Biological and Morphological Sciences
A.Y. 2025/2026
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 esporre e spiegare, in modo semplice ma rigoroso, i processi biologici che sono alla base della vita. Lo studente dovrà comprendere le caratteristiche distintive dei diversi organi e la loro organizzazione in sistemi/apparati complessi deputati allo svolgimento di specifiche funzioni biologiche, con particolare attenzione al sistema nervoso. Lo studente dovrà comprendere le caratteristiche morfo-funzionali del sistema nervoso come base per l'apprendimento delle cause di vari disturbi neuropsichiatrici e cognitivi di specifico interesse per l'esercizio della professione del TERP. Lo studente dovrà essere in grado di integrare le conoscenze apprese in corsi specifici di anatomia, biologia e genetica medica.
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 expose and explain, in a simple but rigorous manner, the biological processes that are the basis of life. The student should be able to understand the features of the different organs and their organization in complex systems/apparatuses responsible for carrying out specific biological functions, with particular attention to the nervous system. The student should be able understand the morpho-functional characteristics of the nervous system as a basis for understanding the causes of various neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders of specific interest for the exercise of the TERP profession. The student should be able to integrate knowledge learned in specific courses of human anatomy, biology and medical genetics.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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, biological and medical genetic knowledge needed to pass the entrance test to CdS
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final written exam is structured in 70 multiple choice questions:
Section i: 30 multiple choice questions on Anatomy (tot. 30 marks)
Section ii: 20 multiple choice questions on Biology (tot. 30 marks)
Section iii: 20 multiple choice questions on Medical genetics (tot. 30 marks)
The test lasts 80 minutes. 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.
Section i: 30 multiple choice questions on Anatomy (tot. 30 marks)
Section ii: 20 multiple choice questions on Biology (tot. 30 marks)
Section iii: 20 multiple choice questions on Medical genetics (tot. 30 marks)
The test lasts 80 minutes. 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
Biology Module
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.
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
Biology
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.
Medical genetics
- Korf -Irons. Genetica e Genomica Umane. Edi-Ermes
- Neri-Genuardi. Genetica Umana e Medica. Ed Edra
- Thompson &Thompson. Genetica in Medicina. Ed Edises
Anatomy
Slides provided by the teacher.
- Neuroanatomia di Cinti e Giordano - Edi.Ermes
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.
Medical genetics
- Korf -Irons. Genetica e Genomica Umane. Edi-Ermes
- Neri-Genuardi. Genetica Umana e Medica. Ed Edra
- Thompson &Thompson. Genetica in Medicina. Ed Edises
Anatomy
Slides provided by the teacher.
- Neuroanatomia di Cinti e Giordano - Edi.Ermes
Anatomia umana
Course syllabus
Generalities on the main tissues and organs of the human body and their main morpho-functional characteristics. Anatomical terminology for position and body parts. Liquid compartments, major body cavities, serous membranes, main organs and systems of the human body.
Nervous tissue: morphology and classification of neurons, axonal transport, transduction mechanisms, conduction and transmission of the nerve impulse; neuroglia.
Nervous apparatus and principles of neuroanatomy: definition, composition in organs, functions of different nervous devices. Central nervous system: concise systematic treatment of the organs; internal cavities; cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Notes on the phylogeny of the nervous system.
Constructive principles of the somatosensory and motor pathways. Reflected and integrated answers; somatotopy.
Sensitivity classification and considerations on the morphological basis of pain.
Peripheral nervous system: general information on spinal and cranial nerves; principles of somatic and visceral innervation. General information on sensory organs and systems. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Nervous tissue: morphology and classification of neurons, axonal transport, transduction mechanisms, conduction and transmission of the nerve impulse; neuroglia.
Nervous apparatus and principles of neuroanatomy: definition, composition in organs, functions of different nervous devices. Central nervous system: concise systematic treatment of the organs; internal cavities; cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Notes on the phylogeny of the nervous system.
Constructive principles of the somatosensory and motor pathways. Reflected and integrated answers; somatotopy.
Sensitivity classification and considerations on the morphological basis of pain.
Peripheral nervous system: general information on spinal and cranial nerves; principles of somatic and visceral innervation. General information on sensory organs and systems. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous 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
Biology
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.
Medical genetics
- Korf -Irons. Genetica e Genomica Umane. Edi-Ermes
- Neri-Genuardi. Genetica Umana e Medica. Ed Edra
- Thompson &Thompson. Genetica in Medicina. Ed Edises
Anatomy
Slides provided by the teacher.
- Neuroanatomia di Cinti e Giordano - Edi.Ermes
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.
Medical genetics
- Korf -Irons. Genetica e Genomica Umane. Edi-Ermes
- Neri-Genuardi. Genetica Umana e Medica. Ed Edra
- Thompson &Thompson. Genetica in Medicina. Ed Edises
Anatomy
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, balanced and Robertsonian translocations, deletions, duplications) and related pathologies; cytogenetic analyses of the karyotype
Gene mutations (silent, missense, non-sense, frameshift, splicing); genetic polymorphisms (SNP, microsatellites); DNA sequencing
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
Confounding factors: penetrance, variable expressivity, genetic heterogeneity, de novo germinal and somatic mutations
Atypical mechanisms of inheritance: disorders associated to dynamic mutations; imprinting, mitochondrial and multifactorial diseases
Chromosome structural abnormalities (inversions, balanced and Robertsonian translocations, deletions, duplications) and related pathologies; cytogenetic analyses of the karyotype
Gene mutations (silent, missense, non-sense, frameshift, splicing); genetic polymorphisms (SNP, microsatellites); DNA sequencing
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
Confounding factors: penetrance, variable expressivity, genetic heterogeneity, de novo germinal and somatic mutations
Atypical mechanisms of inheritance: disorders associated to dynamic mutations; imprinting, 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
Biology
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.
Medical genetics
- Korf -Irons. Genetica e Genomica Umane. Edi-Ermes
- Neri-Genuardi. Genetica Umana e Medica. Ed Edra
- Thompson &Thompson. Genetica in Medicina. Ed Edises
Anatomy
Slides provided by the teacher.
- Neuroanatomia di Cinti e Giordano - Edi.Ermes
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.
Medical genetics
- Korf -Irons. Genetica e Genomica Umane. Edi-Ermes
- Neri-Genuardi. Genetica Umana e Medica. Ed Edra
- Thompson &Thompson. Genetica in Medicina. Ed Edises
Anatomy
Slides provided by the teacher.
- Neuroanatomia di Cinti e Giordano - Edi.Ermes
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
Professor(s)