Cellular and Molecular Physiology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The lectures will be held telematically on the Microsoft Teams or Zoom platform and will be delivered both synchronously (at set times) and remotely (in case of unavoidable commitments of the teacher, participation in telematic congresses, meetings, etc.). The tutorial module is provided in presence, in small groups of students, and in a reduced mode as regards the number of hours.
DUE TO THE COURSE ORGANIZATION STUDENTS ARE KINDLY INVITED TO SEND A MAIL TO [email protected]
WITHOUT A MESSAGE WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO FOLLOW THE COURSE BECAUSE PRACTICE ORGANIZATION AND TRACKING
DUE TO THE COURSE ORGANIZATION STUDENTS ARE KINDLY INVITED TO SEND A MAIL TO [email protected]
WITHOUT A MESSAGE WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO FOLLOW THE COURSE BECAUSE PRACTICE ORGANIZATION AND TRACKING
Course syllabus
The cell as an energy device accumulator
Homeostasis and equilibrium at single cell level
Potential and kinetic energy at cellular level
Communication properties of the cells
Direct and indirect methods
Development of cell communication
Short and long distance communication
Synapses and their mechanisms
Molecular and cellular memory
Neurodegenerative process and the role of brain immune system
Cancer cells physiology
Homeostasis and allostasis
Cellular and molecular mechanism of allostatic cells
Interaction of cancer cells with the immune system
Neurodegeneration and Cancer: the dark sides of cell physiology
Cell degeneration and uncontrolled proliferation
The double role of the immune system
Homeostasis and equilibrium at single cell level
Potential and kinetic energy at cellular level
Communication properties of the cells
Direct and indirect methods
Development of cell communication
Short and long distance communication
Synapses and their mechanisms
Molecular and cellular memory
Neurodegenerative process and the role of brain immune system
Cancer cells physiology
Homeostasis and allostasis
Cellular and molecular mechanism of allostatic cells
Interaction of cancer cells with the immune system
Neurodegeneration and Cancer: the dark sides of cell physiology
Cell degeneration and uncontrolled proliferation
The double role of the immune system
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of biophysics are requested
Teaching methods
Lectures will be delivered using teams or zoom platform.
Possible practice will be in person depending on available rooms and depending on the number of students
Possible practice will be in person depending on available rooms and depending on the number of students
Teaching Resources
E. Kandel et al., Principles of Neural Science, ed. Elsevier.
B, Hille. Ion Channels In Excitable Membrane. Ed. Sinauer
B, Hille. Ion Channels In Excitable Membrane. Ed. Sinauer
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in a 15 minutes PPT presentation about a cellular and molecular physiology scientific publication. The paper should be find in scientific journal with and impact factor above 7.
Professor(s)