Molecular Biology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing students with the fundamental knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells regulate and control the maintenance and the flow of genetic information. Main experiments useful to achieve current knowledge will be presented. Moreover, whenever possible, applications of the acquired knowledge in the field of medical biotechnology will be mentioned.
At the end of the course, students will have attained a good knowledge of the main molecular biology techniques and the ability to make a correct use of these methodological approaches to theoretically solve specific biological problems.
At the end of the course, students will have attained a good knowledge of the main molecular biology techniques and the ability to make a correct use of these methodological approaches to theoretically solve specific biological problems.
Expected learning outcomes
In-depth knowledge of the main mechanisms of molecular biology (replication, transcription, RNA processing and maturation, protein synthesis and DNA repair) and their regulation.
Knowledge of the main techniques of molecular biology useful in basic and applied research for the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the correct flow of genetic information and its use.
Ability to correctly design simple molecular and cellular biology experiments always including the correct positive and negative controls.
Ability to describe acquired knowledge using a scientifically correct and clear language.
Knowledge of the main techniques of molecular biology useful in basic and applied research for the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the correct flow of genetic information and its use.
Ability to correctly design simple molecular and cellular biology experiments always including the correct positive and negative controls.
Ability to describe acquired knowledge using a scientifically correct and clear language.
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
Course syllabus
Frontal teaching:
Biological macromolecules: structure and function of DNA, RNA, proteins.
Model organisms for molecular biology studies and methods to generate a model.
Main molecular biology techniques for DNA, RNA and protein analysis and their manipulation (nucleic acid hybridization, Southern, Northern and Western blot, in situ hybridization, DNA sequencing, HIC, IP, ChIP, transcriptome analysis, EMSA and footprinting).
DNA topology and topoisomerases.
Chromatin condensation in eukaryotes: structure of nucleosomes and higher levels of condensation.
Epigenetics: basic concepts (DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histones and the hypothesis of the existence of an histone code). Role of epigenetics in human health.
Transcription in prokaryotes: structure of the transcriptional apparatus, promoters and regulation mechanisms.
The transcription cycle.
The lactose and tryptophan operon.
Transcription in eukaryotes: structure of transcriptional systems, promoters and regulation mechanisms. Particular emphasis will be given to class II transcription.
Non-RNA coding: synthesis and function.
Overview of RNA editing.
RNA splicing: molecular mechanisms.
Translation in prokaryotes and an overview on the differences with eukaryotes.
DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Notes on the mechanisms of onset of mutations and DNA repair.
Practical activity:
The students will work in groups of 4/5 students and develop, in a theoretical way, a research project up to the elaboration of a classroom presentation.
Biological macromolecules: structure and function of DNA, RNA, proteins.
Model organisms for molecular biology studies and methods to generate a model.
Main molecular biology techniques for DNA, RNA and protein analysis and their manipulation (nucleic acid hybridization, Southern, Northern and Western blot, in situ hybridization, DNA sequencing, HIC, IP, ChIP, transcriptome analysis, EMSA and footprinting).
DNA topology and topoisomerases.
Chromatin condensation in eukaryotes: structure of nucleosomes and higher levels of condensation.
Epigenetics: basic concepts (DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histones and the hypothesis of the existence of an histone code). Role of epigenetics in human health.
Transcription in prokaryotes: structure of the transcriptional apparatus, promoters and regulation mechanisms.
The transcription cycle.
The lactose and tryptophan operon.
Transcription in eukaryotes: structure of transcriptional systems, promoters and regulation mechanisms. Particular emphasis will be given to class II transcription.
Non-RNA coding: synthesis and function.
Overview of RNA editing.
RNA splicing: molecular mechanisms.
Translation in prokaryotes and an overview on the differences with eukaryotes.
DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Notes on the mechanisms of onset of mutations and DNA repair.
Practical activity:
The students will work in groups of 4/5 students and develop, in a theoretical way, a research project up to the elaboration of a classroom presentation.
Prerequisites for admission
Students must have fulfilled all the prerequisite requirements indicated in the study plan: General and cellular biology, Genetics.
Teaching methods
Most of the course consists of lectures. During the lessons, students are encouraged to try to find experimental strategies useful for solving small scientific problems or for critically analyzing the results of some experiments.
The teaching material consisting of presentations in PDF format that is made available at the end of the lesson on the myAriel platform.
Course attendance is required.
An activity involving practical exercises is also planned, during which an innovative teaching method, Team-Based Learning, is implemented. Students, divided into small groups, are required to theoretically carry out a research project, applying the knowledge acquired during the course and outlining the experimental procedures necessary to solve the scientific problem. In the form of a poster, students must present to their peers and the professor obtained results and the methods used.
The teaching material consisting of presentations in PDF format that is made available at the end of the lesson on the myAriel platform.
Course attendance is required.
An activity involving practical exercises is also planned, during which an innovative teaching method, Team-Based Learning, is implemented. Students, divided into small groups, are required to theoretically carry out a research project, applying the knowledge acquired during the course and outlining the experimental procedures necessary to solve the scientific problem. In the form of a poster, students must present to their peers and the professor obtained results and the methods used.
Teaching Resources
Students are expected to study on at least one molecular biology textbook. Slides used during the lesson will be available on my Ariel.
The teachers recommend one of the following texts (indicated in random order):
1. G. Capranico, E. Martegani, G. Musci, G. Raugei, T. Russo, N. Zambrano, V. Zappavigna Biologia Molecolare. Edito da EdiSES
2. Watson et al. Molecular Biology of the gene.
3. L. Allison Fundamental Molecular Biology
The teachers recommend one of the following texts (indicated in random order):
1. G. Capranico, E. Martegani, G. Musci, G. Raugei, T. Russo, N. Zambrano, V. Zappavigna Biologia Molecolare. Edito da EdiSES
2. Watson et al. Molecular Biology of the gene.
3. L. Allison Fundamental Molecular Biology
Assessment methods and Criteria
The level of learning is assessed only at the end of the course, without any intermediate or preliminary exams. The first three exam sessions consist of a written test lasting one and a half hours, during which students must answer multiple-choice or short-answer questions. For multiple-choice questions, with five possible options, it will be specified whether there is only one or multiple correct answers. The results of the test will be communicated electronically through the official UNIMI platform, and students can accept or reject the grade.For subsequent sessions, the exam is oral. The oral exam is generally organized into two parts. In the first part, students are asked two or three questions aimed at assessing their knowledge of the main topics covered in class (including the exercises). In this phase, the accuracy of language, the ability to organize a linear argument, and overall presentation skills are also evaluated.The second part of the oral exam is typically reserved for students who have demonstrated a good grasp of the subject matter. In this phase, students are asked to solve a specific scientific problem using the molecular biology techniques explained in class. This more complex phase aims to evaluate the student's ability to explore the breadth of molecular biology and its methodological approaches, making diverse use of the concepts learned during the course.In this phase, the student's understanding of how to properly design an experiment—including necessary controls and, when required, appropriate internal standards—is also assessed. The evaluation will be communicated at the end of the exam.
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 8
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 60 hours
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Frasca Angelisa, Landsberger Nicoletta
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment