Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente - Guida degli insegnamenti (Syllabus)

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GENETICS (A-L)
DAVIDE BIZZARO

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 8
Hours 64
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code ST01 3S018

Prerequisites

Zoology, Cytology and Biochemistry



Development of the course

Completion of the course allows the student to obtain 8 credits in total, specifically 7 credits CFU for theoretical classes and 1 credit CFU for practical classes.



Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
Students have to acquire the fundamental concepts of the structure and function of eukariotic and prokariotic genes and genomes, as well as the interactions between genes and environment. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving evolution and variability is a must.

Ability to apply the knowledge:
Students have to demonstrate confidence with the competences acquired and to be able to critically apply them in the wide field of biomedicine and biotechnology. 

Soft skills:
The participation to practical classes, together with the discussions and research highlights will contribute to enhance in students their communication skills, critical capability, and learning ability.



Program

CLASSICAL GENETICS: Mendelian and non-Mendelian modes of inheritance that govern passage of genetic traits across generation, Basic structure and function of chromosomes and genomes, biological variation resulting from recombination, mutation, and selection. Mitosis and meiosis. 
MOLECULAR GENETICS: Nucleic acids: from discovery to chemical composition and function. Molecular processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation. Characteristics of the genetic code. The origins of the human species. How a genetic sequence is determined and how it helps us understand genetic relationships between species. Eukariotic and procariotic genes. Imprinting. Mutations. DNA damage and repair. Analysis and manipulation of genes at the molecular level. Chromosomal aberrations.
POPULATION GENETICS: The Hardy-Weinberg law. DNA variation, natural selection, stationary distribution.

Practical lectures. Determination of the TAS2R38 polymorphism that is associated to the capability of tasting Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) through genomic DNA isolation and amplification, followed by specific genotyping analysis. 



Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The final oral exam includes questions regarding classical, molecular and population genetics. The oral exam aims at demonstrating the acquired notions and the deep comprehension of the principles of Genetics.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes:
The course foresees an optional writing exam about Classical Genetics. For students passing the optional exam, the final exam aims at assessing their knowledge regarding Molecular and Population Genetics.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
The final mark is attributed basing on the oral exam or upon completion of both, the optional and oral exam.

Criteria for conferring final mark:
To pass the exam the student has to prove his/her basic understanding of the basic genetic mechanisms governing the biological processes. Students able to connect the different areas of Genetics and demonstrate the capability of applying them to the wide areas of Biomedicine and Biotechnology will obtain the maximum score. 



Recommended reading

P. J. Russel, Genetica: un approccio molecolare. IVa edizione. Pearson, 2014.
S. Pimpinelli et al., Genetica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2014 R. 
J. Brooker. Principi di Genetica. Mc Graw-Hill, 2010 D. 
P. Snustad, M. J. Simmons. Principi di Genetica. IVa edizione. Edises, 2010 A. 
J. Griffiths et al., Genetica. Principi di analisi formale. VII edizione. Zanichelli, 2013 L. 
H. HARTWELL et al., Genetica - dall’analisi formale alla genomica. IIa edizione Mc Graw-Hill 2008



Courses
  • Scienze biologiche




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