Nutrition and Life Cycles
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Aim of the course is to provide the biological bases that link eating habits to a person's health conditions and how different eating habits and life styles specifically affect the different phases of the human life cycle.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should have acquired a deep understanding of the nutrition/health relationships, with particular reference to the underlying mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels.
Lesson period: Second 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
Course syllabus
I module: Embryo development and growth: morphological basis, principles and mechanisms. Placenta and development. Development alterations: diet and teratogenic effects. Ipo- and ipervitaminosis during pregnancy. Micronutrients. Oxidative stress, apoptosis and congenital malformations. Pathological status and alimentary disorders, infections during gestation and developmental defects.
II module: Endocrine control of growth and aging. Growth, development, puberty, menopause. Nutrition in pregnancy, in the first year of life, in childhood and adolescence. Hormonal variations during aging. Aging and calcium metabolism. Free radicals, oxidative stress, antioxidants and aging. Nutrition in old age.
II module: Endocrine control of growth and aging. Growth, development, puberty, menopause. Nutrition in pregnancy, in the first year of life, in childhood and adolescence. Hormonal variations during aging. Aging and calcium metabolism. Free radicals, oxidative stress, antioxidants and aging. Nutrition in old age.
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.
Teaching Resources
Menegola et al.: Manuale di Biologia dello Sviluppo Animale. EdiSES.
E. Carbone, F. Cicirata, G. Aicardi Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi ed. Ermes
E.D'angelo, A. Peres Fisiologia. Molecole , cellule e sistemi ed. Ermes
Gilbert- Barresi. Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
Numerous articles related to the various topics will also be proposed.
E. Carbone, F. Cicirata, G. Aicardi Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi ed. Ermes
E.D'angelo, A. Peres Fisiologia. Molecole , cellule e sistemi ed. Ermes
Gilbert- Barresi. Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
Numerous articles related to the various topics will also be proposed.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is designed to verify the achievement of the intended learning outcomes of both course modules, with particular reference to the Dublin Descriptors concerning knowledge and understanding, applying knowledge and understanding, making judgements, and communication skills.
Module I
Assessment consists of an oral examination designed to evaluate:
knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts covered in the module (Dublin Descriptor 1);
the ability to apply acquired knowledge to the critical interpretation of the scientific literature (Dublin Descriptor 2);
independent judgement in the analysis and discussion of experimental findings and in the critical evaluation of scientific articles (Dublin Descriptor 3);
the ability to present and discuss scientific topics using appropriate scientific terminology, with clarity of expression and effective synthesis (Dublin Descriptor 4).
Students are required to prepare two scientific articles, selected either from those provided by the instructor and made available on the Ariel platform or agreed upon in advance with the instructor. During the oral examination, students will answer open-ended questions on the course topics and will be asked to present, analyse, and critically discuss the selected articles.
The overall assessment will take into account the student's mastery of the course content, ability to integrate acquired knowledge, independent critical evaluation of the scientific literature, and appropriate use of scientific terminology.
The final mark for Module I is expressed on a 30-point scale. The examination is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30.
Module II
Assessment consists of either a written examination (2 hours) with open-ended questions or, if required for organizational or safety reasons, an oral examination.
The examination includes three questions, one of which requires a more detailed and comprehensive answer, and is designed to assess:
knowledge and understanding of the module contents (Dublin Descriptor 1);
the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to the interpretation of the biological processes covered in the course (Dublin Descriptor 2);
the ability to critically integrate the different topics addressed during the course by establishing coherent and well-reasoned connections (Dublin Descriptor 3);
the appropriate use of scientific terminology, clarity of presentation, and the ability to synthesize complex concepts (Dublin Descriptor 4).
Assessment is based on the completeness and accuracy of the answers, the ability to establish connections among the different topics, and the appropriate use of discipline-specific terminology.
The final mark for Module II is expressed on a 30-point scale. The examination is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30. The results of the written examination will be communicated by e-mail.
Final assessment
The final grade for the course is expressed on a 30-point scale and is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the marks obtained in the two modules.
Module I
Assessment consists of an oral examination designed to evaluate:
knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts covered in the module (Dublin Descriptor 1);
the ability to apply acquired knowledge to the critical interpretation of the scientific literature (Dublin Descriptor 2);
independent judgement in the analysis and discussion of experimental findings and in the critical evaluation of scientific articles (Dublin Descriptor 3);
the ability to present and discuss scientific topics using appropriate scientific terminology, with clarity of expression and effective synthesis (Dublin Descriptor 4).
Students are required to prepare two scientific articles, selected either from those provided by the instructor and made available on the Ariel platform or agreed upon in advance with the instructor. During the oral examination, students will answer open-ended questions on the course topics and will be asked to present, analyse, and critically discuss the selected articles.
The overall assessment will take into account the student's mastery of the course content, ability to integrate acquired knowledge, independent critical evaluation of the scientific literature, and appropriate use of scientific terminology.
The final mark for Module I is expressed on a 30-point scale. The examination is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30.
Module II
Assessment consists of either a written examination (2 hours) with open-ended questions or, if required for organizational or safety reasons, an oral examination.
The examination includes three questions, one of which requires a more detailed and comprehensive answer, and is designed to assess:
knowledge and understanding of the module contents (Dublin Descriptor 1);
the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to the interpretation of the biological processes covered in the course (Dublin Descriptor 2);
the ability to critically integrate the different topics addressed during the course by establishing coherent and well-reasoned connections (Dublin Descriptor 3);
the appropriate use of scientific terminology, clarity of presentation, and the ability to synthesize complex concepts (Dublin Descriptor 4).
Assessment is based on the completeness and accuracy of the answers, the ability to establish connections among the different topics, and the appropriate use of discipline-specific terminology.
The final mark for Module II is expressed on a 30-point scale. The examination is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30. The results of the written examination will be communicated by e-mail.
Final assessment
The final grade for the course is expressed on a 30-point scale and is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the marks obtained in the two modules.
BIOS-04/A - Comparative Anatomy, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Menegola Elena, Porta Cristina
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment via email
online (Teams) or in presence, as agreed via mail