Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course, in line with the educational objectives of the degree program, aims to provide students with a general understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of diseases in humans, as well as the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying their onset, while familiarizing them with the terminology of the subject. Additionally, the course seeks to equip students with the tools necessary to understand the biological defense mechanisms and pathological processes of the immune system, with a focus on molecular and biotechnological aspects.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will have the tools to understand, develop, and apply the fundamental concepts of the main mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. The student will be able to integrate molecular and cellular biology competences acquired previously and during the course into the study of general pathology and immunology.
The integration of pathology and immunology will enable the student to understand the role of the immune system in supporting or undermining the human health. Furthermore, the student will develop the ability to communicate his/her knowledge using clear and precise scientific language. These skills will be essential for discussing and critically evaluating findings related to biological issues in pathological research.
Finally, journal club sessions will introduce the student to the world of scientific research, providing an opportunity to refine the ability of critical reading, presentation, and discussion skills related to scientific data.
The integration of pathology and immunology will enable the student to understand the role of the immune system in supporting or undermining the human health. Furthermore, the student will develop the ability to communicate his/her knowledge using clear and precise scientific language. These skills will be essential for discussing and critically evaluating findings related to biological issues in pathological research.
Finally, journal club sessions will introduce the student to the world of scientific research, providing an opportunity to refine the ability of critical reading, presentation, and discussion skills related to scientific data.
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
Prerequisites for admission
Students must have fulfilled all the prerequisite requirements indicated in the study plan: General and cellular biology, Genetics.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written and oral test
Passing the written test is compulsory for the admission to the oral test
The written test (2 hours) consists of 30 questions (15 for each module) including:
1) multiple choice questions (60%-70 %);
2) short-answer questions (15-20 %);
3) exercises regarding the topics dealt with in practical laboratory classes (15-20 %) (the calculator is allowed).
Each question/exercise achieves 1 point. The test is passed if the score is ≥ 18
The oral consists of 3/4 questions on the course program (lectures and laboratory practice).
Both tests aim to evaluate that the student has theoretical and practical knowledge on the main cellular and molecular methodologies for the separation and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids, and the basic skills to correctly describe and apply the fundamental biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology techniques dealt with in the laboratory experience.
The total course score is the sum of the scores obtained in the written and the oral test (± 4 points). If the exam is not passed, the student will have to take both the written and oral exam.
Passing the written test is compulsory for the admission to the oral test
The written test (2 hours) consists of 30 questions (15 for each module) including:
1) multiple choice questions (60%-70 %);
2) short-answer questions (15-20 %);
3) exercises regarding the topics dealt with in practical laboratory classes (15-20 %) (the calculator is allowed).
Each question/exercise achieves 1 point. The test is passed if the score is ≥ 18
The oral consists of 3/4 questions on the course program (lectures and laboratory practice).
Both tests aim to evaluate that the student has theoretical and practical knowledge on the main cellular and molecular methodologies for the separation and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids, and the basic skills to correctly describe and apply the fundamental biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology techniques dealt with in the laboratory experience.
The total course score is the sum of the scores obtained in the written and the oral test (± 4 points). If the exam is not passed, the student will have to take both the written and oral exam.
Cellular methodologies
Course syllabus
Cellular experimental systems: methods in bacterial and animal cell cultures (principles, techniques, and applications).
Cell-based DNA cloning: principles of cell-based molecular cloning, use of restriction endonuclease enzymes, ligation, cloning vectors, transformation, screening of colonies.
Methods for gene cloning and expression: factors affecting gene expression, expression vectors , cellular systems for gene expression (bacteria , yeast, mammalian cells ), markers and signals, mutagenesis.
Gene knockdown methods in cell systems: gene silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), morpholino oligonucleotides.
Cell-based DNA cloning: principles of cell-based molecular cloning, use of restriction endonuclease enzymes, ligation, cloning vectors, transformation, screening of colonies.
Methods for gene cloning and expression: factors affecting gene expression, expression vectors , cellular systems for gene expression (bacteria , yeast, mammalian cells ), markers and signals, mutagenesis.
Gene knockdown methods in cell systems: gene silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), morpholino oligonucleotides.
Teaching methods
The teachers will use: a) Frontal lessons (3 CFU); b): individual and/or small group experimental activity in multidisciplinary laboratories (2CFU).
The teachers will use the Ariel platform to provide the teaching material consisting of: a) copy of the power point presentations used in the lectures; b) handouts with the explanation of the experimental procedures for the laboratory activity; c) video tutorial links of the main techniques and methodologies used in the laboratory experimental activity; d) copy of the technical and safety data sheets of the reagents used in the laboratory experimental activity.
Attendance to lectures and laboratory activities is compulsory.
The teachers will use the Ariel platform to provide the teaching material consisting of: a) copy of the power point presentations used in the lectures; b) handouts with the explanation of the experimental procedures for the laboratory activity; c) video tutorial links of the main techniques and methodologies used in the laboratory experimental activity; d) copy of the technical and safety data sheets of the reagents used in the laboratory experimental activity.
Attendance to lectures and laboratory activities is compulsory.
Teaching Resources
Dai geni ai genomi -Principi e applicazioni della tecnologia del DNA ricombinante
Jeremy W. Dale, Malcom von Schantz and Nick Plant, Copyright © 2013 EdiSES
PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES
R.Reed, D.Holmes, J.Weyers, A.Jones, Pearson 6th Ed 2022
Jeremy W. Dale, Malcom von Schantz and Nick Plant, Copyright © 2013 EdiSES
PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES
R.Reed, D.Holmes, J.Weyers, A.Jones, Pearson 6th Ed 2022
Molecular methodologies
Course syllabus
Fundamental laboratory techniques: overview and principles of centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis and spectrophotometry.
Protein purification: introduction and basic principles; protein quantification methods to determine protein concentration. Analysis of proteins by gel- electrophoresis and blotting.
Methods for determination of enzyme activity: general principles of enzymatic assays.
Extraction, purification and quantification of nucleic acids.
Analysis of nucleic acids by gel-electrophoresis and blotting.
cDNA and genomic libraries, library screening methods.
Molecular cloning using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology: principles of the PCR method, optimization, primer design, troubleshooting; cloning of PCR products, types of PCR (Long-Range PCR, RT-PCR, quantitative PCR or 'Real-Time'), applications of PCR.
Analysis of gene expression: Northern blot, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, reporter genes, promoters, DNA-binding proteins, transcriptome analysis.
Protein purification: introduction and basic principles; protein quantification methods to determine protein concentration. Analysis of proteins by gel- electrophoresis and blotting.
Methods for determination of enzyme activity: general principles of enzymatic assays.
Extraction, purification and quantification of nucleic acids.
Analysis of nucleic acids by gel-electrophoresis and blotting.
cDNA and genomic libraries, library screening methods.
Molecular cloning using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology: principles of the PCR method, optimization, primer design, troubleshooting; cloning of PCR products, types of PCR (Long-Range PCR, RT-PCR, quantitative PCR or 'Real-Time'), applications of PCR.
Analysis of gene expression: Northern blot, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, reporter genes, promoters, DNA-binding proteins, transcriptome analysis.
Teaching methods
The teachers will use: a) Frontal lessons (2 CFU); b): individual and/or small group experimental activity in multidisciplinary laboratories (3 CFU).
The teachers will use the Ariel platform to provide the teaching material consisting of: a) copy of the power point presentations used in the lectures; b) handouts of the experimental procedures of the laboratory activity; c) video tutorial links of the main techniques and methodologies used in the laboratory experimental activity; d) copy of the technical and safety data sheets of the reagents used in the laboratory experimental activity.
Attendance to lectures and laboratory activities is compulsory.
The teachers will use the Ariel platform to provide the teaching material consisting of: a) copy of the power point presentations used in the lectures; b) handouts of the experimental procedures of the laboratory activity; c) video tutorial links of the main techniques and methodologies used in the laboratory experimental activity; d) copy of the technical and safety data sheets of the reagents used in the laboratory experimental activity.
Attendance to lectures and laboratory activities is compulsory.
Teaching Resources
Dai geni ai genomi -Principi e applicazioni della tecnologia del DNA ricombinante
Jeremy W. Dale, Malcom von Schantz and Nick Plant, Copyright © 2013 EdiSES
PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES
R.Reed, D.Holmes, J.Weyers, A.Jones, Pearson 6th Ed 2022
Jeremy W. Dale, Malcom von Schantz and Nick Plant, Copyright © 2013 EdiSES
PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES
R.Reed, D.Holmes, J.Weyers, A.Jones, Pearson 6th Ed 2022
Cellular methodologies
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 5
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professors:
Pistocchi Anna Silvia, Venturin Marco
Molecular methodologies
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 5
Practicals: 48 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Aureli Massimo, Bassi Rosaria
Professor(s)
Reception:
to be scheduled, please email me for additional information
LITA, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Segrate, MI