Biology and Genetics (1st year)

Lectures and practical laboratories aim at providing students with:
a) the description of cells and organisms as complex adaptive systems produced by the mechanisms of evolution and of the processes of cell division and gametogenesis in humans;
b) the comprehension of structure-function relationship and molecular recognition as the key principles underlying the action of informational molecules and the expression of genetic information in cells;
c) the concepts of continuity and variability of genetic information in living organisms;
d) the understanding of the modes of transmission of inherited traits and the mechanisms that give rise to normal and pathological phenotypic variation in humans;
e) foundations of molecular and genetic analysis methodology and its impact on medical practice, and the applications of pre- and post-natal genetic testing.

Students who have attended classes/labs are expected:
a) to put the basics of scientific reasoning into practice when expounding concepts and results of biomedical research, and to handle the relevant bibliographic and bioinformatics search tools;
b) to grasp the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying genetic and epigenetic control of cells and organisms;
c) to master the facts of male and female gametogenesis, highlighting biological and genetic differences and effects;
d) to master the facts underlying the transmission of inherited traits and the mechanisms that regulate normal and pathological phenotypic variation in humans;
e) to be acquainted with the applications of biomolecular and genetic investigation methods to medical practice, critically illustrating their applications in pre- and post-natal settings.