Foundations of Biology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to give the student the basis of life organization at the level of molecules, cells, tissues, organisms, and the principal concepts of developmental biology and environmental related evolutionary developmental biology.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will acquire the basic knowledge of general biology and will be able to understand the various notions in a transversal way, in order to use knowledge and understanding in a critical way in the courses they will provide in the following years and whenever it is necessary critical analysis of biota and its interactions with both biotic and abiotic environments. The transversal approach of the topics applied to practical topics is managed by the student of activities competences that must be used in the future study and in the future work activity.
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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Basics of biology: life characterizing molecules and structures. Carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins: structure and functions. The cell and its role as functional unit. Virus, prokaryote and eukaryote basic organization. Hints on eukaryote diversity: protists, fungi, animals and plants.
Membranes, cytoskeleton and cell organelles: structure and functions.
Hints on living- environment relationships: nutrients, energy, homeostasis.
Genetic and epigenetic basis of the phenotypic heredity. Genetic code and chromatin. From DNA code to proteins. Epigenetic regulation of transcription. Translation control and microRNA. Post translational protein modification.
Cell cycle. Mitosis, meiosis. Differential genetic expression and differentiation in relation to the environment.
Hints on developmental biology and developmental evolutionary biology related to the environment.
Membranes, cytoskeleton and cell organelles: structure and functions.
Hints on living- environment relationships: nutrients, energy, homeostasis.
Genetic and epigenetic basis of the phenotypic heredity. Genetic code and chromatin. From DNA code to proteins. Epigenetic regulation of transcription. Translation control and microRNA. Post translational protein modification.
Cell cycle. Mitosis, meiosis. Differential genetic expression and differentiation in relation to the environment.
Hints on developmental biology and developmental evolutionary biology related to the environment.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific knowledge requested even if a good comprehension of the basic scientific language is essential.
Teaching methods
Lectures, practical exercises, moments of discussion on topical issues related to biology.
Teaching Resources
Solomon et al., Biology, Cengage Learning
Pawlina and Ross, Histology, Wolters Kluwer Health
Gilbert- Barresi. Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
Pawlina and Ross, Histology, Wolters Kluwer Health
Gilbert- Barresi. Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written examination (2 hours) followed, upon successful completion, by an oral examination.
The written examination consists of open-ended questions structured as follows:
5 short-answer questions (overall, approximately one A4 page), designed to assess knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the course (Dublin Descriptor 1);
2 questions requiring either problem-solving or medium-length answers (overall, approximately one A4 page), aimed at assessing the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to the interpretation of biological data, structures, and processes, as well as the ability to establish connections among the different topics covered in the course (Dublin Descriptor 2);
1 essay question (overall, 1-2 A4 pages), designed to evaluate the student's ability to produce a critical and integrated synthesis of the course topics, demonstrating independent judgement in the organization of knowledge and scientific reasoning (Dublin Descriptors 3 and 4).
The oral examination includes theoretical questions covering both the topics addressed in the written examination and other course contents, as well as a practical test requiring the description and identification of a histological specimen under the microscope. The oral examination is intended to assess the student's mastery of the acquired knowledge, the ability to apply it to the interpretation of histological specimens, independent judgement in the analysis of microscopic preparations, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology (Dublin Descriptors 2, 3 and 4).
The overall assessment takes into account the student's knowledge and understanding of the course contents, the ability to critically integrate and relate the topics covered, the appropriate use of scientific language, clarity of presentation, and the ability to synthesize complex concepts.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. A minimum score of 16/30 in the written examination is required to be admitted to the oral examination. The examination is passed with a final grade of at least 18/30.
Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or disabilities may request the compensatory measures and accommodations approved by the University's competent office, provided that the request is submitted within the deadlines established by the University regulations.
For justified organizational or safety reasons, the examination may be conducted exclusively as an oral examination.
Examination results will be communicated through the University of Milan's online examination registration and grading system.
The written examination consists of open-ended questions structured as follows:
5 short-answer questions (overall, approximately one A4 page), designed to assess knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the course (Dublin Descriptor 1);
2 questions requiring either problem-solving or medium-length answers (overall, approximately one A4 page), aimed at assessing the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to the interpretation of biological data, structures, and processes, as well as the ability to establish connections among the different topics covered in the course (Dublin Descriptor 2);
1 essay question (overall, 1-2 A4 pages), designed to evaluate the student's ability to produce a critical and integrated synthesis of the course topics, demonstrating independent judgement in the organization of knowledge and scientific reasoning (Dublin Descriptors 3 and 4).
The oral examination includes theoretical questions covering both the topics addressed in the written examination and other course contents, as well as a practical test requiring the description and identification of a histological specimen under the microscope. The oral examination is intended to assess the student's mastery of the acquired knowledge, the ability to apply it to the interpretation of histological specimens, independent judgement in the analysis of microscopic preparations, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology (Dublin Descriptors 2, 3 and 4).
The overall assessment takes into account the student's knowledge and understanding of the course contents, the ability to critically integrate and relate the topics covered, the appropriate use of scientific language, clarity of presentation, and the ability to synthesize complex concepts.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. A minimum score of 16/30 in the written examination is required to be admitted to the oral examination. The examination is passed with a final grade of at least 18/30.
Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or disabilities may request the compensatory measures and accommodations approved by the University's competent office, provided that the request is submitted within the deadlines established by the University regulations.
For justified organizational or safety reasons, the examination may be conducted exclusively as an oral examination.
Examination results will be communicated through the University of Milan's online examination registration and grading system.
BIOS-04/A - Comparative Anatomy, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology - University credits: 9
Exercises: 32 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Professor:
Menegola Elena
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment via email
online (Teams) or in presence, as agreed via mail