Genetics

A.Y. 2023/2024
8
Max ECTS
76
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/07 BIO/18
Language
English
Learning objectives
This course explains the students the basic concepts of genetics. It provides students with an historical overview of the main discoveries that led to the understanding of how traits are inherited from single individuals or within a population is provided. The lessons will explore different aspects of bacterial, phage and human genetics and explain how geneticists analyze genes. The theoretical lessons will provide information on laws models, while the exercises will be aimed at their application. The genetics course is required for a better understanding and the study of complex biological processes and is in line with the educational objectives of the CdS.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will be able to understand fundamental models of hereditary transmission and the molecular mechanisms underlying the variations in the genetic material of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They will understand the interactions between genotype and phenotype. Basic knowledge will be obtained on molecular genetics, genetics of microorganisms and humans. Furthermore, they will be trained in gene regulation and population genetics. All this knowledge will enable them to follow advanced genetics courses, and the fundamentals of genetic engineering.
At the end of the course the students will be able to autonomously analyze the segregation of Mendelian characters in the progeny of crosses, and to make probabilistic assessments concerning the transmission of characters. They will also be familiar with mapping genes on chromosomes and study their interactions. They will be able to predict the effects of mutations in genomes and genes and the cause of chromosome number changes in organisms.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The following topics will be discussed:

Physical basis of heredity
Chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, life cycles of pro- and eukaryotes
Mendelian inheritance
Multiple alleles
Human genetics: Pedigrees and blood groups
Sex linkage and sex determination
Chromosomal basis of heredity, linkage and recombination
Meiotic and mitotic crossing-over
Genetic map, map distances and interference
Bacterial genetics
Mutants and their selection
Plasmids
Bacteriophages
Transcription
Translation
The genetic code
Gene structures in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Gene expression
Genetic interactions
Mutations (Gene and chromosomal)
Mutagenesis and repair mechanisms
Gene regulation in prokaryotes
Genetic engineering: the basics
Population genetics (evolution, selection, Hardy-Weinberg, migration, genetic drift)
Prerequisites for admission
Basic high school level knowledge of biology.
Teaching methods
The course comprises a series of frontal lectures which are complemented with theoretical exercises, in which the concepts covered during the lectures will be applied and deepened by solving genetic problems. At the end of the course, there will be an additional question time during which students can ask for extra explanations regarding all the topics that were discussed during the lessons.
Teaching Resources
There are many good Genetics books available. The course is not focusing or using a specific book as reference. During the first lessons some options will be presented. The book may be in English or in Italian. The choice is up to the student. However, when choosing a Genetics book in English, it should not become an obstacle for easy reading and understanding the text.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning assessment will be through a written exam at the end of the course. The examination will consist of 18 questions, both multiple choice and open questions.
AGR/07 - AGRICULTURAL GENETICS
BIO/18 - GENETICS
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 52 hours
Educational website(s)