Biological and Morphological Sciences

A.Y. 2025/2026
6
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/13 BIO/16 MED/03
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di dimostrare una conoscenza e una comprensione adeguate dei concetti di base di biologia cellulare e molecolare. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di descrivere accuratamente la cellula eucariotica sia sul piano morfologico che funzionale. In particolare, dovrà aver acquisito conoscenze sufficienti a spiegare il processo di sintesi proteica, la regolazione dell'espressione genica e della variabilità biologica indotta dalle mutazioni e dal processo di ricombinazione. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di aver compreso l'organizzazione del DNA e dell'informazione genetica, nonché spiegare le possibili alterazioni del genoma che portano a malattie ereditarie. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di fare ipotesi sulla base di dati sperimentali forniti sotto forma di problemi biologici. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di esporre e spiegare, in modo semplice ma rigoroso, i processi biologici che sono alla base della vita. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di spiegare in maniera chiara le caratteristiche distintive dei diversi tipi di tessuto presenti nel corpo umano. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di spiegare in maniera chiara ed appropriata l'organizzazione di tali tessuti a formare gli organi alla base delle funzioni vitali dell'organismo. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di comprendere come i vari organi si possano associare per dare origine a sistemi complessi deputati allo svolgimento di specifiche funzioni biologiche
Expected learning outcomes
The student should be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of cellular and molecular biology. The student should be able to describe the eukaryotic cell both morphologically and functionally. In particular, the students should have acquired sufficient information to describe the process of protein synthesis, the regulation of gene expression and the biological variability induced by mutations and the recombination process. The student should have acquired basic knowledge about the organization of the human genome and of the genetic information, and the possible alterations responsible of inherited diseases. The student should be able to make assumptions based on experimental data provided as biological problems. The student should be able to expose and explain, in a simple but rigorous manner, the biological processes that are the basis of life. The student should be able to clearly describe the specific characteristics of the different tissues of the human body. The student should be able to clearly and appropriately describe tissues organization into the vital organs of the human body. The student should be able to understand the way these organs associate into complex systems with specific biological functions
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Prerequisites for admission
The prerequisites consist of anatomical, histological, biological and medical genetic knowledge needed to pass the entrance test to CdS
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final written exam is structured in 80 multiple choice questions:
Section i: 30 multiple choice questions on Anatomy (tot. 30 marks)
Section ii: 30 multiple choice questions on Biology (tot. 30 marks)
Section iii: 20 multiple choice questions on Medical genetics (tot. 30 marks)
The test results will be calculated on the media score obtained in each module and the results will be published on the ARIEL website of the course, together with the electronic report.
Biologia applicata
Course syllabus
Structure and organization of the eukaryotic cell: cellular compartmentalization; cell organelles; ribosomes; cytoskeleton; junctions; Matrix.
Structure and function of biological membranes: fluid mosaic model; transport through the membrane.
Cellular communication: mode of communication between cells.
Cell cycle and its regulation: phases of the cycle; control system; apoptosis; the cancer cell.
The reproduction of living things: asexual and sexual reproduction; mitosis, meiosis and their comparison; gametogenesis; fertilization; differentiation.
DNA replication: central dogma of biology replication at the molecular level; DNA damage repair.
Transcription: various types of RNA; RNA synthesis; maturation of messenger RNAs.
Translation and genetic code: genetic code and its properties; protein synthesis mechanism; post-translational modifications.
The eukaryotic genome: chromatin structure; the nucleosome; gene structure (intron-exons); control of gene expression.
Teaching methods
The course consists of frontal lectures (30 hours in class for Anatomy, 20 hours in class for Biology, 10 hours in class for Medical genetics) during which the students can intervene with questions. All the lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations, made available to the students on the ARIEL website. The textbook is merely recommended as a resource to help clarify concepts.
Teaching Resources
R. Roberti, G. Alunni Bistocchi, C. Antognelli, V. N. Talesa "Biochimica e Biologia per le professioni sanitarie" Seconda Edizione Ed.: McGrawHill.
Sadava, Hillis, Heller, Berenbaum "Elementi di biologia e genetica" Ed.: Zanichelli.
Campbell, Reece "Biologia & Genetica". Ed.: Pearson.
De Leo, Ginelli, Fasano " Biologia e Genetica". Ed.: Edises.
Anatomia umana
Course syllabus
Nervous tissue: morphology and classification of neurons, axonal transport, myelination; neuroglia.
Nervous system: definition, organ composition, functions. General principles of neuroanatomy; functional meaning of the different nerve devices. Anatomical basis of the mechanisms of transduction, conduction and transmission of the nerve impulse; signs of phylogeny of the nervous system (centralization, encephalization, telencephalisation).
Axial and supra-axial organs, arch structure of the central nervous system; last common pathway; constructive principles of the somatosensory and motor pathways. Reflected and integrated answers; somatotopy.
Sensitivity classification and considerations on the morphological basis of pain.
Central nervous system: concise systematic treatment of the organs; internal central cavities; CSF circulation.
Peripheral nervous system: general information on the spinal and cranial nerves with particular reference to the acoustic state, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory and hypoglossal nerves; principles of somatic and visceral innervation.
Sympathetic nervous system.
Sensory organs and systems.
Teaching methods
The course consists of frontal lectures (30 hours in class for Anatomy, 20 hours in class for Biology, 10 hours in class for Medical genetics) during which the students can intervene with questions. All the lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations, made available to the students on the ARIEL website. The textbook is merely recommended as a resource to help clarify concepts.
Teaching Resources
Slides provided by the teacher.
- Neuroanatomia di Cinti e Giordano - Edi.Ermes
Genetica medica
Course syllabus
Human genome and karyotype; chromosome number abnormalities and non-disjunction at meiosis and associated diseases
Chromosome structural abnormalities (inversions, translocations, deletions, duplications) and related pathologies
Gene mutations (silent, missense, non-sense, frameshift, splicing); genetic polymorphisms (SNP, microsatellites)
Transmission of genetic traits and Mendel's rules; dominant and recessive traits; genealogical trees
Autosomal and sex chromosome-linked diseases and modes of inheritance (dominant and recessive); chromosome X inactivation
Gene mutation penetrance, variable expressivity, genetic heterogeneity; de novo germinal and somatic mutations and mosaicism
Atypical mechanisms of inheritance: disorders associated to dynamic mutations; mitochondrial and multifactorial diseases
Teaching methods
The course consists of frontal lectures (30 hours in class for Anatomy, 20 hours in class for Biology, 10 hours in class for Medical genetics) during which the students can intervene with questions. All the lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations, made available to the students on the ARIEL website. The textbook is merely recommended as a resource to help clarify concepts.
Teaching Resources
Korf -Irons - Genetica e Genomica Umane - Edi-Ermes
- Neri-Genuardi - Genetica Umana e Medica - Ed Edra
- Thompson &Thompson - Genetica in Medicina - Ed Edises
Modules or teaching units
Anatomia umana
BIO/16 - HUMAN ANATOMY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 30 hours
Professor: Limanaqi Fiona

Biologia applicata
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor: Biasin Mara

Genetica medica
MED/03 - MEDICAL GENETICS - University credits: 1
Lessons: 10 hours
Professor: Ratti Antonia