theory, niche theory, network analysis, metacommunity ecology), and an understanding of the importance of managing these environments will be stimulated. The course aims to provide the basis for further in-depth studies in the fields of freshwater ecology and community ecology through a solid knowledge of the tools for scientific references research.

EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS Knowledge and understanding. Having developed knowledge of the principles and ecological laws that underlie the ecosystem functioning of aquatic environments. Having acquired the notions of hydrobiology useful for undertaking ecosystem analyzes of the various environmental types of inland waters. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Knowing how to use the notions learned in class and developed in the exercises to interpret the structures and functions of the various aquatic organisms and to solve problems in the various fields of hydrobiology. Judgment autonomy. Being able to identify the theoretical and experimental paths to be applied to the resolution of new problems even if similar to those discussed in class. Communication skills. Students' ability to talk, reason and discuss the questions raised during the lessons on the topics will be stimulated. Learning ability. Being able to discuss scientific issues related to hydrobiology and in general the academic ecology of aquatic environments also in its management applications and in its theoretical and experimental implications. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in classroom discussions.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Introduction to the aquatic environment: Chemical and physical properties of water, Water cycle, movement of heat, light and nutrients in water.

Freshwater environments and their characterisation: River environments. Lacustrine environments. Transitional aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands. Physiography and conservation issues. Other water environments (rivers and underground lakes, high altitude springs, hydrothermal springs, interstitial waters). Water habitats of community and conservation interest. Semi-natural and artificial environments.

Fauna and flora of inland waters: Overview of evolution and adaptations to the water medium and the different chemical-physical characteristics of water. Trophic-functional classification of aquatic organisms. Microorganisms, algae, fungi and plants. Protozoa. Invertebrates (Cnidarians, Bryozoans, Platelminths, Nematodes, Annelids, Crustaceans, Insects). Vertebrates (Amphibians, Reptiles, Mammals, Birds, Bony and Cartilaginous Fish)

Ecology of inland waters: Interactions between species. Community and metacommunity ecology and aquatic trophic networks. Theory and case studies.

Conservation, management and monitoring of freshwater environments: Threats to inland water systems. Bioindication and ecological indices. Monitoring and management.

Elements of sampling techniques. Experimental protocols with macroinvertebrates and protozoa. Bases of data analysis.

examMode

The examination is conducted in the form laid down in Article 23 of the University Teaching Regulations. Minutes are taken of its proceedings, signed by the chairman and members of the board and by the student examined. The grade is expressed in thirtieths, with honours where appropriate. Passing the exam requires a mark of no less than eighteen/thirty-eighths and entails the award of the corresponding university credits. In assessing the test and in awarding the final grade, account will be taken of: the level of content knowledge demonstrated (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying concepts, discrete, good, well established), the ability to analyse, summarise and make interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to make a critical sense and formulate judgements (sufficient, good, excellent), the mastery of expression (poor, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct exposition). The question will concern concepts and base knowldge addressed during the lessons, with potential request to present a study case (e.g. a scientific paper) regarding freshwater ecology themes, from which the examination discussion can start.

books

Walter, K., Dodds, W. H. I. L. E. S., & Matt, R. (2017). Freshwater ecology: concepts and environmental applications of limnology. ELSEVIER ACADEMIC Press.

ORNERIS G., PASCALE M., PEROSINO G.C., ZACCARA P. (2013). Lezioni di Idrobiologia Editore: Regione Piemonte, Direzione Agricoltura - settore caccia e pesca (https://greencrestdotblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/2008-lezioni-di-idrobiologia-le-acque-continentali.pdf)

mode

The course will consists of frontal lessons.
Educational excursions will be made to collect biological samples, which will then be analysed in a laboratory exercise for the recognition of aquatic organisms.

classRoomMode

Attendance is optional, but students are strongly encouraged to attend the lectures; I will explain methods of researching scientific bibliography, which are very useful for the final examination project (optional), and useful in general for a scientific career. In addition, class discussions on course topics useful for further study will be stimulated.

bibliography

D‘Antoni S., Battisti C., Cenni M. e Rossi G.L. (a cura di), (2011). Contributi per la tutela della biodiversità delle zone umide. Rapporti ISPRA 153/11
(http://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/biodiversita/allegato_rapporto_153_2011.pdf)

Zerunian S., (2003). Piano d’azione generale per la conservazione dei pesci d’acqua dolce italiani. Quad. Cons. Natura 17, Min. Ambiente – Ist. Naz. Fauna Selvatica
(http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/contentfiles/00006700/6726-17-qcn-pesci-acqua.pdf)

Sarrocco S., Maio G., Celauro d. e Tancioni l., (2012). Carta della Biodiversità ittica delle acque correnti del Lazio. Edizioni Arp, Roma, 194 pp. (https://www.parchilazio.it/documenti/schede/3793_allegato1.pdf)

119004 - COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

BRUNO BELLISARIO

Second Semester 4ita

Learning objectives

In the last decade, technical and technological progress has given way to a real revolution in science, thanks to the increased ability to obtain huge amounts of data at a speed and resolution previously unthinkable. This 'big-data revolution' makes the knowledge of adequate IT and analytical tools capable of using this amount of information essential. In this context, knowledge of programming languages is a must in any researcher's portfolio.

In this course we will explore the basics of one of the most used languages for data management and analysis in the biological and ecological fields, R. The course will be divided into theoretical/practical lessons, combining the study of R with references to basic statistics and basics of statistics advanced.
The course aims to provide basic concepts of computer science and programming in R language useful for: • dealing with and managing the innovation introduced by ICT technologies; • support study and research in the field of science with particular attention to biological and ecological sciences; • understand the principles of programming;

Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the training activity the student will have: understood the functioning of computers, learned to use tools for the manipulation of large amounts of biological, ecological and environmental data, known the fundamentals of programming and developed programs in R.
The acquired knowledge will be useful to be able to use computers to develop programs in R for the processing of biological, ecological and environmental data.
The knowledge acquired will allow students to independently explore the concepts and technologies illustrated during the course and to use the programs of interest for data analysis with greater awareness.
Communication skills The student will acquire an appropriate technical language and will be able to transmit electronic documents.
Learning skills The student will be able to understand the technological innovations and their potential in "big-data analysis" in the biological, ecological and environmental fields.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

The program, subject to slight variations, will generally be as follows:

Lesson 1: Introduction to operating systems
Lesson 2: Introduction to programming languages
Lesson 3: Introduction to R
Lesson 4: Installation and resolution of the most common problems in R
Lesson 5: Types of data in R
Lesson 6: Introduction to the main libraries for data manipulation I
Lesson 7: Introduction to the main libraries for data manipulation II
Lesson 8: Practice
Lesson 9: Functions and iterative programming
Lesson 10: BigData analysis: concepts and practical examples
Lesson 11: Shell scripting and bash
Lesson 12: Group project II and final considerations

examMode

The final exam consists of a written test that covers the entire programme, including open and non-open answers, in which the student must demonstrate mastery of the topics covered during the course.

books

No particular textbook is required. The material is provided by the teacher and present in the individual teaching sheets in moodle.

mode

Lessons will be delivered in traditional mode. Any exceptions and requests for remote lessons will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

classRoomMode

Attendance is optional, although strongly recommended given the theoretical/practical characteristics of the teaching.

bibliography

None in particular

15288 - BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY

SILVIA PROIETTILAURA BERTINI

Second Semester 9BIO/10ITA

Learning objectives

TRAINING OBJECTIVES
The course aims to provide a general framework for understanding the biochemical bases of cell biology and to provide the bases for further studies in Biochemical Methods and Food Science.
The course will introduce students to the knowledge of the structure and function of the main biological molecules: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. In addition, general energy concepts will be provided: state functions (enthalpy, entropy and free energy), standard status, high energy compounds as well as knowledge of cellular metabolism and its regulation in relation to physiological needs in humans. Experimental laboratory is also provided allowing preparation of solutions, dilutions and buffers.

EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
Knowledge and understanding:
During the course, the knowledge of the structural and functional characteristics of biomolecules, enzyme properties, genetic material organization and the main metabolic processes of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins will be achieved.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
In addition to the knowledge gained through the study of Biological Chemistry, students will be encouraged to deepen the application potential of this course in the field of biological, biochemical and biomedical analysis.

Making judgements:
The course provides links to other related disciplines to provide a broad and in-depth view of the cellular and molecular bases of cell behavior that will allow students to critically address a wide range of biomedical issues with autonomy of judgment. Moreover, during the course students will be able to develop logical and deductive arguments useful to work autonomously and for inclusion in the world of work.

Communication skills:
During the lessons students will be stimulated to discuss and compare different point of views in order to develop their communicative abilities that will be verified during preliminary examination and final oral examinations at the end of training activities.

Learning skills:
Students should be able to describe the scientific topics related to Biological Chemistry in written and oral form. This skill will be developed through the active involvement of students through oral class discussions and practical experiences during the hours dedicated to the experimental laboratory.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

First part of the program (4 CFU)
General aspects of Biochemistry
Weak interactions in aqueous systems. Chemical-physical properties of water. Ionization of water, weak acids and basics. Buffers.

Composition and structure of proteins
Amino acids e their general properties. Peptide bond. Levels of organization of proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures. Functional aspects of proteins. Myoglobin and haemoglobin.

Enzymes
Fundamental concepts of enzymatic activity. Enzyme nomenclature, specificity, coenzymes and cofactors. Activation energy end role of enzymes. Overview of enzymatic kinetics.

Lipids, biological membranes and membrane proteins
Fatty acids. Triacylglycerols. Glycerophospholipids. Lipidic and proteic components of biological membranes. Composition and architecture of biological membranes. Membrane proteins.

Carbohydrates
Structure and function of carbohydrates. Oligosaccharides. Polysaccharides.

examMode

A mid-term evaluation on the topics of the initial 4 CFU of the course, in the week of April dedicated to mid-term exams, is planned. Students who obtain a score equal to or higher than 18/30, which represents the minimum threshold, can get the oral exam on the second part of the program in an official date.
 Students who do not choose the mid-term evaluation, will take the oral exam in an official date. In any case, the final grade will be given by the average between the grade obtained in the mid-term evaluation and in the exam related with the second par of the course.
During the exam, the student will be asked a series of questions aimed at verify theoretical knowledge of the program presented in the course. The objective of the exam is to verify that the students have acquired autonomy of judgment and correct scientific communication skills.
The objective of the oral exam is to verify that students have acquired independent judgment and correct scientific communication skills. In the evaluation of the test and in the attribution of the final grade, the following will be taken into account: the level of knowledge (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and in-depth), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts , fair, good, well-established), the ability to analyze, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to criticize and formulate judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), the mastery of expression (lack of exposure, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct).

books

Nelson DL, Cox MM. I principi di Biochimica di Lenhninger. 8a Edizione (2022), Zanichelli, Bologna.
Nelson DL, Cox MM. Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lenhninger. 6a Edizione (2018) Zanichelli, Bologna.
Voet D, Voet JG, Pratt CW. Fondamenti di Biochimica 4a Edizione (2017) Zanichelli, Bologna.

Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information on the program and the teaching materials.

mode

Classroom lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations with figures, process diagrams and videos. Experimental laboratories will be also planned in order to enable students to prepare saline solutions and dilutions, as well as the preparation of biological buffers. This activity is scheduled for 8 hours (1 CFU). For this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to 20 units and, during the practical activities, they will be followed by the teacher and a tutor.

classRoomMode

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended

bibliography

Contact the teacher

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Second part of the program: Metabolism (4 CFU -32 hours- theoretical lessons and 1 CFU -8 hours- experimental)

Introduction to Metabolism:
Catabolism and Anabolism. Experimental approach to the study of metabolism. Thermodynamics of phosphorus-containing compounds: ATP, and compounds with high energy. Electron transporters. Redox reactions.

Carbohydrate Metabolism:
Glycolysis. Lactic fermentation. Reducing equivalents transport from cytoplasm to mitochondria. Krebs cycle. Pentose shunt. Glycogen metabolism. Carbohydrates metabolism regulation.

Bioenergetics:
Compound with high energy. Electron transport. Oxidative phosphorylation. Oxidative metabolism control.

Lipid Metabolism:
Digestion, absorption and lipid transport. Fatty acids oxidation. Ketone bodies. Fatty acids biosynthesis. Regulation of fatty acids metabolism.

Protein Metabolism:
Fate of amino acid carbon skeleton. Deamination of amino acids: transamination and oxidative deamination in catabolic process. Reductive amination and transamination in anabolic process. Mode of action of glutamine synthetase and glutaminase. Urea cycle. Crosstalk between Krebs and urea cycles and gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenic and ketogenic amino acids.

Laboratory exercises:
Construction of amino acids with ball stick models.
Introduction to pipetman utilization and application of statistics to define the concepts of precision and accuracy.
Calculations for preparing solutions at different concentrations, dilutions and serial dilutions.
Preparation of buffers.


examMode

The examination is conducted in the forms established by Article 23 of the University Teaching Regulations.
Upon completion of the first part of the course, students may take an exemption. Achieving a score of 18/30, which is the minimum threshold, or higher, will allow students to take the oral exam on the second part of the program. The final mark will be given by the average between the two tests. Students who did not take the exemption or who scored less than 18/30 will take the oral exam on the entire program. Students who have passed the exemption but refuse the mark will take the oral exam on the whole program of the course.
The examination tests will contain a series of questions aimed to ascertain the student's theoretical knowledge of the program presented in class. The objective of the tests is to verify that students have acquired autonomy of judgment and proper scientific communication skills.
In the evaluation of the tests and in the attribution of the final mark, the following will be taken into account: the level of knowledge (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and in-depth), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (poor, sufficient, fair, good, well-established), the ability to analyze, synthesize and make interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to criticize and formulate judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), the mastery of expression (lack of exposure, simple, clear and correct, confident and correct).

books

Nelson DL, Cox MM. Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger. 6a Edizione (2018) Zanichelli, Bologna.
Voet D, Voet JG, Pratt CW. Fondamenti di Biochimica 4a Edizione (2017) Zanichelli, Bologna.
Nelson DL, Cox MM. I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger. 8a Edizione (2022) Zanichelli, Bologna.
Berg JM, Tymoczko JL, Stryer L. Biochimica 8a Edizione (2020) Zanichelli, Bologna.

Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the lecturer for information on the syllabus, teaching materials and profit assessment methods.

The lecturer will provide students with lecture slides and handouts for practical laboratory activities.

mode

Classroom lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations with figures, process diagrams and videos. 4 CFU are dedicated to this activity. Students with special frailties will be allowed to take classes via live streaming (ZOOM). Experimental laboratories will be also planned in order to enable students to prepare saline solutions and dilutions, as well as the preparation of buffers. This activity is scheduled for 8 hours (1 CFU). To ensure better usability of the laboratory, students will be divided into groups of up to 20 units and, during the practical activities, they will be followed by the teacher and a tutor.
Class attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

classRoomMode

The attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended that attending students also follow the practical laboratory activities.

bibliography

Handouts are provided by the teacher for practical laboratory activities.
The lectures' slides can be downloaded from the teacher's website on the Moodle platform.
Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information about the program, teaching materials, and the examination mode.

15290 - MORPHOGENESIS AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY

NICLA ROMANO

Second Semester 9BIO/06ITA

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge of the biology of deuterostome development from the fusion of gametes, to the constitution and development of the zygotes also after the growth and formation of vertebrate organs and systems. The course aims to provide a framework for further deepening of physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the principles of embryogenesis and the role of morphogenetic determinants in bodily development. Knowledge of the principles of the anatomy of systems, organs, and tissues Basic knowledge of the functioning of tegumentary, skeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, urogenital, endocrine, and digestive systems.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Basic knowledge acquired through the study of morphogenesis and Compartment Anatomy of Vertebrates will allow students to better understand the disciplinary insights of the lessons to be learned at the same time, ie. Biological chemistry and that will be carried out in later years (especially physiology). Students will then apply the aforementioned knowledge in understanding the evolution of vertebrates, possibly applying them to the concept of extraterrestrial animal models that can be used in research
Making judgments: The course offers links to other Degree Program disciplines by providing an integrated, current, and dynamic knowledge that can be tailored to specific topics such as 1) reading of scientific material found through keyword research and also provided and shared with the learners on the google- Drive see text entry; 2) Working on the material (available on the link, see below) to create personal powerpoints on specific topics; 3) Possibility to attend theme seminars organized by the teaching
Communication skills: During the lessons students are invited to provide their opinion and study in groups to develop their communicative abilities. Such skills are then verified with group-specific meetings with the teacher and during the exams at the end of training activities.
Learning skills: Students should be able to describe scientific issues related to embryogenesis and comparative anatomy among vertebrate classes such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Such return skills will be developed through the active involvement of students in the course topics and during laboratory exercises, where learners will have to pass conceptual knowledge on anatomical models and microscopic material and / or projected video.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

The chordates and phylogenetic relationships of Vertebrates and their characteristics. Sex features and reproduction. Migration of germ cells and gametogenesis. fertilization: processes of sperm maturation and egg, the role of MPF, a meeting of the gametes, fast and slow block of polyspermy, MPF and calcium role in the post-fertilization processes, modification of the cytoplasm. The segmentation events that direct cell division and the formation of the blastocoel, again: MPF role. Gastrulation, cell movements and the formation of sheets: entoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. The molecules that lead the gastrulation (morphogenetic factors and cadherins). The neurulation: formation of the neural tube, neural crest cells and the role of the notochord. extra-embryonal membranes and coelomic pouches formation.Organogenesis formation and organization of the integument, scales and teeth. Organogenesis and organization of skeletal bone (skull, vertebrae and apparatus appendiceal) and muscles (notes). Organogenesis and general organization of the central and peripheral nervous system. The endocrine system: hypothalamus-pituitary glands, pineal gland, thyroid/parathyroid, adrenal gland, gonads, intestine. Organogenesis and organization of the respiratory, circulatory and heart. Organogenesis and organization of the urogenital system.
Laboratory (1 CFU- 8 hrs) IT IS MANDATORY TO FOLLOW THE LABORATORY to gain the credit. The attainment of the CFU will have a maximum duration of two academic years to take the exam.
Practical (in person with signature) and telematic CFU programs will be exposed by the teacher and will cover the topics of the course. The hours in attendance will be 8; obviously, these may undergo variations depending on the pandemic situation (the teacher will organize them during class hours and will inform you on the Moodle forum).
In general, the program of practical exercises will focus on:
morphogenesis: watching movies, and microscopic preparations related to the development (echinoderms, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals). Practical vision (prepared macroscopic and microscopic): organization of the integument of vertebrates. Skull and skeleton of vertebrates. Organization of the respiratory system (lungs and gills) in Vertebrates. Organization of the circulatory system and the heart in vertebrates. Organization of the urogenital and endocrine systems in vertebrates. Digestive System.

examMode

The exam must be fully supported, and all parts of the program must be in the knowledge of the student. The exam is an oral test with one or two questions about morphogenesis, followed by one or two questions about Comparative Anatomy with the ability to recognize and describe anatomical preparations. Students get a score of at least 18/30 or above to pass the exam. The questions are built to verify the ability to know and link the course contents. The final vote corresponds to the exposure and cognitive ability demonstrated in the oral test. The examination takes place in the forms established by the University Didactic Regulations. A special report is drawn up on its development in electronic form on the GOMP platform, signed by the President and by the members of the commission after the acceptance of the vote by the student examined (electronic acceptance within 48 hours or tacit consent is valid). The vote is expressed in thirty-five, with any praise. Exceeding the examination requires a minimum of eighteen / thirty-one votes and implies the allocation of corresponding university education credits. The exam includes both the oral exposure to concepts of morphogenesis and Comparative Anatomy and the practical recognition of microscopic, dry, and wet preparations and anatomical models that the student has viewed during the laboratory experience.
The evaluation of the test and the award of the final vote will take into account: the level of knowledge of the content (superficial, appropriate, accurate and complete, complete and in-depth) of the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts (Good, good, well-established), analysis skills, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, good), critical ability and judgment formulation (sufficient, good, good), mastery of expression (Lack of display, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct. In particular, the questions will be aimed at verifying the learning objectives: knowledge of the basics of embryology and biology of development, of the comparative anatomy in its organs and tissues and the evolution of these through animal classes.
The appeals calendar and enrollment for exams are made through the University portal.

books


For Comparative Anatomy:
- Stingo et al., Anatomia Comparata, ed. ermes

further lectures
Liem et al. Anatomia Comparata, Edises

For Morphogenesis
Gilbert, Biologia dello Sviluppo ed. Zanichelli (in parte).
For the practical laboratory:
Atlante di Anatomia microscopica dei Vertebrati,Unicopoli ed.;
Minelli-Del Grande, Atlante di Anatomia dei Vertebrati, Piccin ed.

Ulteriori materiali didattici di studio ed approfondimento sono disponibili su classroom/google drive per gli studenti universitari della Tuscia/
536/5000
For COMPARATIVE ANATOMY:
- Stingo et al., Comparative Anatomy, ed. ermes
to consult
Liem et al. Comparative Anatomy, Edises

For MORPHOGENESIS
Gilbert, Developmental Biology ed. Zanichelli (in part).
Consult: Giudice et al. Developmental biology, Piccin
Atlas of Microscopic Anatomy of Vertebrates, Unicopoli ed .;
Minelli-Del Grande, Atlas of Vertebrate Anatomy, Piccin ed.

Additional didactic study and in-depth materials are available on classroom / google drive for Tuscia university students /

mode

Depending on the pandemic situation for SARS-COV-2, the teaching method may be: traditional (in the classroom), mixed distance-traditional, or entirely remote. In the second and third eventualities, online lessons will be guaranteed. The link to access the online lessons will be available from the Moodle platform.
Depending on the SARS-COV-2 pandemic situation, the hours delivered (both in the laboratory and in the classroom) may vary when delivered in mixed or remote mode. Frontal classroom lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations with figures, process diagrams and videos. At a distance, students have access to all the material (moodle, google drive, with a link in moodle). One CFU (8 hours and in sessions) of laboratory practice with the microscope and wet and dry preparations and models were included in the teaching methodology to allow the student a practical approach to macroscopic and microscopic Comparative Anatomy. The achievement of this CFU is verified with the student's signature in attendance at each exercise. The 64 hours are foreseen for frontal teaching activities.

classRoomMode

Frequency is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the Professor to receive the Google Drive link for e-mail where all the up-to-date and necessary course material is prepared to prepare the course

bibliography

Provided by the teacher and retrievable from the drive platform made available to students

- - ELECTIVE COURSE

Second Semester 6ita
SUBJECTSEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
13657 - TRAINING

First Semester 6ITA
- -- -
IMMUNOLOGY

FRANCESCA ROMANA VELOTTI

6MED/04ita

Learning objectives

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The aim of the course of Immunology is to provide students with a method of studying this constantly evolving scientific area, with terminology and information necessary to understand the basic and the advanced concepts in Immunology. In particular, the program aims to provide general characteristics, basic and updated knowledge concerning molecular and cellular components of innate and adaptive immunity. The students will also be provided with the most recent advances in for further studies concerning the mechanisms underlying immune responses against infections and tumors. In conclusions, the course aims to provide general knowledge to understand the immune response and insights for future studies of immunopathology and immunological biotechnology.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1) Knowledge and understanding. Knowledge of modern Immunology: properties and functions of molecular and cellular components of adaptive and innate immune responses, their complex network of interactions.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding. Developing the knowledge of potential applications of adaptive and innate immune responses in immunopathology and immunological biotechnology.
3) Making judgments. Ability to interpret the experimental results, similar to those addressed during the lessons.
4) Communication skills. Will be stimulated students' ability to speak, think and discuss the scientific questions raised in the classroom to develop communication skills.
5) Learning skills. Ability to describe scientific issues related to the modern Immunology. Such skills will be developed and tested by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Introduction to the immune system
Glossary,
General properties, components: innate and adaptive immunity, cellular and humoral immunity cytokines and cytokine receptors; chemokines and chemokine receptors
Primary and secondary immune responses; vaccination
Hints of hematopoiesis: ontogeny of immune cells
Primary and secondary lymphoid organs
Anatomy and Functions
Leukocyte circulation and migration
Lymphocytes homing
Tissue recruitment of leukocytes
Adhesion molecules
Innate immunity and Inflammation
Antigens of innate immunity: Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Danger Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs)
Receptors of the innate immune response: Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR)
Soluble receptors (complement, collectins, pentraxins)
Cytoplasmic receptors (NOD, RIG, TLR)
Membrane receptors (LCR, TLR)
Cells of the innate immunity and inflammatory cells
Monocytes/macrophages (M1/M2)
Dendritic cells (DC)
Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils); mast cells
Phagocytes and phagocytosis: oxygen-independent and –dependent cytotoxic pathways
Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC)
The inflammatory response and Cytokines of innate immunity and inflammatory cytokines; cytokines associated with “type 1" and "type 2” immune responses
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC): HLA; class I and II
Genes;
Molecular structure of gene products, cell expression and functions
Antigen processing and presentation to T cells
Antigen Presenting Cells (APC): origin and functions
Dendritic cells (DCs): immature and mature; receptors and cytokine production
Adaptive Immunity:
Specificity and memory
Naïve, effector and memory lymphocytes
Primary and secondary response
Antigen (Ag) od specific immunity:
Molecular bases of antigenicity; hapten, carrier and antigenic determinant;
immunogenic antigen and factors that determine the immunogenicity
B Cell Receptor (BCR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR)
Genes
Molecular structure of their products
T lymphocyte activation
The TCR/CD3 complex, CD4 and CD8 co-receptors and accessory molecules
Costimulatory and cohinibitory molecules: ligands and receptors
Signal transduction pathways
Helper T Cell (TH1, TH2, TH17); natural and inducible regulatory T cells (Treg)
Polarization and functions
Cytokines of adaptive immunity, receptors and transduction pathways; cytokines associated with “type 1" and "type 2” immune responses
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL)
Differentiation
Activation
Cytotoxic mechanisms; apoptosis mechanisms
B lymphocyte activation
BCR and Co-receptors
Signal transduction
antibody response
Antibodies (Abs) or immunoglobulins (Igs)
Structure, Classes and Functions
Fc Receptors (FcRs)
T and B cell development and maturation
Positive and negative selection
Central and peripheral tolerance
Antigen receptor gene rearrangement
Complement:
Structure and Functions
Activation pathways (classical, lectin and alternative) and complement regulation
Complement Receptors (CR)
Natural Killer (NK) cells:
development and maturation,
antigen receptors,
activation and signal transduction pathways
cytotoxic and regulatory functions

examMode

Oral test concerning at least three topics of the program. The following points will be evaluated:
1) Knowledge and understanding.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding.
3) Making judgments.
4) Communication skills.
5) Learning skills.

books

- Cellular and Molecular Immunology
Abbas A.K., Lichtman A. H., Pillai S.
Ed. Elsevier Masson, 10e, 2022.

-Janaway's Immunobiology
Murphy K., Travers P., Walport M..
Ed. Piccin, 9e, 2019.

mode

Frontal teaching.

classRoomMode

Considering the degree of complexity of Immunology, it is highly recommended to attend classes.

bibliography

The teacher will communicate any "link" to teaching materials.

HUMAN AND CLINICAL GENETICS

LUCA PROIETTI DE SANTIS

6BIO/18ita
15292 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

SARA RINALDUCCI

First Semester 9BIO/11ITA

Learning objectives

OBJECTIVES. Course objective is to provide an overview of the molecular structure and function of the nucleic acids. The goal is to encourage students to acquire solid basic knowledge of molecular biology for studying and understanding the organization and evolution of genomes, but especially the molecular mechanisms that, in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, underlie and govern both the maintenance and the flow of genetic information.
Moreover, the student will learn the basics of intracellular communication through the study of signal transduction pathways responsible for short-term responses.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. To possess the basics of biochemistry underlying the structure of nucleic acids, for understanding its biological function. Having acquired the concepts and knowledge necessary to understand the molecular and cellular bases of replication, transcription and translation of the genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. To understand the main mechanisms of intracellular signaling and of functional protein-protein interactions.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. Knowing how to use the theoretical notions learned during the course for a critical analysis of molecular mechanisms at the basis of life.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS. To be able to discuss the role of the cellular processes described in class, increasing the ability to translate the acquired theoretical concepts into application.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS. To demonstrate the ability to summarize and effectively present the acquired information. To develop the ability to use the correct terminology.
LEARNING SKILLS. To be able to grasp, rework and discuss the scientific issues dealt with in the lesson, including their evolutionary implications.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

NUCLEIC ACIDS. The DNA structure. The double helix and Watson-Crick base pairs (DNA B). Alternative DNA secondary structures (DNA A, DNA Z). DNA topology (supercoiling, topoisomerases). DNA denaturation and renaturation. The DNA of organelles (mitochondria and chloroplasts). The RNA structure. Spatial arrangements of RNA.
GENOME EVOLUTION AND ORGANIZATION. The gene: definition and structure in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Unique and repetitive sequences of DNA, coding and noncoding regions. The nucleosome and chromatin organization. Chemical modifications of histone N-terminal tails and their functional significance. DNA methylation.
DNA REPLICATION. Structure and function of DNA polymerase. Fidelity and processivity of DNA polymerase. Specialized DNA polymerases. DNA helicase. The mechanism of DNA replication: initiation phase, strand synthesis, replication fork, termination, telomere and telomerase. Regulation of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
TRANSCRIPTION IN PROKARYOTES. RNA polymerase. Bacterial promoter recognition. RNA biosynthesis and maturation: initiation, elongation and termination steps.
TRANSCRIPTION IN EUKARYOTES. Eukaryotic promoters. RNA polymerase I, II and III. Key differences in transcription in eukaryotes vs. prokaryotes.
PRINCIPLES OF TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION. Repressors and activators. DNA-binding domains in transcriptional regulators. Examples of gene expression regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
RNA MATURATION. tRNA and rRNA maturation processes. Modifications of eukaryotic mRNA: capping, polyadenylation, editing. The splicing mechanism: chemistry of the reaction, spliceosome assembly, alternative splicing.
TRANSLATION OF GENETIC INFORMATION. The mechanism of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Examples of translation regulation. Non sense-mediated and non stop decay (NMD, NSD).
PROTEIN POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATIONS. Lipidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, oxidation, ubiquitination and sumoylation of proteins.
MOBILE DNA. Types of transposable elements and their mechanism of action.
INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING. Steroid hormones. Single- and multipass transmembrane receptors. G-proteins, AMPc, PKA, inositol triphosphate, DAG and PKC. Calcium signaling.

examMode

The examination will consist of an interview with open questions (at least three) on the topics covered during the course. The acquisition of basic knowledge concerning processes that involve DNA as the genetic material, with particular reference to the structure of nucleic acids, the mechanisms of duplication, transcription, RNA modifications, protein synthesis, intracellular signaling. In addition, the capabilities of analysis, synthesis and self-contained inter- and interdisciplinary connections will be tested. For the exam assessment and the award of the final vote, the mastery of expression will also be taken into account.

books

BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE di F. Amaldi, P. Benedetti, G. Pesole, P. Plevani (2018-terza ed. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana); BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE: principi e tecniche di M.M. Cox, J.A. Doudna, M. O'Donnel (2013-Zanichelli). BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE DELLA CELLULA di B. Alberts, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, D. Morgan, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter (2016-sesta ed. Zanichelli).

mode

The course consists of classroom lessons in which the topics covered by the program will be presented by using Power Point slides containing pictures and videos.

classRoomMode

Attendance at lessons is not compulsory, but strongly recommended

bibliography

The teaching material will be available on the Moodle platform. Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the professor for information on the program and on any additional bibliography.

15294 - MICROBIOLOGY

MASSIMILIANO FENICESUSANNA GORRASI

First Semester 9BIO/19ITA

Learning objectives

Formation goals

The course will permit the comprehension of the morphological, phisiological and metabolical charctersistic of microrganisms (mainly procariotes); their role in nature and the interactions with other organisms. Moreover, i twill consent to acquire the basic techniques for the manipulation f microorganisms in Laboratory. The cours will supply a reference framework to comprehend modern aspect related to the microbial world and their potential applications.
The course will supply the basic formation for further specialised studies in microbial ecology, environmental and medical microbiology.

learning results

Knowledge and understanding ability. To get the knowledge regarding the basic principles of the microbial biology, their metabolism, their role in nature, the interaction between microorganisms and other organisms, their potential in biotechnology.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. To understand the issues related to the relationships between microorganism and mankind and environment. To acquire the basic knowledge regarding the experimental approach to study the microbial world.
Independent judgement. The ability to construe the results obtained by the various studies in microbiology. The ability to understand the role of the microorganisms in the environment and their influence on the biology of other organisms.

Learning ability. Ability to describe scientific topics related to microbiology both in written and oral forms by a specific scientific/technical language. Ability to use the methods acquired for microorganism recognition and cultivation. This ability will be developed also trough the active involvement of the students in discussions during the lectures and by laboratory experiences.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Theory (48 hours, 6 cfu)

1) History of microbiology: discovery of the microbial world; the “Abiogeny” dispute, microorganisms and their environment, impact of microorganisms on man: pathogenic, harmful and useful microorganisms.
2) Cytology: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: general concepts, structure and ultra-structure of bacterial cells, structure and function of cytoplasmic membrane, transports through the cytoplasmic membrane, cell wall, structure and function, the cell wall of Gram + and Gram – bacteria, Archaeal and eukaryotic cell walls, capsules and other envelopes, motility, flagella and chemotaxis, endospore structure and function, mentions of eukaryotic spores.
3) Cell physiology: reminders of chemistry and cell biochemistry (redox reactions, hydrogen and electron transport, high energy compounds), biological energy production, glycolysis and alternative pathways; NAD re-oxidation: fermentations (alcoholic and lactic); aerobic respiration (TCA, electron transport phosphorylation, energy balance in respiration), mentions of anaerobic respiration and biosynthesis.
4) Microbial growth: growth of a single cell and of a microbial population, diauxic growth, effect of environmental parameters on growth (pH, temperature, etc.), methods for the control of microbial growth.
5) Virology: “anatomy” and structure of viral particles; viral counts; general concepts of viral reproduction, principles of viral genetics, RNA/DNA phages, temperate and lytic bacterial viruses; principal animal and plant viruses (mentions).
6) Microbial ecology and mention of environmental biotechnology: isolation and identification of microorganisms (recalls), interactions among microbial population and between microorganisms and other organisms; microbial ecosystems; methods for the study of microbial ecology and diversity; biogeochemical cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Iron, Sulphur, etc.), role of microorganisms in environmental decontamination, aerobic/anaerobic catabolism of environmental pollutants, treatment of water and wastewater.
7) Microbial Biotechnology: microorganism of industrial interest, screening for industrial metabolites/enzymes. Bioreactors, structure and design, scale-up, primary and secondary metabolites; production of antibiotics, enzymes, etc. (mentions). Enzyme and cell immobilization (mentions)
8) Pathogenic, harmful and useful microorganisms mentions of medical microbiology. Pathogenic microorganisms in food and waters (mentions); microbiological analysis of water.

examMode

The student evaluation will be done by an oral examination regarding the whole course program including those regarding the practical/laboratory lectures

books

Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, D.A. Stahl, D.P. Clark, Pearson, 2012. Vol. 1 e 2 (or any other more recent edition)
Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Vol. 1 e 2A
Biologia dei microrgamismi di G. Dehò e E. Galli, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2018.

The lectures slides (PDF) are available on line. During the course, some scientific publications will be distributed and discussed.

Other recent textbooks of General Microbiology could be used after a preliminary check with the teacher.

mode

The course will consist in oral lectures regarding the published program and supported by Power Point presentations (available on line on Moodle platform). It is possible that few scientific papers will be discussed too

classRoomMode

Attendance to classes is not mandatory, but strobgly suggested.

bibliography

-PESCIAROLI C., CUPINI F., SELBMANN L., BARGHINI P. and FENICE M. 2012. Temperature preferences of bacteria isolated from sea water collected in Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea, Russia. Polar Biol 35: 435-445. *
-SILVI S., BARGHINI P., AQUILANTI A., JURAEZ-JIMENEZ B., and FENICE M. 2013. Physiologic and metabolic characterization of a new marine isolate (BM39) of Pantoea sp. producing high levels of exopolysaccharide. Microb Cell Fac 12:10. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-12-10*
-PESCIAROLI C., RODELAS B., JUAREZ-JIMÉNEZ B., BARGHINI P. and FENICE M. 2015. Bacterial community structure of a coastal area in Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea, Russia: possible relation to tidal hydrodynamics. Ann. Microbiol. 65: 443-453.*
-PESCIAROLI C., BARGHINI P., CERFOLLI F., BELLISARIO B., and FENICE M. 2015. Relationship between phylogenetic and nutritional diversity in Arctic (Kandalaksha Bay) seawater planktonic bacteria Ann. Microbiol. 65: 2405-2414.* DOI 10.1007/s13213-015-1083-4*
-TIMPERIO A.M., GORRASI S., ZOLLA L. AND FENICE M. 2017. Evaluation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and MALDI BioTyper in comparison to 16S rDNA sequencing for the identification of bacteria isolated from Arctic sea water. Plos-One. 12, 7. Article number e0181860. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181860*
-BARGHINI, P., PASQUALETTI, M., GORRASI, S., and FENICE, M. 2018. Bacteria from the “Saline di Tarquinia” marine salterns revealing very atypical growth profiles in relation to salinity and temperature Mediterr. Mar. Sci, 19 (3) 513-525. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.15514,*
-PASQUALETTI M., BARGHINI P., GIOVANNINI V., AND FENICE M. 2019. High production of chitinolytic activity in halophilic conditions by a new marine strain of Clonostachys rosea. Molecules. 24(10), 1880 10.3390/molecules24101880*
-GORRASI, S., PESCIAROLI, C., BARGHINI, P., PASQUALETTI, M. AND FENICE M. 2019. Structure and diversity of the bacterial community of Kandalaksha Bay (White Sea, Russia), a complex Arctic estuarine system submitted to intense tidal currents. J. Mar. Syst. 196: 77-85.
-PASQUALETTI, M., GIOVANNINI, V., BARGHINI, P., GORRASI, S., AND FENICE M. 2020. Diversity and ecology of culturable marine fungi associated with Posidonia oceanica leaves and their epiphytic algae Dictyota dichotoma and Sphaerococcus coronopifolius. Fungal Ecology 40, Published on line.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Theory (16 hours, 2 cfu)

1) The laboratory of microbiology: the microscope, mentions of optical physics, preparation of microscope slides, electron microscopy and other microscopy techniques. Micrometry. The pure culture, microbial nutrition and preparation of culture media. Theory and practice of sterilization. Methods for detecting microbial growth.
2) Principles of molecular and bacterial genetics (reminders): DNA structure, restriction enzymes, DNA replication, genetic elements, gene rearrangement, transposons, transcription, structure and function of mRNA and tRNA, translation and protein synthesis, mechanisms of gene expression control, genetic code mutations and mutagens; bacterial recombination (in details), transformation, transduction, plasmids and conjugation.
3) Microbial taxonomy, classification and phylogeny


Laboratory (8 hours, 1 cfu)

1) Pure cultures: methods to obtain pure cultures, enrichment cultures.
2) Microscopy: observation of fresh and stained slides, simple and differential staining
3) Measure of the microbial growth: viable and total counts, dry weight and turbidimetry

examMode

The student evaluation will be done by an oral examination regarding the whole course program, including those regarding the practical/laboratory lectures.

books

Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, D.A. Stahl, D.P. Clark, Pearson, 2012. Volumi 1 e 2
Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Volumi 1 e 2A
Biologia dei microrgamismi di G. Dehò e E. Galli, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2018.

The lectures slides (PDF) are available on line. During the course, some scientific publications will be distributed and discussed.

Other recent textbooks of General Microbiology could be used after a preliminary check with the teacher.

mode

The course will consist in oral lectures regarding the published program and supported by PowerPoint presentations (available on line on Moodle platform).

classRoomMode

Attendance to classes is not mandatory, but it strongly suggested to better understand the topics.

bibliography

The suggested text books are sufficient to get the necessary information. The teacher will supply additional literature if necessary.

- - ELECTIVE COURSE

First Semester 6ita
15300 - APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY

LAURA BERTINI

Second Semester 6BIO/10ITA

Learning objectives

TRAINING OBJECTIVES
The Teaching Course of Biochemistry Methodologies aims to provide the students with a theoretical and practical knowledge on some of the major preparative and analytical methods that are used not only in biochemical and molecular biological research, but also in other fields including biomedical and environmental.
In particular, the knowledge provided relates to methodologies for the identification, isolation and structural and functional characterization of biological macromolecules as well as intellectual tools for the analysis of results and for their description.
Both techniques for analyzing individual proteins and genes, as well as whole proteomes and genomes will be treated.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course the students
1) will know the basics of the main techniques used in biochemical investigations (centrifugation, spectroscopy, electrophoresis, chromatography, spectrometry, protein and nucleic acids sequencing) and the parameters to change in order to improve the results of a specific biochemical investigation;
2) will be able to describe the structural elements of the main instruments of a biochemical laboratory (centrifuge, spectrophotometer, spectrometer);
3) will know the appropriate terminology used in biochemical methods.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course the students will be able to:
1) orient themselves to choosing the most appropriate biochemical procedure for achieving the experimental goals defined during the research design;
2) evaluate the possible impact of variations in the key parameters of a biochemical experiment;
3) practically carry out the experiments performed during the practical part of the course.

Making judgements:
Students should be able to understand and discuss critically the experimental results obtained in a research laboratory and use them as the basis for planning subsequent experiments.

Communication skills:
Students should have the ability to convey the acquired knowledge in a clear and comprehensible manner, even to people who are not competent, and must demonstrate the ability to present information also with graphs and formulas.

Learning skills:
Successful condition in learning is the ability to read and understand a scientific paper on biochemical topic.



Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Traditional Lessons (up front) (40 hours)

Buffer systems. Ionization of amino acids and proteins as a function of pH. The principles of biochemical research. Error theory. Accuracy and precision. (2 hours)
Centrifugation. Basic principles of sedimentation. Centrifuges and their use. Rotors. Separation methods in the preparative centrifugation. Differential centrifugation. Density gradient centrifugation. Analytical ultracentrifugation. (4 hours)
Spectrophotometry: laws and applications. Lambert-Beer law. Absorption spectrum of nuclei acids and proteins. Spectrophotometric determination of protein concentration: Biuret, Lowry and Bradford methods. Enzyme dosing. Studies on accessibility of ionizable residues in native proteins. Fluorescence and phosphorescence. (7 hours)
Strategies for isolation and purification of proteins. Cellular extraction methods. Dialysis and ultrafiltration. Fractional precipitation with salts, with organic solvents, to the isoelectric point, to heat. (3 hours)
Chromatographic methods: adsorption and partition chromatography, ion exchange, molecular exclusion, affinity, hydrophobic interaction, HPLC, gas chromatography. Efficiency of chromatographic procedures and selection of a convenient method. (6 hours)
Electrophoresis: theory and laws. Classification of electrophoretic methods. Free phase and zonal electrophoresis. Equipment for zonal electrophoresis gel. Gel electrophoresis under native and denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE). Application of SDS-PAGE. Western blotting. Isoelectrofocusing: principles, equipment and methods. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Capillary electrophoresis. (5 hours)
Studies on the structure of proteins. Determination of amino acid composition, free cysteines, amino acid sequence and disulphide bridges. (4 hours)
Mass spectrometry: principles and application in modern proteomic analysis. (3 hours)
Structural characterization of nucleic acids. PCR. DNA sequencing: automated Sanger method. Southern and Northern blotting. (6 hours)

Laboratory activities (8 hours)

Determination of the protein concentration of an unknown sample using the Bradford method. Construction of the calibration line both manually on millimeter paper and using the least squares method and comparison of the obtained results. Spectrophotometer display of absorption spectrum of a protein with prosthetic groups and one without and discussion of results (4 hours).
Preparation of a polyacrylamide gel in the presence of SDS (SDS-PAGE) and electrophoretic run with pre-stained molecular weight markers, in order to follow the protein mobility during the electrophoretic process. Illustration of devices for the preparation of agarose gel for nucleic acids and western blotting (4 hours).

examMode

The exam is oral and aims to evaluate the students' abilities in relation to the knowledge and understanding of the theoretical bases of the various preparative and analytical methods studied during the theoretical part of the course and their biological applications. The capacity of analysis, synthesis, mastery of expression and the ability to make connections between the various topics covered will be also evaluate for the assignment of the final vote. The report of the examination is drawn up and signed by the Chairman, the members of the committee and the student examined. The vote is expressed in thirtieth, with possible praise. Passing the examination requires a minimum vote of eighteen/thirty and implies the attribution of the corresponding university education credits.

books

Wilson K., Walker J. Principles and techniques of practical biochemistry. 8th ed., 2018, Cambridge University Press.
Handouts are provided by the teacher for practical laboratory activities.

Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the lecturer for information on the syllabus, teaching materials and profit assessment methods.

The lecturer will provide students with lecture slides and handouts for practical laboratory activities.

mode

The teaching course includes frontal traditional lessons (40 hours) and laboratory activities (8 hours) for practical understanding of the imparted knowledge.
The frontal lessons are realized with the support of ppt presentations with graphic illustrations, photos, videos, and animations.
To ensure a better fruition of the practical experience, the students will be divided into groups of up to 20 students and, during practical activities, will be followed by the teacher and a teaching assistant.
If the sasnitary-environmental conditions would not make possible to carry out the lessons in the classroom, in the presence of the students, the course will be hold using distance learning modes and the practical activities will be replaced by videos, tutorials and exercises.

classRoomMode

The attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended that attending students also follow the practical laboratory activities.

bibliography

Handouts are provided by the teacher for practical laboratory activities.
The lectures' slides can be downloaded from the teacher's website on the Moodle platform.
Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information about the program, teaching materials, and the examination mode.

118540 - FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY

NICOLO' MERENDINO

Second Semester 9BIO/10ita

Learning objectives

The course of Food Science and Food Safety aims to provide students with the tools necessary to understand the various aspects of nutrition both from the point of view of digestion and absorption and regarding the metabolic fate of nutrients. Furthermore, the important aspect of food safety will be addressed, in particular the prevention of the main diseases linked to food consumption; The understanding of the importance of nutrition in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases will also be stimulated.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding. Developing knowledge of the principles of Food Science and Human Nutrition; To raise awareness of the general principles of nutrient biochemistry; To introduce the functions and interaction of nutrients with the cellular and molecular system
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Knowing how to use the information learned in class to be able to treat feeding topics in a strictly scientific way that are far from the various forms of simplification and distortion from reality recently developed by the media and by non-specialized pseudo information. Finally, students will be able to apply this knowledge in the food production and distribution industries. Making judgements. Being able to identify scientific mechanisms that are the basis of nutrition science in order to formulate adequate judgments about various foods and their real effect on health. Communication skills. The students' ability to talk, discuss and reflect on the topics raised during the lessons will be stimulated, especially insisting on the importance of the scientific method that led to the statements discussed during the course. Learning skills. Being able to discuss scientific topics related to nutrition also in its bio-medical applications and in the implications in the relationship of nutrition with health. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

- Distinction between foods and nutrients;
- Carbohydrates: generalities and classification; digestion, absorption and metabolic fate;
- Lipids: generalities and classification; digestion and absorption and fate metabolic;
- Proteins: generalities and classification; digestion, absorption and metabolic fate;
- Water: the water requirement;
- The minerals;
- Vitamins: generalities and classification.
- Epidemiology and prevention of major diseases linked to the consumption of food;
- Food safety

examMode

The exam takes place in the forms established by art. 23 of the University Teaching Regulations. A specific report is drawn up for this purpose, signed by the President and by the members of the commission and by the student examined. The vote is expressed in thirtieths, with possible praise. Passing the exam requires the awarding of a grade not lower than eighteen / thirty and involves the assignment of the corresponding university educational credits. In the evaluation of the tests and in the attribution of the final grade, the following will be taken into account: the level of knowledge of the demonstrated contents (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply the theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts , discreet, good, well established), of the capacity for analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), of the capacity of critical sense and of formulation of judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), of the mastery of expression (exposure lacking, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct).
In particular, questions will be asked about nutrients, their interaction with cells, organs and tissues and their effects on human health. Finally, knowledge on the digestion and absorption of nutrients and their metabolic fate will be requested and some aspect of the food safety.

books

Lecture notes.
Siliprandi & Tettamanti; Biochimica Medica; Piccin Editori
A. Mariani – Costantini; C. Cannella; G Tomassi/ Alimentazione e Nutrizione Umana. Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore Roma, 2006.
Nino Carlo Battistini, Patrizia Pedrazzi Monica Prampolini, Curare con il cibo: Gli alimenti funzionali nella dietetica e nella dietoterapia.
Livelli di Assunzione Raccomandati di Energia e Nutrienti, Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana.

mode

The food science course will take place through frontal lectures in the classroom, assisted by slides and graphic and photographic illustrations. The used teaching method will tend to provide at the students the methods for a critical view of the food science through practical examples and comparison with the correct and wrong eating habits. Frontal lessons are equivalent to 9 cfu (72 hours).

classRoomMode

Course attendance is not mandatory, however it is strongly recommended

bibliography

Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake Levels, Italian Society of Human Nutrition and Element in food safety. In addition, the teacher will communicate any links to teaching materials at the beginning of the lesson.

- -- -
CONSERVAZIONE DELLE BIODIVERSITA'

GIOVANNI POLVERINO

6BIO/07ita

Learning objectives

Aim of the course is to provide the students with a broad and scientifically rigorous view of the marine biodiversity and its anthropogenic treats. The course focuses on the three levels of biodiversity organization (genetic-populational, specific, ecosystemic), considering for each one the mechanisms that mould biodiversity patterns, the anthropic impacts and treats, the conservation strategies. Particular regard will be deserved to the ecosystem functioning and management, which is a main trend in marine conservation. Since biodiversity organization levels are highly interdependent and cascading effects are regularly implicated in the outcome of human impacts, the course aims to develop the students' ability to build-up connections and to manage multiple-level information. To this end each lesson is structured in a theoretical part and another one that involves the examination of numerous case studies. Finally, conservation biology has an interdisciplinary nature and therefore an important objective of the course is to train students to simultaneously manage information, approaches and methodologies that derive from very diverse fields such as biology, ecology, modelling, law, sociology.
The course will provide the basis for further specialistic studies in applied ecology, conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable environmental management.

The course focuses on the following learning objectives:
- knowledge of the nature and organization of biodiversity;
- knowledge of mechanisms generating biodiversity patterns;
- knowledge of human impacts that cause loss of biodiversity;
- knowledge of the main biodiversity conservation strategies;
- ability to discern between natural patterns and patterns of anthropogenic origin;
- multi-scale and interdisciplinary reasoning skills;
- ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills to real problems.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

• Introduction to Biodiversity
Biodiversity levels (genetics, species, ecosystems)
Causes of biodiversity loss
Biodiversity indices
• Conservation concepts
Principles of biodiversity conservation
Distribution of the biodiversity
Evil quartet and its role in the extinction process
• Genetic Diversity and Conservation
Evolutionary forces that create genetic variability
Parthenogenesis: the exception to the rule
Causes of loss of genetic variability
Problems of the small populations (extinction vortex)
Strategies for conserving genetic diversity
• Phenotypic Variability and Biodiversity Conservation
Phenotypic variability in population survival
Animal Personality and Biodiversity Conservation
• Human-induced impacts on Biodiversity
Global pollutants and their effects on biodiversity
Mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Case studies on the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on biodiversity
Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
• IUCN, biodiversity conservation and educational approaches
IUCN's role in biodiversity conservation: the Red Lists of Threatened Species
Biodiversity at school
• Conservation of Threatened Species and Habitat Management
Conservation approaches for threatened species
Reintroduction and transplantation programmes
Management of captive populations
Ecological networks and biotic corridors
Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation measures
Local communities and public awareness
• Conservation of Marine Biodiversity
Examples of successful and failed conservation projects
Case studies
Analysis of modern successes and challenges

examMode

Oral exam: principles and general concepts.

books

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

classRoomMode

Optional: attending both class lectures and exercises is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Field exercises will be in presence only, with online material provided to students who won't join the field exercises.

bibliography

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

• Introduction to Biodiversity
Biodiversity levels (genetics, species, ecosystems)
Causes of biodiversity loss
Biodiversity indices
• Conservation concepts
Principles of biodiversity conservation
Distribution of the biodiversity
Evil quartet and its role in the extinction process
• Genetic Diversity and Conservation
Evolutionary forces that create genetic variability
Parthenogenesis: the exception to the rule
Causes of loss of genetic variability
Problems of the small populations (extinction vortex)
Strategies for conserving genetic diversity
• Phenotypic Variability and Biodiversity Conservation
Phenotypic variability in population survival
Animal Personality and Biodiversity Conservation
• Human-induced impacts on Biodiversity
Global pollutants and their effects on biodiversity
Mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Case studies on the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on biodiversity
Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
• IUCN, biodiversity conservation and educational approaches
IUCN's role in biodiversity conservation: the Red Lists of Threatened Species
Biodiversity at school
• Conservation of Threatened Species and Habitat Management
Conservation approaches for threatened species
Reintroduction and transplantation programmes
Management of captive populations
Ecological networks and biotic corridors
Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation measures
Local communities and public awareness
• Conservation of Marine Biodiversity
Examples of successful and failed conservation projects
Case studies
Analysis of modern successes and challenges

examMode

Oral exam: principles and general concepts.

books

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

classRoomMode

Optional: attending both class lectures and exercises is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Field exercises will be in presence only, with online material provided to students who won't join the field exercises.

bibliography

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

15301 - PHYSIOLOGY

DAVID COSTANTINI

Second Semester 9BIO/09ITA

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide solid knowledge on physiological processes, from the cellular to the organism level. In particular, the course will allow you to:

1) understand the functions and the mechanisms of the physiological processes at cellular, organismal, and system level and their regulation and functional integration through different levels of organization in living organisms;
2) understand the adaptive and homeostatic capacities of organisms in response to environmental changes, both social and physical.

The course will pose a solid basis for more specialized studies in neuroscience, behavioural physiology, comparative physiology, ecophysiology, and conservation physiology.

Learning
At the end of the course the students are expected to achieve the following knowledge and abilities:
Knowledge:
- Physiological processes and mechanisms in animals, with ability to connect and integrate different systems and other biological disciplines;
- Understand the physiological connections between systems, of the relationships between organism and environment (internal and external) mediated by physiological processes, including the basic knowledge of the experimental approaches, also pharmacological, for the study of physiological mechanisms with emphasis on the coping response to stress, environmental challenges, and the interaction between ecological and physiological processes.
Ability:
- Ability to interpret the results of physiological studies; to understand role of the physiological responses of the organisms to the social and non-social environment; being able to understand the evolutionary and functional connection between anatomy, physiology, behaviour and environment. Being aware of the animal diversity of mechanisms that control the activity of the organisms;
- Ability to describe physiological issues, with the appropriate technical/scientific language, both written and spoken;
- Ability to use the acquired knowledge for understanding the physiological processes and mechanisms, from the ionic and biochemical to the organismal level. The achievement of this goal will also be pursued with group discussions on specific topics, also suggested by the students.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

History of physiology; adaptation and phenotypic plasticity; experimental design; cell structure; cell membrane receptors; diffusion and osmosis; active transport; homeostasis; feedback concept; electrophysiology and action potential; energy and metabolism; oxidative stress; physiology of stress and glucocorticoids; principles of immunology; neuron; propagation of nerve impulses; synapses; central and peripheral nervous system; autonomic nervous system; muscle physiology; cardiovascular system; respiratory system; digestive system and nutrition; endocrine system (glands and hormones); thermal relationships; gas exchanges; osmoregulation; physiological regulation of migratory behaviour; orientation; physiology of reproduction; physiology and life-history; principles of ecophysiology and conservation physiology (captive breeding programs, land-use change, global warming); physiological consequences of exposure to chemical and non-chemical pollutants (noise and light pollution); physiology of growth and development; physiological basis of sexual and social signals.

examMode

The assessment test is oral and will contain a series of questions aimed at ascertaining the student's theoretical knowledge on the interpretation of the physiological mechanisms regulating adaptations of organisms to their environments. In addition, some questions will be aimed at solving a practical problem on the type of those faced during the lessons. The methods for attributing the final judgment are based on the number of correct answers, which must be greater than 60% of those proposed.

books

In italian:
POLI et al., FISIOLOGIA ANIMALE, EdiSES
STANFIELD, FISIOLOGIA, EdiSES

In english:
HILL et al., ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY, Sinauer Associates
WILLMER et al., ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY OF ANIMALS, Wiley-Blackwell
BUTLER et al., ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY, AN ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE, OUP Oxford
MOYES and SCHULTE, PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY, Pearson

mode

The course includes lectures, interactive and supported by Power Point presentations, audiovisuals, with stimulation to deepen specific topics and the choice of potential thesis topics. Propose an understanding of the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and integrative nature of the topics covered. Case study discussion. Training seminars on specific topics. Critical discussion of scientific articles.

classRoomMode

Attendance is not compulsory but highly recommended.

bibliography

Romero 2004. Physiological stress in ecology: lessons from biomedical research. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 19, pp. 249-255.
Cooke et al. 2013. What is conservation physiology? Perspectives on an increasingly integrated and essential science. Conservation Physiology, 1, 10.1093/conphys/cot001.
Costantini 2019. Understanding diversity in oxidative status and oxidative stress: the opportunities and challenges ahead. Journal of Experimental Biology, 222, jeb194688.

17517 - ECOLOGY

ROBERTA CIMMARUTADANIELE CANESTRELLIDANIELE CANESTRELLI

Second Semester 9BIO/07ITA

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide robust basic knowledge on the structure and functioning of environmental systems, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms that determine both the distribution and abundance of organisms as well as their relations with the environment.

Knowledge and Understanding
The students will acquire knowledge on the basic principles of ecology, with particular emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of this discipline. This objective is reflected in the organization of the program that runs through the hierarchical layers of ecological organization, from the mechanisms underlying biodiversity (evolutionary ecology), passing through the relationships between organisms and species (population ecology) up to the structure and functioning of communities (community ecology).

Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The knowledge acquired will be applied to the ecological mechanisms that allow evaluatint the state and functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity. Comprehension abilities will be applied by encouraging students to deal with complex and multi-scalar disciplines and problems.

Independent Evaluation
The ability to formulate independent evaluations will be exercised thanks to the interdisciplinary and multilevel reasoning required by this discipline and by the analysis of the case studies proposed, that need the merging of complex and heterogeneous data to be understood.

Communication skills
These skills will be developed through the exercise of one's own expression (interventions during the lessons) and in the coordination of group activities, especially during field exercises.

Ability to learn
The many concepts learned and the connections linking them all will stimulate a “learning-by-reasoning” process, essential to fully understand ecological mechanisms.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

General Ecology - The historical development of ecology. Ecology of the interactions between organisms and the physical environment: Conditions; Spatial and temporal variations; Adaptations in response to variations in environmental conditions; Limiting factors; Tolerance ranges; Environmental optima; Biological rhythms - climatic factors; Classification of climates; Phytogeographic zonation; Hints of paleoclimatology; Biomes.
Evolutionary Ecology - Genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; Genetic variability; Evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; Balanced polymorphisms; Linkage disequilibrium; supergenes; Genetic divergence; Species concept; Reproductive isolation mechanisms; Speciation mechanisms; Hybrid zones and reinforcement; Sibling species; Biodiversity at the genetic level.
Population ecology - Demography and dynamics: population structure and growth; Demographic parameters; Demographic tables; Intrinsic growth rate - numerical regulation of populations; Density dependent and independent factors; Exponential growth; environmental carrying capacity - logistic growth curve. Interspecific interactions: symbiosis; commensalism; inquilinism; antibiosis; parasitism; adaptations to parasitic life; coevolution; predation - adaptations to predation; cryptism; mimicry; intraspecific competition; interspecific competition; ecological niche; Principle of competitive exclusion; character displacement; r and K selection.
Community and Ecosystem Ecology – What is community and its diversity, diversity indices, natural successions. Principles of Biogeography and islands biogeography. Ecosystems: structure, primary and secondary productivity, flux of energy through the ecosystem, trophic webs.

examMode

The oral exam will be carried out according to the "Regolamento didattico di Ateneo" and will concern general principles as well as case studies.
The intermediate test will comprise both open questions and multiple-choice questions

books

M. L. Cain, W. D. Bowman, S. D. Hacker, “Ecologia”. Piccin Editore.

mode

Lectures, field exercises (sampling, mark and recapture, field transects), classroom exercises (application of Hardy-Weinberger Principle; application of diversity indices).

classRoomMode

Attending exercises is not mandatory but strongly encouraged as well as classroom exercises. Field exercises will be in presence, with online material provided too.

bibliography

Scientific papers, manuals and any other material will be provided during the course

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

General Ecology - The historical development of ecology; Ecology and its domain; Current state of ecological research in Italy. Ecology of the interactions between organisms and the physical environment: Conditions; Spatial and temporal variations; Adaptations in response to variations in environmental conditions; Limiting factors; Tolerance ranges; Environmental optima; Biological rhythms - climatic factors.
Evolutionary Ecology - Genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; Genetic variability; Evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; Balanced polymorphisms; Linkage disequilibrium; supergenes; Genetic divergence; Species concept; Reproductive isolation mechanisms; Speciation mechanisms; Hybrid zones and reinforcement; Sibling species; Biodiversity at the genetic level.
Population ecology - Demography and dynamics: population structure and growth; Demographic parameters; Demographic tables; Intrinsic growth rate - numerical regulation of populations; Density dependent and independent factors; Exponential growth; environmental carrying capacity - logistic growth curve. Interspecific interactions: symbiosis; commensalism; inquilinism; antibiosis; parasitism; adaptations to parasitic life; coevolution; predation - adaptations to predation; cryptism; mimicry; intraspecific competition; interspecific competition; ecological niche; Principle of competitive exclusion; character displacement; r and K selection.

examMode

The assessment test is oral and will contain a series of questions aimed at ascertaining the student's theoretical knowledge on the interpretation of the mechanisms that determine the distribution, abundance and relationships with the biotic and abiotic environment of organisms. In addition, some questions will be aimed at solving a practical problem on the type of those faced during the hours of practice.
The methods for attributing the final judgment are based on the number of correct answers, which must be greater than 60% of those proposed.

books

L. Bullini, S. Pignatti, A Virzo De Santo, "Ecologia Generale". UTET
M. L. Cain, W. D. Bowman, S. D. Hacker, “Ecologia”. Piccin Editore.
Krebs "Ecology", Neebo Ed.

mode

The course includes lectures, interactive and supported by Power Point presentations, audiovisuals, with stimulation to deepen specific topics and the choice of potential thesis topics. Propose an understanding of the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and integrative nature of the topics covered. Analysis of the ecological processes that regulate the functioning of environmental systems. Case study discussion. Training seminars on specific topics. Critical discussion of scientific articles. Go out into the field.

classRoomMode

Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended

bibliography

Tamagnini, D., Canestrelli, D., Meloro, C., Raia, P., Maiorano, L., 2021. New Avenues for Old Travellers: Phenotypic Evolutionary Trends Meet Morphodynamics, and Both Enter the Global Change Biology Era. Evolutionary Biology 48: 379-393.
Zampiglia M., Bisconti R., Maiorano L., Aloise G., Siclari A., Pellegrino F., Martino G., Pezzarossa A., Chiocchio A., Martino C., Nascetti G. & D. Canestrelli, 2019. Drilling down hotspots of intraspecific diversity to bring them into on-ground conservation of threatened species. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 7: 205.
Bisconti R., Porretta D., Arduino P., Nascetti G. & D. Canestrelli, 2018. Hybridization and rampant mitochondrial introgression among fire salamanders in peninsular Italy. Scientific Reports 8: 13187.
Arntzen J.W., de Vries W., Canestrelli D. & I. Martínez-Solano, 2017. Hybrid zone formation and contrasting outcomes of secondary contact over transects in common toads. Molecular Ecology 26: 5663-5675.
Bisconti R., Canestrelli, D. Tenchini R., Belfiore C., Buffagni A. & G. Nascetti, 2016. Cryptic diversity and multiple origins of the widespread mayfly species group Baetis rhodani (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) on northwestern Mediterranean islands. Ecology and Evolution 6: 7901-7910.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

General Ecology - The historical development of ecology; Ecology and its domain; Current state of ecological research in Italy. Ecology of the interactions between organisms and the physical environment: Conditions; Spatial and temporal variations; Adaptations in response to variations in environmental conditions; Limiting factors; Tolerance ranges; Environmental optima; Biological rhythms - climatic factors.
Evolutionary Ecology - Genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; Genetic variability; Evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; Balanced polymorphisms; Linkage disequilibrium; supergenes; Genetic divergence; Species concept; Reproductive isolation mechanisms; Speciation mechanisms; Hybrid zones and reinforcement; Sibling species; Biodiversity at the genetic level.
Population ecology - Demography and dynamics: population structure and growth; Demographic parameters; Demographic tables; Intrinsic growth rate - numerical regulation of populations; Density dependent and independent factors; Exponential growth; environmental carrying capacity - logistic growth curve. Interspecific interactions: symbiosis; commensalism; inquilinism; antibiosis; parasitism; adaptations to parasitic life; coevolution; predation - adaptations to predation; cryptism; mimicry; intraspecific competition; interspecific competition; ecological niche; Principle of competitive exclusion; character displacement; r and K selection.

examMode

The assessment test is oral and will contain a series of questions aimed at ascertaining the student's theoretical knowledge on the interpretation of the mechanisms that determine the distribution, abundance and relationships with the biotic and abiotic environment of organisms. In addition, some questions will be aimed at solving a practical problem on the type of those faced during the hours of practice.
The methods for attributing the final judgment are based on the number of correct answers, which must be greater than 60% of those proposed.

books

L. Bullini, S. Pignatti, A Virzo De Santo, "Ecologia Generale". UTET
M. L. Cain, W. D. Bowman, S. D. Hacker, “Ecologia”. Piccin Editore.
Krebs "Ecology", Neebo Ed.

mode

The course includes lectures, interactive and supported by Power Point presentations, audiovisuals, with stimulation to deepen specific topics and the choice of potential thesis topics. Propose an understanding of the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and integrative nature of the topics covered. Analysis of the ecological processes that regulate the functioning of environmental systems. Case study discussion. Training seminars on specific topics. Critical discussion of scientific articles. Go out into the field.

classRoomMode

Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended

bibliography

Tamagnini, D., Canestrelli, D., Meloro, C., Raia, P., Maiorano, L., 2021. New Avenues for Old Travellers: Phenotypic Evolutionary Trends Meet Morphodynamics, and Both Enter the Global Change Biology Era. Evolutionary Biology 48: 379-393.
Zampiglia M., Bisconti R., Maiorano L., Aloise G., Siclari A., Pellegrino F., Martino G., Pezzarossa A., Chiocchio A., Martino C., Nascetti G. & D. Canestrelli, 2019. Drilling down hotspots of intraspecific diversity to bring them into on-ground conservation of threatened species. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 7: 205.
Bisconti R., Porretta D., Arduino P., Nascetti G. & D. Canestrelli, 2018. Hybridization and rampant mitochondrial introgression among fire salamanders in peninsular Italy. Scientific Reports 8: 13187.
Arntzen J.W., de Vries W., Canestrelli D. & I. Martínez-Solano, 2017. Hybrid zone formation and contrasting outcomes of secondary contact over transects in common toads. Molecular Ecology 26: 5663-5675.
Bisconti R., Canestrelli, D. Tenchini R., Belfiore C., Buffagni A. & G. Nascetti, 2016. Cryptic diversity and multiple origins of the widespread mayfly species group Baetis rhodani (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) on northwestern Mediterranean islands. Ecology and Evolution 6: 7901-7910.

118539 - FINAL EXAMINATION

Second Semester 7ita

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the students with 1) knowledge of basic physics in order to complete those introduced during the first year and 2) the tools needed to design and carry out a scientific experiment and analyze the data obtained through the most appropriate statistical analysis tools (using graphical and analytical methods). The course aims to make students acquire the ability to orally expose a scientific topic and to draw up a scientific report. This is within a simple but rigorous modeling and mathematical approach to familiarize students with graphic representations and estimates of scale sizes and physical phenomena.

Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding skills
At the end of the learning activity the person will know: A) define the measure of a physical quantity in direct and indirect manner; B) describe a physical dimension through numerical and graphical, linear and nonlinear methods; C) identify the right dimensional equations and the unit of measure; D) describe the operation of an instrument and highlight its properties; E) distinguish systematic and random errors of the measuring instruments in their absolute and relative representation; F) define a propagation of the error in derived quantities; G) define the significant figures of a measure; H) outline the concept of probability distribution; I) identify a confidence interval; L) comparing experimental results; M) design a mechanics, calorimetry experiment and study of the DC circuits capable of determining with good approximation some fundamental constants of the physical or physical properties of the apparatus; N) write a scientific report that gives clear, complete and immediate control of the protocol and collected data.

Knowledge and understanding skills applied
At the end of this didactic activity, the student must demonstrate, doing an experiment or in an examination context, to know how to: A) associate the magnitude to measure the physical laws describing the system; B) estimate the effects that change the expected value of the measured quantity within the used approximation; C) do an experiment and define the optimum conditions for carrying it on; D) give a value of uncertainty of the measured quantities; E) analytically evaluate how the error is propagated on indirectly measured quantities; F) choose the most effective way to get the value to be measured that is affected by minimal random error and systematic uncertainties; G) analyze the significance of the results through the statistics.

Judgment autonomy
At the end of this activity, the student must demonstrate that he / she knows how to: A) choose a working condition or an approximation for the experimental verification of a physical law; B) formulate and support appropriate hypotheses on the type of experiment most suitable for obtaining an experimental result; C) apply the most appropriate protocols to increase measurement sensitivity; D) apply the most appropriate protocols to reduce accidental and systematic errors.

Communicative Skills
The student must demonstrate that he/she is able to describe in a scientific report the physical law relevant for an experiment, the experimental conditions, and the theory best suited to the determination of physical quantity measurement, data collection and statistical analysis. Communication skills will be verified by evaluating the reports that each group of students will have done about the experiments conducted during the course. They will then be further verified during the examination.

Ability to learn
At the end of this activity, the student must demonstrate that he / she can use the experimental method learned to investigate the characteristics of various systems.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Physics insights
Ohm's law. Mesh law, node law.
Direct current RC circuits: capacitor charge and discharge.
Use of a multimeter to measure resistances, currents, potential differences.
Alternating current. Alternating current power.
Resistance, capacity and inductance in AC circuits.
Photoelectric effect. Elements of modern physics. Wave-particle duality. Quantum theory and models of the atom. Bohr atom. Molecules and solids.
De Broglie relation. Uncertainty principle.
Principle of operation of the laser. Characteristics and applications of lasers.
Nucleus and radioactivity. Radioactive decay.
Biological effects of radiation.

Methods and tools for measuring physical quantities and for the analysis of experimental data
Measurement of a physical quantity.
Features measuring instruments.
Confidence interval
Systematic errors, reading errors, random errors, errors, significant figures, error propagation.
Significant figures and confidence interval,
Significant figures and relative error,
Representation results: truncation and rounding,
Tables of experimental measurements
Graphical representation of the experimental data.
Repeated measures.
Histograms.
Average, and mean weighted mean, standard deviation.
Probability. Distributions and distributions limit.
Gaussian distribution.
Confidence limit.
Error function.
Rejection of data, Chauvenet criterion.
Comparison between experimental data and theoretical models.
Fitting procedures. Principle of maximum likelihood.
Linear fit. Method of least squares.
Covariance. Linear correlation coefficient.
Adaptation of the method of least squares to other curves.
Weighted Fit.
Linearization of a function and method of least squares
Hypothesis tests. Chi2 test.
Poisson distribution.
Procedure, methods and tools for measuring various physical quantities.
Instruments for measuring currents, ddp, resistors, etc ..
Voltage generators (real and ideal) AC and DC
Principle of operation of the multimeter.
Using the multimeter to measure resistance, current, potential differences.
Instruments for measuring quantities in AC circuits .
Measurement of doses of ionizing radiation.
Instruments for measuring ionizing radiation.
Operating principle of the Geiger counter.
General safety rules for laboratory operations.

Practice lesson/Laboratory Experiments (mandatory attendance)
Statistics
Mechanics
Calorimetry
Ohm's law in direct current.
Optics.

examMode

Evaluation of understanding and knowledge
The evaluation is assessed by:
- participation, with profit, in the laboratory activities that take place during the course.
- an oral test aimed at verifying the completeness of knowledge on the topics of the program.

Description of assessment methods
The exam takes place in the forms established by art. 23 of the University Didactic Regulations. A special report is drawn up, signed by the President and the commission members and by the student examined. The mark is expressed in thirtieths, with possible praise. Passing the exam presupposes the awarding of a mark of not less than eighteen / thirty and entails the attribution of the corresponding university training credits.
In the evaluation of the test and in the attribution of the final mark, account will be taken of: the level of knowledge of the contents shown (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply the theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts , discreet, good, well established), the ability to analyze, synthesize and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to make critical sense and formulate judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), mastery of expression (poor, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct exposure).
To ascertain the skills, the exam includes a practical test (or participation, with profit, in the practical activities that take place during the course) and a subsequent oral test.
Admission to the oral test is subject to the achievement of sufficiency (at least 18/30) in the practical test (or in the papers carried out in relation to the exercises followed). The oral test is given a mark out of thirty. The final mark will derive from the average of the marks resulting from the practical test / exercises and the oral test.
Successful completion of the practical test (or participation, with profit, in the laboratory activities that take place during the course) is valid for the entire duration of the student's career.

In the same session you can participate in appeals for the written test, including at least 15 days.

books

Textbook used for the Physics course.
J.R.Taylor, “Introduzione all’analisi degli errori”, Casa Editrice Zanichelli.

mode

The course includes:
- 32 hours of classroom lessons on statistical data analysis.
- 16 hours of lectures, mainly carried out in the laboratory (mandatory attendance), devoted at carrying on experiments and related data analysis will be carried out using the knowledge carried out in the other lessons.

classRoomMode

For the 16 hours of highly practical lessons there is a mandatory attendance.

bibliography

Libro di testo usato per il corso di Fisica
J.R. Taylor, “Introduzione all’analisi degli errori”, Casa Editrice Zanichelli.

Learning objectives


The course introduces the fundamental concepts and experimental approaches to the study of cytogenetics, a branch of genetics that analyzes the structure of the chromosomes to determine the relationship existing between the hereditary and specific karyotypes characters.
The course aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge base on chromatin structure and its intranuclear organization, the metaphase chromosome as well as its specialized structures such as centromere, telomere and fragile sites and their role in maintaining genome stability. The course also aims to address the study of human chromosomal instability syndromes and the role of the biologist in their diagnosis using classical and molecular cytogenetics techniques.
It also provides a basis for specialized studies such as the analysis of chromosomal aberrations in biological dosimetry and the use of the Comet test in genotoxicity.


EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS

Knowledge and
 understanding
At the end of the course students will have a thorough knowledge of the basic principles of cytogenetics such as organizing intranuclear chromatin, the chromosome structure and its specialized components. In addition, they will have learned the main classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques. Finally, they will have gained the ability to process the diagnostic protocols, the use of chromosomal aberrations as a biological dosimeter and the Comet assay as a tool for the study of genotoxicity.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be encouraged to take advantage of the knowledge acquired during the course and during laboratory practice in order to apply them to specific issues such as, for example, the identification of a specific chromosomal instability syndrome or the genotoxic capacity of chemical or physical agent as well as the application potential of the techniques learned.

Making judgements
Students will be able to interpret and discuss scientific papers presented during class and be able to identify in them the highlights and key points.

Communication skills
During the lessons it will be stimulated students' ability to think and discuss about the topics covered as well as the comparison of opinions to develop their communication skills. These skills will then be tested in the examination.

Learning skills
Students will be able to expose and develop scientific issues related to the course. The active involvement of students through oral classroom discussions and experiences in the laboratory practices, will develop that skill.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

The structure of chromatin in eukaryotes: histones and histone proteins; The nucleosome; Chromatin fiber; Hints on histone modifications; Histone variants and specialized folding domains; The solenoid; The loop domains; Models of the metaphase chromosome; Mechanical properties of chromosomes. Chromosomal Territories: Their Dynamic Organization (Chromosomal Territories, Interchromatinic Domain, Nuclear Matrix); Experimental evidence and models; Chromosomal territories and cytogenetic damage. Evolution of the eukaryotic genome: organization in isochores; Compositional correlation; Distribution of genes and compartmentalization of the genome; Compositional transition in the vertebrates, their causes and their maintenance. Relationship between chromosomal territories and isochore content. The telomere: structure; function; Telomeric and accessory proteins; Replication (telomerase and recombination); Regulation of the elongation. The centromere: structure, function and accessory proteins in the lower eukaryotes; Structure, function and additional proteins in the higher eukaryotes; Epigenetic control of the centromere. The fragile sites: classification and structure; Genes at fragile sites; Fragile sites and cellular checkpoints; Repair at fragile sites; Instability of fragile sites in tumors; The X-fragile syndrome. Chromosome banding: differential banding techniques (bands G, R, Q); Selective banding techniques (bands C, NOR, G-11, restriction enzymes); Fluorochrome and counterstaining techniques; Replication banding; High resolution banding; Banding applications (karyotype study, chromosome aberration study, diagnostic and medical applications, etc.). Fluorescent in situ hybridization: basic concepts; The technique; Applications in classical and interfase cytogenetics, mutagenesis, diagnostic and medical fields, etc. The "Comet" assay: the technique and its applications. Chromosomal aberrations: classification. Theories. Molecular mechanisms of formation. Chromosomal instability syndromes. Biological dosimetry. Biological significance and consequences of chromosomal aberrations.
Practice (1 CFU): building a karyotype; analysis of the spontaneous frequency of micronuclei in epithelial buccal cells; microscopic observation of cytogenetic preparations.

examMode

Passing the exam presupposes the awarding of a grade of not less than eighteen / thirty and entails the attribution of the corresponding university credits. In the evaluation of the test and in the attribution of the final grade, the following will be taken into account: the level of knowledge demonstrated (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and in-depth), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts , fair, good, well-established), the ability of analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to criticize and formulate judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), the skill of expression (lack of exposure, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct). In particular, the oral exam must ensure that students have acquired knowledge and skills in Cytogenetics, consistent with the teaching program.

books

The teaching materials and all the lessons in power-point format are provided by the teacher.

Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information on the program, teaching materials and evaluation of the profit.


mode

Classroom lecture sessions with PowerPoint presentations with figures and process diagrams for a total of 40 hours. In addition, there are 8 hours of teaching labs during which students will build a karyotype; moreover, they will set up a cell preparation of their buccal cells for the spontaneous analysis of micronuclei; the preparations will then be observed at the optical microscope.

classRoomMode

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended

bibliography

The reference bibliography will be provided by the teacher.

Learning objectives

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES. The aim of the course is to provide students with the useful information to learn the theoretical bases of classical and modern hydrobiology and the theoretical and experimental approaches that have enabled their development today. Expanding knowledge on aquatic habitats and the oranisms that inhabit them from a taxonomic, ecological and trophic-functional point of view. Students will have to learn the logic of ecosystem analysis of aquatic environments and the methodologies suitable for evaluating structures and functions of organisms and ecosystems in aquatic environments. Notions will be provided to understand the most recent developments in the ecosystem of aquatic environments (food web theory, niche theory, network analysis, metacommunity ecology), and an understanding of the importance of managing these environments will be stimulated. The course aims to provide the basis for further in-depth studies in the fields of freshwater ecology and community ecology through a solid knowledge of the tools for scientific references research.

EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS Knowledge and understanding. Having developed knowledge of the principles and ecological laws that underlie the ecosystem functioning of aquatic environments. Having acquired the notions of hydrobiology useful for undertaking ecosystem analyzes of the various environmental types of inland waters. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Knowing how to use the notions learned in class and developed in the exercises to interpret the structures and functions of the various aquatic organisms and to solve problems in the various fields of hydrobiology. Judgment autonomy. Being able to identify the theoretical and experimental paths to be applied to the resolution of new problems even if similar to those discussed in class. Communication skills. Students' ability to talk, reason and discuss the questions raised during the lessons on the topics will be stimulated. Learning ability. Being able to discuss scientific issues related to hydrobiology and in general the academic ecology of aquatic environments also in its management applications and in its theoretical and experimental implications. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in classroom discussions.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Introduction to the aquatic environment: Chemical and physical properties of water, Water cycle, movement of heat, light and nutrients in water.

Freshwater environments and their characterisation: River environments. Lacustrine environments. Transitional aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands. Physiography and conservation issues. Other water environments (rivers and underground lakes, high altitude springs, hydrothermal springs, interstitial waters). Water habitats of community and conservation interest. Semi-natural and artificial environments.

Fauna and flora of inland waters: Overview of evolution and adaptations to the water medium and the different chemical-physical characteristics of water. Trophic-functional classification of aquatic organisms. Microorganisms, algae, fungi and plants. Protozoa. Invertebrates (Cnidarians, Bryozoans, Platelminths, Nematodes, Annelids, Crustaceans, Insects). Vertebrates (Amphibians, Reptiles, Mammals, Birds, Bony and Cartilaginous Fish)

Ecology of inland waters: Interactions between species. Community and metacommunity ecology and aquatic trophic networks. Theory and case studies.

Conservation, management and monitoring of freshwater environments: Threats to inland water systems. Bioindication and ecological indices. Monitoring and management.

Elements of sampling techniques. Experimental protocols with macroinvertebrates and protozoa. Bases of data analysis.

examMode

The examination is conducted in the form laid down in Article 23 of the University Teaching Regulations. Minutes are taken of its proceedings, signed by the chairman and members of the board and by the student examined. The grade is expressed in thirtieths, with honours where appropriate. Passing the exam requires a mark of no less than eighteen/thirty-eighths and entails the award of the corresponding university credits. In assessing the test and in awarding the final grade, account will be taken of: the level of content knowledge demonstrated (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying concepts, discrete, good, well established), the ability to analyse, summarise and make interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to make a critical sense and formulate judgements (sufficient, good, excellent), the mastery of expression (poor, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct exposition). The question will concern concepts and base knowldge addressed during the lessons, with potential request to present a study case (e.g. a scientific paper) regarding freshwater ecology themes, from which the examination discussion can start.

books

Walter, K., Dodds, W. H. I. L. E. S., & Matt, R. (2017). Freshwater ecology: concepts and environmental applications of limnology. ELSEVIER ACADEMIC Press.

ORNERIS G., PASCALE M., PEROSINO G.C., ZACCARA P. (2013). Lezioni di Idrobiologia Editore: Regione Piemonte, Direzione Agricoltura - settore caccia e pesca (https://greencrestdotblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/2008-lezioni-di-idrobiologia-le-acque-continentali.pdf)

mode

The course will consists of frontal lessons.
Educational excursions will be made to collect biological samples, which will then be analysed in a laboratory exercise for the recognition of aquatic organisms.

classRoomMode

Attendance is optional, but students are strongly encouraged to attend the lectures; I will explain methods of researching scientific bibliography, which are very useful for the final examination project (optional), and useful in general for a scientific career. In addition, class discussions on course topics useful for further study will be stimulated.

bibliography

D‘Antoni S., Battisti C., Cenni M. e Rossi G.L. (a cura di), (2011). Contributi per la tutela della biodiversità delle zone umide. Rapporti ISPRA 153/11
(http://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/biodiversita/allegato_rapporto_153_2011.pdf)

Zerunian S., (2003). Piano d’azione generale per la conservazione dei pesci d’acqua dolce italiani. Quad. Cons. Natura 17, Min. Ambiente – Ist. Naz. Fauna Selvatica
(http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/contentfiles/00006700/6726-17-qcn-pesci-acqua.pdf)

Sarrocco S., Maio G., Celauro d. e Tancioni l., (2012). Carta della Biodiversità ittica delle acque correnti del Lazio. Edizioni Arp, Roma, 194 pp. (https://www.parchilazio.it/documenti/schede/3793_allegato1.pdf)

Learning objectives

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The aim of the course of Immunology is to provide students with a method of studying this constantly evolving scientific area, with terminology and information necessary to understand the basic and the advanced concepts in Immunology. In particular, the program aims to provide general characteristics, basic and updated knowledge concerning molecular and cellular components of innate and adaptive immunity. The students will also be provided with the most recent advances in for further studies concerning the mechanisms underlying immune responses against infections and tumors. In conclusions, the course aims to provide general knowledge to understand the immune response and insights for future studies of immunopathology and immunological biotechnology.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1) Knowledge and understanding. Knowledge of modern Immunology: properties and functions of molecular and cellular components of adaptive and innate immune responses, their complex network of interactions.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding. Developing the knowledge of potential applications of adaptive and innate immune responses in immunopathology and immunological biotechnology.
3) Making judgments. Ability to interpret the experimental results, similar to those addressed during the lessons.
4) Communication skills. Will be stimulated students' ability to speak, think and discuss the scientific questions raised in the classroom to develop communication skills.
5) Learning skills. Ability to describe scientific issues related to the modern Immunology. Such skills will be developed and tested by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Introduction to the immune system
Glossary,
General properties, components: innate and adaptive immunity, cellular and humoral immunity cytokines and cytokine receptors; chemokines and chemokine receptors
Primary and secondary immune responses; vaccination
Hints of hematopoiesis: ontogeny of immune cells
Primary and secondary lymphoid organs
Anatomy and Functions
Leukocyte circulation and migration
Lymphocytes homing
Tissue recruitment of leukocytes
Adhesion molecules
Innate immunity and Inflammation
Antigens of innate immunity: Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Danger Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs)
Receptors of the innate immune response: Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR)
Soluble receptors (complement, collectins, pentraxins)
Cytoplasmic receptors (NOD, RIG, TLR)
Membrane receptors (LCR, TLR)
Cells of the innate immunity and inflammatory cells
Monocytes/macrophages (M1/M2)
Dendritic cells (DC)
Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils); mast cells
Phagocytes and phagocytosis: oxygen-independent and –dependent cytotoxic pathways
Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC)
The inflammatory response and Cytokines of innate immunity and inflammatory cytokines; cytokines associated with “type 1" and "type 2” immune responses
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC): HLA; class I and II
Genes;
Molecular structure of gene products, cell expression and functions
Antigen processing and presentation to T cells
Antigen Presenting Cells (APC): origin and functions
Dendritic cells (DCs): immature and mature; receptors and cytokine production
Adaptive Immunity:
Specificity and memory
Naïve, effector and memory lymphocytes
Primary and secondary response
Antigen (Ag) od specific immunity:
Molecular bases of antigenicity; hapten, carrier and antigenic determinant;
immunogenic antigen and factors that determine the immunogenicity
B Cell Receptor (BCR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR)
Genes
Molecular structure of their products
T lymphocyte activation
The TCR/CD3 complex, CD4 and CD8 co-receptors and accessory molecules
Costimulatory and cohinibitory molecules: ligands and receptors
Signal transduction pathways
Helper T Cell (TH1, TH2, TH17); natural and inducible regulatory T cells (Treg)
Polarization and functions
Cytokines of adaptive immunity, receptors and transduction pathways; cytokines associated with “type 1" and "type 2” immune responses
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL)
Differentiation
Activation
Cytotoxic mechanisms; apoptosis mechanisms
B lymphocyte activation
BCR and Co-receptors
Signal transduction
antibody response
Antibodies (Abs) or immunoglobulins (Igs)
Structure, Classes and Functions
Fc Receptors (FcRs)
T and B cell development and maturation
Positive and negative selection
Central and peripheral tolerance
Antigen receptor gene rearrangement
Complement:
Structure and Functions
Activation pathways (classical, lectin and alternative) and complement regulation
Complement Receptors (CR)
Natural Killer (NK) cells:
development and maturation,
antigen receptors,
activation and signal transduction pathways
cytotoxic and regulatory functions

examMode

Oral test concerning at least three topics of the program. The following points will be evaluated:
1) Knowledge and understanding.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding.
3) Making judgments.
4) Communication skills.
5) Learning skills.

books

- Cellular and Molecular Immunology
Abbas A.K., Lichtman A. H., Pillai S.
Ed. Elsevier Masson, 10e, 2022.

-Janaway's Immunobiology
Murphy K., Travers P., Walport M..
Ed. Piccin, 9e, 2019.

mode

Frontal teaching.

classRoomMode

Considering the degree of complexity of Immunology, it is highly recommended to attend classes.

bibliography

The teacher will communicate any "link" to teaching materials.

Learning objectives

Aim of the course is to provide the students with a broad and scientifically rigorous view of the marine biodiversity and its anthropogenic treats. The course focuses on the three levels of biodiversity organization (genetic-populational, specific, ecosystemic), considering for each one the mechanisms that mould biodiversity patterns, the anthropic impacts and treats, the conservation strategies. Particular regard will be deserved to the ecosystem functioning and management, which is a main trend in marine conservation. Since biodiversity organization levels are highly interdependent and cascading effects are regularly implicated in the outcome of human impacts, the course aims to develop the students' ability to build-up connections and to manage multiple-level information. To this end each lesson is structured in a theoretical part and another one that involves the examination of numerous case studies. Finally, conservation biology has an interdisciplinary nature and therefore an important objective of the course is to train students to simultaneously manage information, approaches and methodologies that derive from very diverse fields such as biology, ecology, modelling, law, sociology.
The course will provide the basis for further specialistic studies in applied ecology, conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable environmental management.

The course focuses on the following learning objectives:
- knowledge of the nature and organization of biodiversity;
- knowledge of mechanisms generating biodiversity patterns;
- knowledge of human impacts that cause loss of biodiversity;
- knowledge of the main biodiversity conservation strategies;
- ability to discern between natural patterns and patterns of anthropogenic origin;
- multi-scale and interdisciplinary reasoning skills;
- ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills to real problems.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

• Introduction to Biodiversity
Biodiversity levels (genetics, species, ecosystems)
Causes of biodiversity loss
Biodiversity indices
• Conservation concepts
Principles of biodiversity conservation
Distribution of the biodiversity
Evil quartet and its role in the extinction process
• Genetic Diversity and Conservation
Evolutionary forces that create genetic variability
Parthenogenesis: the exception to the rule
Causes of loss of genetic variability
Problems of the small populations (extinction vortex)
Strategies for conserving genetic diversity
• Phenotypic Variability and Biodiversity Conservation
Phenotypic variability in population survival
Animal Personality and Biodiversity Conservation
• Human-induced impacts on Biodiversity
Global pollutants and their effects on biodiversity
Mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Case studies on the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on biodiversity
Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
• IUCN, biodiversity conservation and educational approaches
IUCN's role in biodiversity conservation: the Red Lists of Threatened Species
Biodiversity at school
• Conservation of Threatened Species and Habitat Management
Conservation approaches for threatened species
Reintroduction and transplantation programmes
Management of captive populations
Ecological networks and biotic corridors
Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation measures
Local communities and public awareness
• Conservation of Marine Biodiversity
Examples of successful and failed conservation projects
Case studies
Analysis of modern successes and challenges

examMode

Oral exam: principles and general concepts.

books

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

classRoomMode

Optional: attending both class lectures and exercises is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Field exercises will be in presence only, with online material provided to students who won't join the field exercises.

bibliography

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

• Introduction to Biodiversity
Biodiversity levels (genetics, species, ecosystems)
Causes of biodiversity loss
Biodiversity indices
• Conservation concepts
Principles of biodiversity conservation
Distribution of the biodiversity
Evil quartet and its role in the extinction process
• Genetic Diversity and Conservation
Evolutionary forces that create genetic variability
Parthenogenesis: the exception to the rule
Causes of loss of genetic variability
Problems of the small populations (extinction vortex)
Strategies for conserving genetic diversity
• Phenotypic Variability and Biodiversity Conservation
Phenotypic variability in population survival
Animal Personality and Biodiversity Conservation
• Human-induced impacts on Biodiversity
Global pollutants and their effects on biodiversity
Mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Case studies on the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on biodiversity
Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
• IUCN, biodiversity conservation and educational approaches
IUCN's role in biodiversity conservation: the Red Lists of Threatened Species
Biodiversity at school
• Conservation of Threatened Species and Habitat Management
Conservation approaches for threatened species
Reintroduction and transplantation programmes
Management of captive populations
Ecological networks and biotic corridors
Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation measures
Local communities and public awareness
• Conservation of Marine Biodiversity
Examples of successful and failed conservation projects
Case studies
Analysis of modern successes and challenges

examMode

Oral exam: principles and general concepts.

books

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

classRoomMode

Optional: attending both class lectures and exercises is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Field exercises will be in presence only, with online material provided to students who won't join the field exercises.

bibliography

R.B. Primack, L. Boitani “Biologia della conservazione” Ed. Zanichelli

CHOICE GROUPSYEAR/SEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
OPZIONAL GROUP -6 - -
13643 - STATISTICS AND PHYSICS LABORATORY

INES DELFINO

Second Year / First Semester 6FIS/07ita
119724 - CYTOGENETICS

ROBERTA MESCHINI

Second Year / Second Semester 6BIO/18ita
17514 - HYDROBIOLOGY

FRANCESCO CERINI

Second Year / Second Semester 6BIO/07ita
-6 - -
15293 - IMMUNOLOGY

FRANCESCA ROMANA VELOTTI

Third Year / First Semester 6MED/04ita
119725 - HUMAN AND CLINICAL GENETICS

LUCA PROIETTI DE SANTIS

Third Year / First Semester 6BIO/18ita
17516 - CONSERVAZIONE DELLE BIODIVERSITA'

GIOVANNI POLVERINO

Third Year / Second Semester 6BIO/07ita