General and Cellular Biology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the fundamentals of modern biology, with a particular focus on the organization and evolution of living organisms, the structure and function of biological macromolecules, gene expression mechanisms, cellular interactions with the external environment, and the principles of metabolism, reproduction, and cellular communication. Additionally, the course offers an overview of the methodological approaches that have led to major biological discoveries, emphasizing the importance of the scientific method not only for experimental research but also as a tool for critically and rationally addressing life's challenges.
Through theoretical lessons and practical exercises, the course establishes the essential foundation on which the rest of the academic path will be built, fostering the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to continue studies in the biological and biomedical fields, in line with the educational objectives of the degree program.
Through theoretical lessons and practical exercises, the course establishes the essential foundation on which the rest of the academic path will be built, fostering the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to continue studies in the biological and biomedical fields, in line with the educational objectives of the degree program.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, ranging from the classification of living organisms to the molecular and cellular processes that regulate life. They will be able to apply this knowledge to interpret biological phenomena and analyze them critically. Through practical exercises and guided discussions, students will develop judgment and scientific communication skills, learning to present concepts clearly and comprehensibly. Finally, by being introduced to the scientific method, they will acquire the first tools necessary to continue studying biological and biomedical disciplines with a critical and rational approach.
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
Classification of living organisms. Division into Kingdoms: Bacteria, Archaeologists, Protists, Mushrooms, Plants and Animals. Biodiversity and the origin of life.
Chemical composition of living matter. Biological macromolecules. Structure and functions of proteins. Structure and functions of nucleic acids.
DNA as hereditary material. General information on the structure of the eukaryotic gene. From genes to proteins: transcription and translation.
Energy and metabolism. Chemo-autotrophic, photo-autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Enzymes: nature and properties. The concept of the metabolic pathway.
The eukaryotic cell and its compartmentalization. Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Structure and functions of the eukaryotic cell. Notes on the study methods of cells and tissues. The nucleus. Chromatin and chromosomes. The endomembrane system and intracellular compartments. The cytoskeleton. The mitochondrion. Lysosomes and peroxisomes. The extracellular matrix. Composition, structure and role of the plasma membrane. Transport through the membrane. Intercellular junctions and the organization of cells in tissues. Interaction of organisms with the external environment. Cellular communication mechanisms.
Reproduction of cells and organisms. Asexual, sexual reproduction and its evolutionary importance. The cell cycle and notes on its control. Mechanisms of programmed cell death: apoptosis. Uncontrolled cell proliferation: cancer.
Comparison between somatic and germ cells through the processes of mitotic and meiotic division. General information on the mechanisms of fertilization and the early stages of embryonic development.
The course includes four exercises:
1. A classroom exercise on the fundamental Meselson and Stahl experiment to understand the process of DNA replication. Students will have the opportunity to perform practical simulations and discuss the results.
2. A classroom exercise introducing students to the fundamental principles of optical and fluorescence microscopy.
3. A laboratory exercise for an introduction to the biological laboratory where students will be guided through safety procedures, the handling of biological samples, and the basics of laboratory experimentation.
4. A laboratory exercise that will allow students to observe, count, and culture live cells using phase-contrast microscopy, as well as examine histological preparations using optical microscopy.
Chemical composition of living matter. Biological macromolecules. Structure and functions of proteins. Structure and functions of nucleic acids.
DNA as hereditary material. General information on the structure of the eukaryotic gene. From genes to proteins: transcription and translation.
Energy and metabolism. Chemo-autotrophic, photo-autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Enzymes: nature and properties. The concept of the metabolic pathway.
The eukaryotic cell and its compartmentalization. Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Structure and functions of the eukaryotic cell. Notes on the study methods of cells and tissues. The nucleus. Chromatin and chromosomes. The endomembrane system and intracellular compartments. The cytoskeleton. The mitochondrion. Lysosomes and peroxisomes. The extracellular matrix. Composition, structure and role of the plasma membrane. Transport through the membrane. Intercellular junctions and the organization of cells in tissues. Interaction of organisms with the external environment. Cellular communication mechanisms.
Reproduction of cells and organisms. Asexual, sexual reproduction and its evolutionary importance. The cell cycle and notes on its control. Mechanisms of programmed cell death: apoptosis. Uncontrolled cell proliferation: cancer.
Comparison between somatic and germ cells through the processes of mitotic and meiotic division. General information on the mechanisms of fertilization and the early stages of embryonic development.
The course includes four exercises:
1. A classroom exercise on the fundamental Meselson and Stahl experiment to understand the process of DNA replication. Students will have the opportunity to perform practical simulations and discuss the results.
2. A classroom exercise introducing students to the fundamental principles of optical and fluorescence microscopy.
3. A laboratory exercise for an introduction to the biological laboratory where students will be guided through safety procedures, the handling of biological samples, and the basics of laboratory experimentation.
4. A laboratory exercise that will allow students to observe, count, and culture live cells using phase-contrast microscopy, as well as examine histological preparations using optical microscopy.
Prerequisites for admission
As this is a first-year, first-semester course, there are no specific prerequisites beyond those required for admission to the degree program
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures and practical exercises. All teaching materials are uploaded to the MyAriel platform and made available to students. These include PDFs of the lectures given in class, links to electronic books, and videos shown during lessons.
Teaching Resources
Becker W.M., Kleinsmith L.J., Hardin J. Gregory G.P, Il mondo della cellula, Pearson.
Alberts B., Johnson A., Lewis J., Raff M., Roberts K., Walter P., L'essenziale di Biologia molecolare della cellula, Zanichelli
Alberts B., Johnson A., Lewis J., Raff M., Roberts K., Walter P., L'essenziale di Biologia molecolare della cellula, Zanichelli
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment consists of a written test with 33 multiple-choice questions covering the entire program, designed to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of the topics discussed. Students who pass the written test proceed to an oral exam, where their mastery of the subject matter is further assessed, along with their communication skills, critical thinking, reasoning abilities, and capacity to connect different topics. Particular attention is given to the ability to integrate detailed knowledge into a broader and more coherent understanding.
This holistic approach is encouraged throughout the course, with in-class activities aimed at helping students transition from a detailed analysis of individual topics to a comprehensive understanding, fostering the ability to identify cross-disciplinary connections.
The final grade is generally calculated as an average, with the written exam accounting for approximately 40% and the oral exam 60%. However, both parts must be passed to obtain a final grade.
This holistic approach is encouraged throughout the course, with in-class activities aimed at helping students transition from a detailed analysis of individual topics to a comprehensive understanding, fostering the ability to identify cross-disciplinary connections.
The final grade is generally calculated as an average, with the written exam accounting for approximately 40% and the oral exam 60%. However, both parts must be passed to obtain a final grade.
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 7
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 52 hours
Lessons: 52 hours
Professor:
Battaglioli Elena
Professor(s)
Reception:
Appointment upon request
Dept. Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate