Cellular and Molecular Physiology

Aims of the teaching class is to increase students' knowledge on the cellular and molecular physiological mechanisms of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and solid tumors. The formula adopted in the lectures will be the "problem solving" routine. Students are instructed on the basic physiological mechanisms of complex biological process composed by several interactions (i.e.: membrane excitation, calcium release, and exocytosis). The "problem" is created by the hypothetical knockout of one of the components. Students are required to review the literature and hypothesize a possible repair mechanism. In this way, in addition to acquire knowledge in the field of cellular and molecular physiology, they are forced to think to a possible practical resolution.

At the end of the teaching class students are expected, using the literature, to acquire a critical view of a physiological process transformed in a pathological condition. Second expectation is the increase ability of the student to discuss and to propose solutions once facing a complex problem.