Biology and Genetics (2 year)

Lessons and laboratory practice aim at providing students with logical and methodological concepts and tools to understand:
a) the description of cells and organisms as complex adaptive systems produced by the mechanisms of evolution;
b) the nature of the processes of cell division and gametogenesis in humans;
c) structure-function relationship and molecular recognition as the basis of action of informational molecules and of expression of genetic information in cells;
d) the interrelation between continuity and variability of genetic information in living organisms;
e) the modalities of transmission of inherited traits and the mechanisms that can give rise to normal and pathological phenotypic variants in humans;
f) molecular and genetic analysis methods - in particular pre- and postnatal genetic tests - and their use in medical practice.

Students who have attended classes/labs are expected:
a) to be able to put the foundations 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 implementation in basic biomedical research, diagnostics and clinics