Course Details

Fundamenntals of histology, embriology, functional anatomy

MF0277

Course
Fundamenntals of histology, embriology, functional anatomy
Code
MF0277
Academic Year
2026/2027
Curriculum Year
2026/2027
Degree Programme
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Curriculum
000 - CORSO GENERICO
Course coordinator
Lecturers
Credits
9
Lecture Hours
72
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
BIOS-04/A - Comparative Anatomy, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
1
Teaching period
Primo Semestre
Campus
VERCELLI
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
Organization of the cell. The main animal tissues. Anatomy and organ function. Principles of developmental biology. Recognition tissues and organs. Cell differentiation: cases and principles.
Reference Texts
Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Concetti ed esperimenti, Karp, EdiSES Elementi di Biologia cellulare, Wolfe et al., EdiSES Fondamenti di Biologia, Solomon et al., EdiSES Biologia molecolare della cellula, Alberts et al., Zanichelli Citologia e Istologia, Dalle Donne, EdiSES Istologia e Anatomia Microscopica, Wheater, CEA Istologia funzionale, Kerr, CEA Istologia ed Elementi di Anatomia Microscopica, Dalle Donne et al., EdiSES Elementi di Anatomia, Istologia e Fisiologia dell'uomo, Martini – Bartholomew, EdiSES Anatomia comparata dei Vertebrati, Liem et al., EdiSES Citologia e Istologia Bottone M. G. | Biggiogera M. UTET
Learning Outcomes
The course aims to impart knowledge on the structure and organization of the cell in the context of the various tissues of the human and animal body. Subsequently, the course will explore the molecular mechanisms involved in embryonic development in model organisms and in cell differentiation
Prerequisites
none
Teaching Methods
teaching is delivered entirely through in-class lectures (didattica erogativa), structured to systematically and rigorously lay down the core conceptual and methodological foundations of the biological sciences.
To support learning, an open line of communication is maintained during lectures, allocating time for student questions, clarifications, and targeted review of the main topics.
Additional Information
Learning will be monitored through questions put to students during the lessons. 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.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists only of a written test. The written test evaluates the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course and consists of three types of questions: A) multiple choice questions B) open-ended questions C) histological identification The level of difficulty of the questions corresponds to the program carried out and to the reference texts indicated on DIR. For each of the questions, for questions A, 1 point are assigned, for questions B up to 4 points, for questions C up to 2 points; the written test is considered passed if the overall assessment is not less than 18 points. During the written test it is not allowed to consult notes, books or other material. To achieve a passing grade, students must demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the core concepts and topics covered in the course. To achieve a high grade, the student must demonstrate an autonomy of judgment and a critical sense related to the topics covered, exposing their conclusions in a clear and logical way. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (minimum mark 18).
30 - 30 cum Laude (Excellent): Demonstrates an impeccable and in-depth knowledge of biological mechanisms. Answers are thorough and rigorous, showcasing strong critical thinking, high autonomy of judgment. The writing is fluid, well-argued, and relies on flawless specialized terminology.
27 - 29 (Very Good): Demonstrates thorough knowledge and a solid capacity for analyzing and synthesizing biological processes. The written response is clear, logically structured, and supported by appropriate scientific terminology throughout.
24 - 26 (Good): Demonstrates a good grasp of core concepts, despite minor isolated gaps in details or complex connections. The response is correct, well-organized, and uses mostly appropriate scientific language.
21 - 23 (Satisfactory / Fair): Demonstrates a predominantly descriptive or rote knowledge of concepts. Limited ability to apply concepts to case studies or critically address written prompts. The language is simple, yet free of major conceptual errors.
19 - 20 (Pass / Marginal): Demonstrates minimal and fragmented knowledge of course content, struggling to comprehend biological implications. The written text is poorly developed and shows uncertain or limited use of scientific terminology.
18 (Sufficient / Minimum Pass): Demonstrates only a basic and essential knowledge of the syllabus core concepts. Responses are minimally developed, critical thinking is limited, and there are noticeable difficulties in connecting biological processes alongside terminological inaccuracies.
Detailed Syllabus
-Introduction to Biology -Macromolecule: Lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids -Panoramic view of the cellular compartments -Cellular membrane’s structure -Cell transport -Nucleus and nucleolus: structure and function -Cycle and cell mitosis -From DNA to proteins: duplication, transcription, translation -Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus -Lysosome: Structure and function -Perossisome: Structure and function -Mitochondrion: Structure and function -Cytoskeleton. Microtubules. Microfilaments and intermediate filaments -Extracellular matrix components (ECM) and Cell-ECM interaction -Cell Signaling: mechanisms -Cell death: apoptosis and necrosis -Introduction to Microscopy and histological preparation. -Integumentary system: -Sense Organs -Bone tissue -Muscle tissue -Circulatory apparatus -Breathing apparatus. -Digestive apparatus -Excretory system. -Endocrine Apparatus -Nervous tissue and nervous system. -Introduction to development biology -Gametogenesis -Fertilization -Segmentation -Gastrulation -Neurulation
Expected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: Acquisition of in-depth knowledge in the field of cell biology, tissue biology and developmental biology. Knowledge of the concepts and applications of cell biology, acquisition of appropriate scientific language. Knowledge and understanding skills applied: At the end of the course the student will be able to recognize biological macromolecules, recognize cellular and tissue structures, localize production processes of biological macromolecules, associate cell structures and functions, reconstruct transport and cellular communication processes, recognize the various stages of embryonic development and cell differentiation, classifying tissues according to their characteristics. Autonomy of judgment: Ability to critically analyse the elements related to cell biology, autonomy of judgment in the field of tissue and cell biology. Communication skills: Use an appropriate scientific vocabulary; describe scientific themes related to cellular and developmental biology, with a logical and rational approach. Learning ability: Ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study.
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31