Biology with Elements of Microbiology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of the fundamental characteristics of animal cell biology and microorganisms, giving them a general understanding of the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell functions: metabolism and the flow of genetic information (the gene and the genome, DNA replication, transcription, and translation). Students will be provided with insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cell proliferation, cell-to-cell communication, asexual and sexual reproduction, and the principles of heredity (Mendelian genetics). Students will also be provided with fundamental knowledge about the characteristics of the main microbiological agents that can cause harm to humans if present in drugs as contaminating agents.
The knowledge provided by this course aims to prepare students to face the biological course of the following years and to understand the impact of microbiological agents on the safety of the finished natural product (from raw materials to packaging).
The knowledge provided by this course aims to prepare students to face the biological course of the following years and to understand the impact of microbiological agents on the safety of the finished natural product (from raw materials to packaging).
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
-describe the main biological characteristics of animal cells (Eukaryotes) and microorganisms (prokaryotes).
- describe the biological functions of animal cells: cell membrane, enzymes, cytoplasmic organelles, cellular metabolism, flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins, , cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, intercellular communications, mitosis and meiosis, asexual/sexual reproduction, and principles of heredity (Mendelian laws).
- describe basic concepts of microbiology, including aspects such as microbial ecology and evolution, structure and function of prokaryotic cells, diversity, and classification of microorganisms, understanding the basic principles of virology, the role of microorganisms in the environment-animal-human interface, the impact of microorganisms on product safety.
- use specific biological language to communicate acquired knowledge.
-describe the main biological characteristics of animal cells (Eukaryotes) and microorganisms (prokaryotes).
- describe the biological functions of animal cells: cell membrane, enzymes, cytoplasmic organelles, cellular metabolism, flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins, , cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, intercellular communications, mitosis and meiosis, asexual/sexual reproduction, and principles of heredity (Mendelian laws).
- describe basic concepts of microbiology, including aspects such as microbial ecology and evolution, structure and function of prokaryotic cells, diversity, and classification of microorganisms, understanding the basic principles of virology, the role of microorganisms in the environment-animal-human interface, the impact of microorganisms on product safety.
- use specific biological language to communicate acquired knowledge.
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
Program for attending and not attending students.
Biology
1. Introduction to the study of biology; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; unicellular and multicellular organisms
2. The chemical bases of life; chemical bonds, inorganic and organic components; functional groups in biological molecules
3. Biological macromolecules: sugars, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins
4. Structure and function of biological membranes
5. Transport mechanisms across plasma membrane
6. The role of enzymes as biological catalysts
7. Energy and metabolism: glycolysis
8. Energy and metabolism: oxidative phosphorylation and cellular respiration (the mitochondrion)
9. The nucleus: DNA and chromatin organization
10. DNA replication - Repair of replication errors
11. Elements of human genetics
12. Transcription and RNA maturation - Structure and functions of RNA
13. Protein synthesis - Translation of RNA and genetic code
14. The control of gene expression
15. The endomembrane system and protein sorting; vesicular traffic: endocytosis and exocytosis
16. The cytoskeleton and cellular motility
17. Cell communication and signalling
18. The extracellular matrix, cell-cell interactions, cellular junctions
19. The cell cycle and its control: mitosis
20. Meiosis; gametogenesis and fertilization
Microbiology
1. Introduction to microbiology (Microbial ecology and evolution - Microbiology and its history - Origin of life and early stages of microbial evolution)
2. Structure and function of prokaryotic cells (Comparison between the cells of Eukaryotes, Bacteria, Archea)
3. Diversity and classification of microorganisms
4. Elements of genetics and genomics of microorganisms
5. Microorganisms in the environment-animal-human interface
6. Symbiosis and host-parasite relationship
7. Microbial alterations
8. The concept of hygiene, contamination and safety in the production and maintenance of products of natural origin.
Biology
1. Introduction to the study of biology; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; unicellular and multicellular organisms
2. The chemical bases of life; chemical bonds, inorganic and organic components; functional groups in biological molecules
3. Biological macromolecules: sugars, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins
4. Structure and function of biological membranes
5. Transport mechanisms across plasma membrane
6. The role of enzymes as biological catalysts
7. Energy and metabolism: glycolysis
8. Energy and metabolism: oxidative phosphorylation and cellular respiration (the mitochondrion)
9. The nucleus: DNA and chromatin organization
10. DNA replication - Repair of replication errors
11. Elements of human genetics
12. Transcription and RNA maturation - Structure and functions of RNA
13. Protein synthesis - Translation of RNA and genetic code
14. The control of gene expression
15. The endomembrane system and protein sorting; vesicular traffic: endocytosis and exocytosis
16. The cytoskeleton and cellular motility
17. Cell communication and signalling
18. The extracellular matrix, cell-cell interactions, cellular junctions
19. The cell cycle and its control: mitosis
20. Meiosis; gametogenesis and fertilization
Microbiology
1. Introduction to microbiology (Microbial ecology and evolution - Microbiology and its history - Origin of life and early stages of microbial evolution)
2. Structure and function of prokaryotic cells (Comparison between the cells of Eukaryotes, Bacteria, Archea)
3. Diversity and classification of microorganisms
4. Elements of genetics and genomics of microorganisms
5. Microorganisms in the environment-animal-human interface
6. Symbiosis and host-parasite relationship
7. Microbial alterations
8. The concept of hygiene, contamination and safety in the production and maintenance of products of natural origin.
Prerequisites for admission
There are not specific prerequisites other than those required for the access to the course.
Teaching methods
The course includes in-person classroom lectures and online activities (both synchronous and asynchronous). The course will utilize active and interactive methods, favoring student engagement and group activities.
Teaching Resources
Recommended textbooks
Biology:
- L' Essenziale di Biologia Molecolare della Cellula - Alberts et al. - V edizione, 2020 - Zanichelli editore
- La Cellula. Un Approccio Molecolare - Cooper GM, Hausman RE - IV edizione, 2022 - PICCIN editore
Elements of microbiology:
- Brock - Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale - Michael T. Madigan, Kelly S. Bender, Daniel H. Buckley, David A. Stahl, W. Matthew Sattley - XVI edizione, 2022 - Pearson
- Biologia dei Microrganismi - Gianni Dehò Enrica Galli - III edizione, 2019 - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Distribuzione esclusiva Zanichelli
Additional textbooks
Biology:
- Il mondo della cellula - Hardin, Becker, Lodolce - X edizione, 2022 - Pearson
The slides presented during the lectures will be available on the myARIEL platform.
Biology:
- L' Essenziale di Biologia Molecolare della Cellula - Alberts et al. - V edizione, 2020 - Zanichelli editore
- La Cellula. Un Approccio Molecolare - Cooper GM, Hausman RE - IV edizione, 2022 - PICCIN editore
Elements of microbiology:
- Brock - Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale - Michael T. Madigan, Kelly S. Bender, Daniel H. Buckley, David A. Stahl, W. Matthew Sattley - XVI edizione, 2022 - Pearson
- Biologia dei Microrganismi - Gianni Dehò Enrica Galli - III edizione, 2019 - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Distribuzione esclusiva Zanichelli
Additional textbooks
Biology:
- Il mondo della cellula - Hardin, Becker, Lodolce - X edizione, 2022 - Pearson
The slides presented during the lectures will be available on the myARIEL platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam for both attending and non-attending students is divided into two parts and will cover the topics addressed during the lectures.
The assessment of the biology section (5 ECTS) will be conducted through an oral exam in the form of an interview. The oral exam consists of two or three questions on various topics. Students must demonstrate that they have acquired basic knowledge of biology, particularly the main characteristics of animal (eukaryotic) cells. Specifically, they must show a solid understanding of the following topics: cell membranes, enzymes, cytoplasmic organelles, cellular metabolism, the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins, cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, intercellular communication, mitosis and meiosis, asexual/sexual reproduction, and the basics of human genetics.
Students must demonstrate the ability to use precise and specific biological terminology to communicate their acquired knowledge in the field of biology.
The presentation and organization of responses will allow the instructor to assess the depth of the student's study and their ability to use appropriate terminology and language for the subject.
The assessment of the microbiology section (3 ECTS) will be conducted through a written test in the form of a multiple-choice test (4 options with 1 correct answer). The written test consists of twenty questions on various topics. Students must demonstrate that they have acquired basic knowledge of microbiology. Specifically, they must show a solid understanding of the following topics: microbial ecology and evolution, the structure and function of prokaryotic cells, the diversity and classification of microorganisms, viruses and their main characteristics, the role of microorganisms at the environment-animal-human interface, symbiosis and parasitism, hygiene, and the impact of microorganisms on product safety.
The evaluation of the oral exam will be on a scale of values: minimum (18-23/30) if sufficient preparation is demonstrated; intermediate (24-27/30) if the student shows a good knowledge of all the topics covered in the exam; high (28-30/30) if the student shows excellent knowledge of all the topics covered in the exam and excellent presentation skills. A grade of distinction (lode) will be awarded if the student also demonstrates an ability to delve deeper into the subject.
The evaluation of the written test will be expressed out of thirty, with each correct answer being worth 1,5 points.
The final grade will be the weighted average of the two exams and will be subject to acceptance by the candidate.
The assessment of the biology section (5 ECTS) will be conducted through an oral exam in the form of an interview. The oral exam consists of two or three questions on various topics. Students must demonstrate that they have acquired basic knowledge of biology, particularly the main characteristics of animal (eukaryotic) cells. Specifically, they must show a solid understanding of the following topics: cell membranes, enzymes, cytoplasmic organelles, cellular metabolism, the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins, cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, intercellular communication, mitosis and meiosis, asexual/sexual reproduction, and the basics of human genetics.
Students must demonstrate the ability to use precise and specific biological terminology to communicate their acquired knowledge in the field of biology.
The presentation and organization of responses will allow the instructor to assess the depth of the student's study and their ability to use appropriate terminology and language for the subject.
The assessment of the microbiology section (3 ECTS) will be conducted through a written test in the form of a multiple-choice test (4 options with 1 correct answer). The written test consists of twenty questions on various topics. Students must demonstrate that they have acquired basic knowledge of microbiology. Specifically, they must show a solid understanding of the following topics: microbial ecology and evolution, the structure and function of prokaryotic cells, the diversity and classification of microorganisms, viruses and their main characteristics, the role of microorganisms at the environment-animal-human interface, symbiosis and parasitism, hygiene, and the impact of microorganisms on product safety.
The evaluation of the oral exam will be on a scale of values: minimum (18-23/30) if sufficient preparation is demonstrated; intermediate (24-27/30) if the student shows a good knowledge of all the topics covered in the exam; high (28-30/30) if the student shows excellent knowledge of all the topics covered in the exam and excellent presentation skills. A grade of distinction (lode) will be awarded if the student also demonstrates an ability to delve deeper into the subject.
The evaluation of the written test will be expressed out of thirty, with each correct answer being worth 1,5 points.
The final grade will be the weighted average of the two exams and will be subject to acceptance by the candidate.
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 5
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 3
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 64 hours
Professors:
Cristofani Riccardo Maria, Nodari Riccardo
Professor(s)