Ateneo - UPO

module FA0429 - Molecular Biology (first semester): particular emphasis will be placed on the study of the molecular phenomena underlying the correct flow of information within the cell and on how this knowledge is used in basic and applied research in the medical and biotechnological fields. The exercises and laboratory experiences scheduled (modules FA0454 and FA0455, second semester) will mainly serve to consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired (also from other courses), by focusing on the use of techniques for the study of cell biology and protein analysis.

Module FA0429: Nancy Craig et al. Molecular Biology: Principles of Genome Function. Oxford University Press 2021. Reviews and full-text articles suggested by the lecturer. The presentations used during the lectures will be made available to students at the end of the lectures and should be considered a guide for studying the recommended texts and a starting point for further study. Modules ‘FA0454-Biochemical Techniques for the Study of Recombinant Proteins’ and ‘FA0455-Applied Biological Techniques with Laboratory’: the material (scientific articles and audio/video material) will be suggested and/or provided by the lecturers.

Taken as a whole, the objective of the ‘FA0428 - Molecular Biology and experimental cell techniques’ is two-fold: 1) to provide an up-to-date overview of a discipline, ‘Molecular Biology’, which, perhaps more than others, represents an area of integration of knowledge and expertise in the broad field of Life Sciences, and 2) to let students understand the importance of rigorous experimentation, based on biochemical and biological techniques applied to diagnostic and research purposes.

Knowledge of general and cellular biology and of the chemistry and biochemistry of macromolecules.

Several teaching methods and strategies will be used to facilitate learning. These methods include standard lectures, as well as group work, discussions and laboratory activities. Students will be guided in consulting publicly accessible databases for the study and analysis of biological macromolecules.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Written exam. 2 options. A: a partial exam for the module “FA0429 - Molecular Biology”, February sessions only, and a partial exam for the 2 modules 'FA0454 - Biochemical Techniques for the Study of Recombinant Proteins" and "FA0455 - Applied Biological Techniques with Laboratory" starting from the summer sessions. The score obtained in the ‘Molecular Biology’ partial exam will be summed to the scores obtained in the modules “FA0454" and "FA0455” partial exams . B) Students who decide not to take the midterm exam in February will have to take the entire exam starting from the June/July session. In this case, the exam will include the parts relating to the three modules. The exam section relating to module “FA0429-Molecular Biology” consists of 10 questions, each consisting of 4 statements that must be judged true or false (if a statement is judged false, the choice must be justified; minimum score 6/10) and one open question (minimum score 6/8 points). The part of the exam covering module ‘FA0454’ consists of 5 open questions (min 2/5 points), while the part covering module ‘FA0455’ consists of 5 true/false questions. The correctness, accuracy and completeness of the notebook relating to practical and laboratory activities will also be assessed (max. 3 points). Up to 2 additional points will be awarded on the basis of active and constructive participation in classroom/laboratory discussions.

Please refer to the individual course descriptions FA0429 - Molecular Biology FA0454 - Biochemical techniques for the study of recombinant proteins FA0455 - Applied biological techniques with laboratory.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of and understanding of the topics covered, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge independently in order to develop new procedures for the biochemical and functional analysis of proteins, and protocols for the investigation of cell biology. They will also be able to correctly choose the experimental conditions, instrumentation and methodology required to conduct experiments. They will also be able to write reports on experimental activities. When planning their own activities to further deepen their knowledge, students will be able to draw on the correct sources and critically select study material, including scientific texts written in English. They will be able to communicate the subject correctly, using the appropriate terminology. The objective of assigning in-depth work to small groups of students is to stimulate independent and critical thinking. These skills may also prove useful in experimental research and when writing the thesis manuscript, should students decide to undertake their mandatory thesis internship in a 'biology-related' laboratory.