Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences

Educational objectives

General Aims
Purpose of the course is to provide the student with fundamental concepts of general and inorganic chemistry and also of stoichiometry calculations, which constitute the basis for the correct comprehension of concepts pf organic, (phyto)therapeutic and biological chemistry developed in courses held in the following semesters. It deals with the indispensable topics for a correct understanding of matter and its transformations. The course includes numerical exercises that make the student able to face the problems he/she will encounter in the various areas of chemistry, providing the essential tools for their analysis.

Specific purposes. Knowledge and understanding.
The student will have the opportunity to master the concepts underlying the properties and reactivity of matter, from elements to chemical compounds, learn about general chemical structures and models, and understand the problems related to stoichiometry. He/she therefore understand the basic principles of general chemistry starting from the atomic structure, the periodic table and the chemical bond, up to chemical reactions (qualitative and quantitative aspects) with elements of kinetics and description of the aggregation states of matter included the concentrations units of the solutions. So, he/she is able to perform stoichiometric calculations, to balance redox reactions, to predict the composition of an equilibrium, to identify the speed of a reaction, to perform calculations on the solubility and pH of the solutions. He/she will also have acquired a basic knowledge of the properties of the elements and their compounds, including nomenclature.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to correlate the various topics developed in the program by relating the properties of matter with the properties of atoms and molecules. He/she will also become familiar with the correct and appropriate application of calculation tools, using the disciplinary methods of investigation, in order to solve application questions.

Critical and judgmental abilities.
The lectures will be all interactive, in which the professor will ask continually questions to students to stimulate them and develop their critical sense. These questions allow both to evaluate the understanding of the students and solicit them to make connections with everything studied until now. The organization of the relevant exercises about the topics covered in the lectures will offer the student the opportunity to put to the test the knowledge acquired in relation to the various themes proposed. This allows to develop the ability to apply the concepts studied to practical cases and to critically evaluate the outcome and the method used in the procedures adopted.

Ability to communicate what has been learned.
In addition to providing basic knowledge, the course aims to make the student acquire mastery of language and appropriate use of chemical terminology and scientific method, essential for communicating in the national and international scientific context. To this end, ample space is dedicated to informal interventions and discussions during the lessons and to the final exam.

Ability to continue the study independently in the course of life.
The stimulus to use a correct scientific formalism and to formulate logically consistent deductions starting from the concepts and principles that underlie chemical science constitute a solid training towards cultural growth in the autonomy of future studies and professional activities.

Educational objectives

Biology can be defined as the entire field of disciplines that study living organisms in all their manifestations and the natural laws that regulate them. Beyond the definitions, biology is one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding fields of human activity and has repercussions that affect every aspect of our lives, from health to environmental issues. The research activity constantly carried out by biologists all over the world has allowed us to acquire a great knowledge of biological processes and to make ourselves more and more aware of our close interdependence with the great variety of organisms present in our planet.
This course has mainly a propaedeutic purpose; taking into particular account the level of preparation of each student, the objective to be achieved is allowing the student to face the courses of the following years with the necessary basic knowledge and to know the aspects main topics of the study of biology. In the course, therefore, beyond a general knowledge of the fundamental topics of biology, we want to give appropriate importance to the concepts mainly related to professional training in the pharmaceutical field, as well as to the subsequent subjects of the Degree Course. In this sense, the Botanical Section and the Chemistry of Life are of great interest: in fact, they constitute the initial part of the training course that will be then completed with the Pharmaceutical Botany (for the herbal curriculum) and the Pharmacognosy, as well as a series of other related teachings. For this reason we will follow a path that starts from the Chemistry of Life, and then, by deepening the constitution of living beings at the cellular level with references to the basic biochemical and genetic mechanisms, leads to the understanding of the higher organizational levels up to the organismic level of Biology, both for plants and animals, taking into account the evolutionary peculiarities, and with hints also to the ecological part.
The course has been designed and implemented with the aim of making the numerous and complex aspects of Biology interesting and accessible: it is important that the students acquire a greater awareness of the variety of life forms, their enormous adaptability to the environment and their ecological and evolutionary correlations, understanding, at the same time, the dynamic way in which science works and make progress.
The study of Plant Biology will focus on the peculiarities of plants, from the metabolic ones to the morpho-functional ones, in order to provide the basic notions useful in the degree course, with particular reference to the topics that will be further explored in the courses of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany. The main objective of the study of Animal Biology will be the acquisition of basic knowledge on animal structures and functions at different levels of complexity, with emphasis on their adaptive meaning.
We intend to highlight both the universality of evolutionary solutions, and the main alternative solutions to general problems of functionality of complex organic systems in the Man and in the main Phyla of the Metazoan. It will also deal with the main types of relationship between living beings, with reference to parasitology.
The teaching of Biology at the first-year level is congruent with the course of the student enrolled in the degree course in SFA, as it is intended to establish a solid base of scientific knowledge on which to build their professional skills, which include a wide range of disciplines, all closely related to each other.
The logical path of the topics will be developed through five consecutive sections:
a) Chemistry of Life. Science and Biology in the pharmaceutical context. Modern Biology and Systems Biology. Evolution of the scientific method. Also including elements of Primary and Secondary Metabolism.
b) Cellular Biology, with the main elements of the cellular constitution and its functioning. Biodiversity. Understanding diversity: systematics and phylogeny. Viruses and sub-viral agents. Bacteria. Archaea. Origin of Eukaryotes. Protists.
c) Plant Biology, the main botanical aspects of plant organisms and related organisms.
d) Formal Genetics and Molecular Biology. Chromosomes, cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. DNA replication. From DNA to proteins: gene expression. Mutations. Regulation of gene expression. Genomes. Gene expression and development. Elements of Formal Genetics and Epigenetics. Introduction to the Darwinian concept of evolution. The mechanisms of evolution: evolutionary changes in populations. Speciation. Macroevolution. Evolution of genes and genomes. Development and evolution.
e) Animal Biology. At the end of this section, the student acquires a general knowledge on the biology of animal organisms (evolutionary biology, reproduction, morphological types, etc.) through the study of model groups. In particular, it acquires a critical and comparative view of morpho-functional biodiversity in the animal field and an overview on the animal adaptations to environmental plurality, including some information regarding migrations and the main infectious agents.

The evaluation of the student will be carried out mainly through a final written test, which will focus on all the topics of the program, testing the student's ability in a form that avoids the psychological difficulty arising from a university-type oral examination to which he/she is not still used to.
The student will deepen what he learned during the lessons on the recommended texts, which have been written and thought mainly for the students of the pharmaceutical courses. This deepening will allow him to rediscover these topics in the future, when the memories of the concepts taught in the classroom will be partly forgotten. The texts will remain as a reference for the student who will know where to find detailed concepts, especially useful to pass the exam.
The teaching of Pharmaceutical Biology consists of lectures, with some final exercises to prepare the students for the exam. The lessons are all interactive: the teacher stimulates the students with questions to which they, based on their knowledge and what they have learned in class, can give an answer. This allows the teacher to evidence the links between the current course and the previous knowledge, fundamental to understand what is proposed in class.
The continuous references to concepts of previous courses must make the student accustomed to study the proposed subject not as something closed, only aimed to pass the final exam and to be filed immediately afterwards, but intends to highlight a multidisciplinary study, absolutely required to face the university study. The student will find on the e-learning platform the slides and the teaching material (exam program, recommended texts) useful for the preparation of the exam. It is understood that the slides are a guide to the exam topics, but they can never absolutely replace the recommended texts and lectures given by the teacher.
Attendance to the course is optional but strongly recommended. In fact, the percentage of students who pass the exam and with good grades is limited to those who have regularly attended, while is generally high the failure percentage among not attending students. The assessment methods of the course are characterized by an exam session set in the months of January, February and May, excluding the periods in which the lessons are held. The teacher is also available to hold, at the request of the students, additional appeals during the months of April and September, reserved for undergraduate and off-course students, in accordance with the provisions of the respective CCL. The objective of the test is to certify the student's knowledge and assimilation of the main topics that will then be the subject of further study in subsequent courses. The elements taken into consideration for the evaluation are: the knowledge of the subject, in all the main areas of Biology covered by the exam program, the ability of reasoning demonstrated in the choice of answers and the ability to study autonomously on the indicated texts.

Educational objectives

The educational objectives of the Human Anatomy course are to provide the student with knowledge of anatomical terminology, the topographical and structural organisation of the human body, the essential morphological characteristics of systems, apparatuses and organs. In particular, the specific objectives are to be able to know, learn and, therefore, use adequate and specific terminology as well as to establish a correlation between structure and function. All this in order to acquire the appropriate basic knowledge for understanding the disciplines of subsequent integrated courses, where knowledge of normal human anatomy will enable a better understanding of non-physiological and pathological situations.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows the main concepts of organic chemistry needed both for the knowledge of the molecular structure and for the understanding of the reactivity of the main functional groups. Moreover, the student learns the basic concepts of stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry.

Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows and understand the spatial arrangement of the carbon structures and knows how to assign the name to the simplest molecules according to the IUPAC nomenclature; the student is able to graphically show the structures through the most commonly used conventions and assign the absolute configuration to the stereocenters. Furthermore, the student knows the reactivity of the functional groups according to the general scheme of the main reaction mechanisms.

Making judgements
The student, at the end of course, is able to collect and understand information useful to express a proper independent opinion. In particular, he must show a critical and proposing spirit in the discussion of issues inherent to natural products and their implications in global health.

Communication skills
The student, at the end of course, has the ability to communicate outward the knowledge he has learned during the Master degree, both toward the scientific community and the labor market. In particular, he must be able to provide clear and direct information on chemical reactivity, with particular emphasis to that of the natural products.

Learning skills
Given the basic training activity of this course, students who have passed the exam are able to undertake the study of other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set in the Master degree.

Educational objectives

- The aim of the course is to allow students to enhance their English Vocabulary, focusing specifically on technical/scientific terms, necessary to communicate in their professional environment
- By the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves through a set of terms acquired through practical activities. The Vocabulary studied during the course will include notions of basic anatomy, clinical assessment and pharmaceutical components.
- Most of the course will be delivered orally by means of power point presentations. Students, however, would be required to do exercises in class, together with reading and listening activities.
- As the vocabulary acquired will be repeatedly used during classes, students will have the chance to consolidate their knowledge and use the new acquired vocabulary in different contexts.
- Additional activities will provide students with further practice and analysis, allowing them to consolidate the strategies learnt during classes.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

By the end of the course, the student will know: 1) the molecular basis of cell functioning with special
attention to excitable cells; 2) the main features of the integrated functioning of organs of the human body
under conditions of homeostasis. The student will be aware of the main mechanisms governing the human
body in order to relate them to the professionality of their curriculum (herbal sciences, scientific drug
information, quality control of health products).

Specific Aims
1. Student knowledge and understanding
The student will know the basic aspects of cellular and plasma membrane functioning, of the central and
autonomic nervous system, muscle contraction (skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle), cardiovascular
system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system and hormonal communication.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, the student will know how to understand the role of different organ
systems in the functioning of the human body. He/she will know which are the most relevant relationships
between structure and function of individual organs and systems. He/she will know the main cellular and
molecular mechanisms responsible for the proper functioning and control of the body's functions.
3. Critical judgment skills
Lectures will be interactive in which the Professor will ask students continuous questions to stimulate them
to develop critical sense and integrate prior knowledge. Such questions will also serve to assess and prompt
students to make connections with previously acquired skills, avoiding considering the study of the subject
an end but integrating physiology in the light of already acquired chemical, biological and anatomical
knowledge.
4. Ability to communicate what has been learned
The student's ability to communicate will be assessed based on the exposition of the topics covered by the
program. The student will be able to integrate the topics covered and expound them in an organic manner
giving an overview of the physiology of the human organism. Group works will be organized during the
course on specific topics on the functioning of the human organism.
5. Ability to pursue study independently
The student will find further study of what was heard in class in the recommended texts. The texts will
remain the reference point of the student who will know where to go to find the notions in detail.

Educational objectives

The main educational objectives of the Course of Nutraceuticals and Dietetic Products consist in providing the student with knowledge regarding the chemical composition of food with particular regard to substances with beneficial effect on health and products indicated in case of diseases related to the intake of specific nutrients / foods.
The knowledge and skills acquired during the course common to the two curricula in Herbal Techniques and Scientific Informant of the Drug, will be usable by both professionals in the field of work, thanks to the acquired critical judgment and skills useful to suggest the use of foods, supplements and dietary products for nutritional intake and for the specific impact on health.
The expected learning outcomes, acquired during the course, will therefore allow future professionals to correlate and integrate the general aspects concerning the chemical composition of foods, nutraceuticals and supplements with the specific characteristics of individual food products, thus understanding the correlation between composition and quality and acquiring the ability to process the information on the label.
The course takes place in an alternation of lectures useful to address the concepts of basic theory and classroom reports prepared by students on current topics concerning the sector, suitable to stimulate their critical-applicative and communication skills.
The more specific objectives of the course concern the acquisition by the student of transversal skills related to the detailed knowledge of: macro and micronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins), fiber and secondary metabolites; dietetic products intended for individuals in particular physiological conditions or with metabolic disorders.
At the end of the course the student will be able to communicate effectively what has been learned thanks to the exercise done with the classroom reports on current topics concerning the sector. The student will be able to continue the study in an autonomous way, thanks to the acquired skills and the concepts learned also regarding the methods of researching information on the sector. During the course will also be provided websites, bibliographic references and industry associations, possibly useful for developing collaborative relationships in the world of work. Based on the knowledge acquired, the graduate will have the necessary skills to be able to critically give indication in the field of food, nutraceuticals, supplements and health.

Educational objectives

The main educational objectives of the Course in Pharmacognosy, Phytotherapy and Phytovigilance are to provide the student the knowledge about the pharmacological and toxicological activity of medicinal plants and their derivatives. The knowledge and skills acquired, during the course common to the two curricula in “Tecniche erboristiche” and in “Informatore Scientifico del Farmaco”, will be usable by both professional figures in the field of work, in which the expected learning outcomes are relate to: quality control, composition, safety , possible effectiveness and relative promotion/advertising of products of plant origin. The course takes place in an alternation of lectures (useful to address the concepts of basic theory) and of practical exercises in the classroom (suitable to stimulate the student's critical-applicative skills).
The specific objectives of the Course concern the acquisition by the student of transversal skills, including the detailed knowledge of: the main regulations of the sector and consequent commercial typology various herbal products (herbal medicinal products of traditional and consolidated use, herbal food/dietary supplements, homeopathic, nutraceuticals, “cosmeceuticals” and cosmetics containing plants); the acquisition of critical skills and judgment of the composition of what is available on the market and of the main innovations of the sector, of biological activity and of the safety of use of vegetable preparations. In this last context, particular attention will be devoted to the Phytosurveillance of suspected adverse reactions and to the functioning of the Italian Phytovigilance System.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to communicate effectively what has been learned and can continue the study independently in the course of life, thanks to the skills acquired in the concepts learned and in the implementation methods of research of information in the field of medicinal plants. During the course, websites and bibliographic references and contact with industry associations, possibly useful for developing collaborative relationships in the world of work, will be provided. Based on the knowledge acquired, the graduate in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences will have the necessary skills to carry out his profession in the pharmaceutical and / or herbal and possibly regulatory fields.

Educational objectives

In addition to the compulsory courses, students have 12 credits for independently chosen educational activities that can be used to complete their preparation. Students can acquire these credits choosing two topics among the groups belonging to the optional courses. Otherwise, the student's choice will be assessed by the Board.

Educational objectives

In addition to the compulsory courses, students have 12 credits for independently chosen educational activities that can be used to complete their preparation. Students can acquire these credits choosing two topics among the groups belonging to the optional courses. Otherwise, the student's choice will be assessed by the Board.

Educational objectives

The Applied Pharmacognosy course aims to provide the student with specific knowledge about herbal drugs in order to allow their application in the pharmaceutical field. In particular, knowledge about production, processing and preparation of herbal drugs, as well as about chemical and pharmacological analysis, will be provided. A peculiar aspect concerns the interest in innovative strategies to be applied to various fields of production and processing of vegetable drugs and their preparations, and their possible impact on the drug quality, and on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties.
The student will be able to apply different technologies to improve the characteristics and quality of plant materials of pharmacognostic interest, as well as to develop novel plant-based products. The knowledge can also be useful for a subsequent research career in the pharmacognostic field.
During the course, the student will be stimulated to formulate judgments and to exercise a critical approach towards the problems studied. The critical approach of the course will allow the student to develop learning autonomy, useful for a subsequent training or for the self-updating.
The course includes mandatory laboratory exercises.

Educational objectives

General Aims
Purpose of the course is to provide the student with fundamental concepts of general and inorganic chemistry and also of stoichiometry calculations, which constitute the basis for the correct comprehension of concepts pf organic, (phyto)therapeutic and biological chemistry developed in courses held in the following semesters. It deals with the indispensable topics for a correct understanding of matter and its transformations. The course includes numerical exercises that make the student able to face the problems he/she will encounter in the various areas of chemistry, providing the essential tools for their analysis.

Specific purposes. Knowledge and understanding.
The student will have the opportunity to master the concepts underlying the properties and reactivity of matter, from elements to chemical compounds, learn about general chemical structures and models, and understand the problems related to stoichiometry. He/she therefore understand the basic principles of general chemistry starting from the atomic structure, the periodic table and the chemical bond, up to chemical reactions (qualitative and quantitative aspects) with elements of kinetics and description of the aggregation states of matter included the concentrations units of the solutions. So, he/she is able to perform stoichiometric calculations, to balance redox reactions, to predict the composition of an equilibrium, to identify the speed of a reaction, to perform calculations on the solubility and pH of the solutions. He/she will also have acquired a basic knowledge of the properties of the elements and their compounds, including nomenclature.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to correlate the various topics developed in the program by relating the properties of matter with the properties of atoms and molecules. He/she will also become familiar with the correct and appropriate application of calculation tools, using the disciplinary methods of investigation, in order to solve application questions.

Critical and judgmental abilities.
The lectures will be all interactive, in which the professor will ask continually questions to students to stimulate them and develop their critical sense. These questions allow both to evaluate the understanding of the students and solicit them to make connections with everything studied until now. The organization of the relevant exercises about the topics covered in the lectures will offer the student the opportunity to put to the test the knowledge acquired in relation to the various themes proposed. This allows to develop the ability to apply the concepts studied to practical cases and to critically evaluate the outcome and the method used in the procedures adopted.

Ability to communicate what has been learned.
In addition to providing basic knowledge, the course aims to make the student acquire mastery of language and appropriate use of chemical terminology and scientific method, essential for communicating in the national and international scientific context. To this end, ample space is dedicated to informal interventions and discussions during the lessons and to the final exam.

Ability to continue the study independently in the course of life.
The stimulus to use a correct scientific formalism and to formulate logically consistent deductions starting from the concepts and principles that underlie chemical science constitute a solid training towards cultural growth in the autonomy of future studies and professional activities.

Educational objectives

Biology can be defined as the entire field of disciplines that study living organisms in all their manifestations and the natural laws that regulate them. Beyond the definitions, biology is one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding fields of human activity and has repercussions that affect every aspect of our lives, from health to environmental issues. The research activity constantly carried out by biologists all over the world has allowed us to acquire a great knowledge of biological processes and to make ourselves more and more aware of our close interdependence with the great variety of organisms present in our planet.
This course has mainly a propaedeutic purpose; taking into particular account the level of preparation of each student, the objective to be achieved is allowing the student to face the courses of the following years with the necessary basic knowledge and to know the aspects main topics of the study of biology. In the course, therefore, beyond a general knowledge of the fundamental topics of biology, we want to give appropriate importance to the concepts mainly related to professional training in the pharmaceutical field, as well as to the subsequent subjects of the Degree Course. In this sense, the Botanical Section and the Chemistry of Life are of great interest: in fact, they constitute the initial part of the training course that will be then completed with the Pharmaceutical Botany (for the herbal curriculum) and the Pharmacognosy, as well as a series of other related teachings. For this reason we will follow a path that starts from the Chemistry of Life, and then, by deepening the constitution of living beings at the cellular level with references to the basic biochemical and genetic mechanisms, leads to the understanding of the higher organizational levels up to the organismic level of Biology, both for plants and animals, taking into account the evolutionary peculiarities, and with hints also to the ecological part.
The course has been designed and implemented with the aim of making the numerous and complex aspects of Biology interesting and accessible: it is important that the students acquire a greater awareness of the variety of life forms, their enormous adaptability to the environment and their ecological and evolutionary correlations, understanding, at the same time, the dynamic way in which science works and make progress.
The study of Plant Biology will focus on the peculiarities of plants, from the metabolic ones to the morpho-functional ones, in order to provide the basic notions useful in the degree course, with particular reference to the topics that will be further explored in the courses of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany. The main objective of the study of Animal Biology will be the acquisition of basic knowledge on animal structures and functions at different levels of complexity, with emphasis on their adaptive meaning.
We intend to highlight both the universality of evolutionary solutions, and the main alternative solutions to general problems of functionality of complex organic systems in the Man and in the main Phyla of the Metazoan. It will also deal with the main types of relationship between living beings, with reference to parasitology.
The teaching of Biology at the first-year level is congruent with the course of the student enrolled in the degree course in SFA, as it is intended to establish a solid base of scientific knowledge on which to build their professional skills, which include a wide range of disciplines, all closely related to each other.
The logical path of the topics will be developed through five consecutive sections:
a) Chemistry of Life. Science and Biology in the pharmaceutical context. Modern Biology and Systems Biology. Evolution of the scientific method. Also including elements of Primary and Secondary Metabolism.
b) Cellular Biology, with the main elements of the cellular constitution and its functioning. Biodiversity. Understanding diversity: systematics and phylogeny. Viruses and sub-viral agents. Bacteria. Archaea. Origin of Eukaryotes. Protists.
c) Plant Biology, the main botanical aspects of plant organisms and related organisms.
d) Formal Genetics and Molecular Biology. Chromosomes, cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. DNA replication. From DNA to proteins: gene expression. Mutations. Regulation of gene expression. Genomes. Gene expression and development. Elements of Formal Genetics and Epigenetics. Introduction to the Darwinian concept of evolution. The mechanisms of evolution: evolutionary changes in populations. Speciation. Macroevolution. Evolution of genes and genomes. Development and evolution.
e) Animal Biology. At the end of this section, the student acquires a general knowledge on the biology of animal organisms (evolutionary biology, reproduction, morphological types, etc.) through the study of model groups. In particular, it acquires a critical and comparative view of morpho-functional biodiversity in the animal field and an overview on the animal adaptations to environmental plurality, including some information regarding migrations and the main infectious agents.

The evaluation of the student will be carried out mainly through a final written test, which will focus on all the topics of the program, testing the student's ability in a form that avoids the psychological difficulty arising from a university-type oral examination to which he/she is not still used to.
The student will deepen what he learned during the lessons on the recommended texts, which have been written and thought mainly for the students of the pharmaceutical courses. This deepening will allow him to rediscover these topics in the future, when the memories of the concepts taught in the classroom will be partly forgotten. The texts will remain as a reference for the student who will know where to find detailed concepts, especially useful to pass the exam.
The teaching of Pharmaceutical Biology consists of lectures, with some final exercises to prepare the students for the exam. The lessons are all interactive: the teacher stimulates the students with questions to which they, based on their knowledge and what they have learned in class, can give an answer. This allows the teacher to evidence the links between the current course and the previous knowledge, fundamental to understand what is proposed in class.
The continuous references to concepts of previous courses must make the student accustomed to study the proposed subject not as something closed, only aimed to pass the final exam and to be filed immediately afterwards, but intends to highlight a multidisciplinary study, absolutely required to face the university study. The student will find on the e-learning platform the slides and the teaching material (exam program, recommended texts) useful for the preparation of the exam. It is understood that the slides are a guide to the exam topics, but they can never absolutely replace the recommended texts and lectures given by the teacher.
Attendance to the course is optional but strongly recommended. In fact, the percentage of students who pass the exam and with good grades is limited to those who have regularly attended, while is generally high the failure percentage among not attending students. The assessment methods of the course are characterized by an exam session set in the months of January, February and May, excluding the periods in which the lessons are held. The teacher is also available to hold, at the request of the students, additional appeals during the months of April and September, reserved for undergraduate and off-course students, in accordance with the provisions of the respective CCL. The objective of the test is to certify the student's knowledge and assimilation of the main topics that will then be the subject of further study in subsequent courses. The elements taken into consideration for the evaluation are: the knowledge of the subject, in all the main areas of Biology covered by the exam program, the ability of reasoning demonstrated in the choice of answers and the ability to study autonomously on the indicated texts.

Educational objectives

The educational objectives of the Human Anatomy course are to provide the student with knowledge of anatomical terminology, the topographical and structural organisation of the human body, the essential morphological characteristics of systems, apparatuses and organs. In particular, the specific objectives are to be able to know, learn and, therefore, use adequate and specific terminology as well as to establish a correlation between structure and function. All this in order to acquire the appropriate basic knowledge for understanding the disciplines of subsequent integrated courses, where knowledge of normal human anatomy will enable a better understanding of non-physiological and pathological situations.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows the main concepts of organic chemistry needed both for the knowledge of the molecular structure and for the understanding of the reactivity of the main functional groups. Moreover, the student learns the basic concepts of stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry.

Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows and understand the spatial arrangement of the carbon structures and knows how to assign the name to the simplest molecules according to the IUPAC nomenclature; the student is able to graphically show the structures through the most commonly used conventions and assign the absolute configuration to the stereocenters. Furthermore, the student knows the reactivity of the functional groups according to the general scheme of the main reaction mechanisms.

Making judgements
The student, at the end of course, is able to collect and understand information useful to express a proper independent opinion. In particular, he must show a critical and proposing spirit in the discussion of issues inherent to natural products and their implications in global health.

Communication skills
The student, at the end of course, has the ability to communicate outward the knowledge he has learned during the Master degree, both toward the scientific community and the labor market. In particular, he must be able to provide clear and direct information on chemical reactivity, with particular emphasis to that of the natural products.

Learning skills
Given the basic training activity of this course, students who have passed the exam are able to undertake the study of other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set in the Master degree.

Educational objectives

- The aim of the course is to allow students to enhance their English Vocabulary, focusing specifically on technical/scientific terms, necessary to communicate in their professional environment
- By the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves through a set of terms acquired through practical activities. The Vocabulary studied during the course will include notions of basic anatomy, clinical assessment and pharmaceutical components.
- Most of the course will be delivered orally by means of power point presentations. Students, however, would be required to do exercises in class, together with reading and listening activities.
- As the vocabulary acquired will be repeatedly used during classes, students will have the chance to consolidate their knowledge and use the new acquired vocabulary in different contexts.
- Additional activities will provide students with further practice and analysis, allowing them to consolidate the strategies learnt during classes.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

By the end of the course, the student will know: 1) the molecular basis of cell functioning with special
attention to excitable cells; 2) the main features of the integrated functioning of organs of the human body
under conditions of homeostasis. The student will be aware of the main mechanisms governing the human
body in order to relate them to the professionality of their curriculum (herbal sciences, scientific drug
information, quality control of health products).

Specific Aims
1. Student knowledge and understanding
The student will know the basic aspects of cellular and plasma membrane functioning, of the central and
autonomic nervous system, muscle contraction (skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle), cardiovascular
system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system and hormonal communication.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, the student will know how to understand the role of different organ
systems in the functioning of the human body. He/she will know which are the most relevant relationships
between structure and function of individual organs and systems. He/she will know the main cellular and
molecular mechanisms responsible for the proper functioning and control of the body's functions.
3. Critical judgment skills
Lectures will be interactive in which the Professor will ask students continuous questions to stimulate them
to develop critical sense and integrate prior knowledge. Such questions will also serve to assess and prompt
students to make connections with previously acquired skills, avoiding considering the study of the subject
an end but integrating physiology in the light of already acquired chemical, biological and anatomical
knowledge.
4. Ability to communicate what has been learned
The student's ability to communicate will be assessed based on the exposition of the topics covered by the
program. The student will be able to integrate the topics covered and expound them in an organic manner
giving an overview of the physiology of the human organism. Group works will be organized during the
course on specific topics on the functioning of the human organism.
5. Ability to pursue study independently
The student will find further study of what was heard in class in the recommended texts. The texts will
remain the reference point of the student who will know where to go to find the notions in detail.

Educational objectives

Understanding of the general mechanisms of damage to the organism and inflammatory response;
The etiopathogenesis of fundamental alterations of the structures, functions and control mechanisms at various levels of integration of the body systems;
Understanding the fundamental principles of immune response; defensive aspects and possible pathological consequences;
Understanding the molecular basis of oncology; etiopathogenesis of neoplastic transformation, progression to malignancy and metastasis.
Understanding of the general pathogenic and pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases with particular reference to human diseases of wider diffusion and social impact;
General objectives
The main educational purpose of the General Pathology course is to transfer the knowledge on the biological basis of diseases in humans.
The course aims to provide skills related to the fundamental principles of etiology and pathogenesis by providing basic knowledge to make the students able to address the study of the main biological chemical and physical pathogenic factors active on the human organism and of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms responsible for the alterations of the homeostasis at the base of the diseases, development and progression of pathological events.
A further purpose is represented by the acquisition of the fundamental and common elements of medical terminology.
Specific objectives
The main knowledge provided will be:
- The basic elements and principles of etiopathogenesis and disease determinism;
- Knowledge of pathological manifestations at the molecular and cellular level, as well as on the tissues, organs, systems and systems of the human organism;
- The study of the pathophysiological processes of the main systems;
- The fundamentals of the immune system and its role in the defense against disease and in the determinism of pathological processes.
The main skills of the student, applicable to the acquired knowledge, will be:
- Knowledge of the main etiological causes of the disease, as well as the scientific-experimental methodologies to understand the etiopathogenetic mechanisms;
- Critical analysis and evaluation of pathological processes;
- The acquired knowledge of the etiopathogenetic determinism of diseases and the adequate knowledge of medical terminology allows to understand drugs mechanisms of action providing the ability to communicate with doctors and others health workers and the ability to deepen the study independently.

Educational objectives

The main educational objectives of the Course consist in providing the student with knowledge regarding the chemical composition of supplements and food with particular regard to substances with beneficial effect on health and products indicated in case of diseases related to the intake of specific nutrients / foods.
The more specific objectives of the course concern the acquisition by the student of transversal skills related to the detailed knowledge of: macro and micronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins), fiber and secondary metabolites; dietetic products intended for individuals in particular physiological conditions or with metabolic disorders. The main categories of food supplements (sports and health sectors) on the market will be discussed and presented, underlining the legislative meaning of supplemets and dietary supplements and the conditions that determine the need to resort to food supplements.
At the end of the course the student will be able to communicate effectively what has been learned thanks to the exercise done with the classroom reports on current topics concerning the sector. The student will be able to continue the study in an autonomous way, thanks to the acquired skills and the concepts learned also regarding the methods of researching information on the sector. During the course will also be provided websites, bibliographic references and industry associations, possibly useful for developing collaborative relationships in the world of work. Based on the knowledge acquired, the graduate will have the necessary skills to be able to critically give indication in the field of supplements, nutraceuticals and health.

Educational objectives

PHARMACOVIGILANCE
Il corso ha l’obiettivo di fornire allo studente le conoscenze necessarie relative agli obiettivi della Farmacovigilanza, in particolare la valutazione del rischio connesso all’assunzione dei farmaci e la stima dell’incidenza delle loro reazioni avverse. Attraverso lo studio dell’organizzazione del Sistema di Farmacovigilanza, lo studente comprenderà come tali obiettivi siano raggiungibili attraverso i seguenti passaggi fondamentali: 1) individuare il più rapidamente possibile nuove reazioni avverse da farmaci (ADR); 2) migliorare ed allargare le informazioni su ADR sospette o già note; 3) valutare i vantaggi di un farmaco su altri o su altri tipi di terapia; 4) disseminare tali informazioni per rendere più corretta e adeguata la pratica clinica terapeutica. Tali conoscenze permetteranno allo studente di acquisire capacità professionali specifiche, correlate al monitoraggio di effetti indesiderati associati ad un trattamento farmacologico. Durante il corso, lo studente sarà stimolato a formulare giudizi e ad esercitare il senso critico relativamente alle problematiche studiate.
Il corso è articolato in lezioni frontali al fine di consentire l'acquisizione delle conoscenze, di sviluppare le capacità comunicative ed il linguaggio tecnico attraverso l'interazione in aula con il docente su argomenti inerenti al corso e a problematiche correlate. L'approccio critico del corso permetterà allo studente di sviluppare l'autonomia di apprendimento, utile ai fini degli studi successivi o per l'auto-aggiornamento.

TOXICOLOGY
The course of Toxicology aims to provide students with the qualifying knowledge about the toxicological effects and the mechanism of action of physical and chemical agents on mammals and environment, and about the possible protective/preventive strategies to apply for the toxicity risk management. The student will acquire knowledge about the principles of general toxicology (toxicodynamic, toxicokinetic, mutagenesis, cancerogenesis and teratogenesis), the risk assessment procedures, and about some topics of systemic toxicology, food toxicology and ecotoxicology. This knowledge will allow the student to acquire the suitable professional skills related to environmental, drug, cosmetic and food safety. During the course, the student will be stimulated to critically evaluate the challenges and problems about the topic under study, particularly the toxicity power of some natural compounds whose toxicity risk is often underperceived due to their natural origin or the low exposure levels. The course is based on lectures aimed at developing communication skills and technical language through the classroom interaction with the lecturer about the toxicology and the related challenges. Taking advantage of the lecturer support, the student could explore specific topics of toxicology, through looking up medical and scientific databases, which will be further discussed in the classroom. The course will also allow the student to develop communication skills and autonomy of learning, useful to perform subsequent studies or for the self-updating.

Educational objectives

The main educational objectives of the Course in Pharmacognosy, Phytotherapy and Phytovigilance are to provide the student the knowledge about the pharmacological and toxicological activity of medicinal plants and their derivatives. The knowledge and skills acquired, during the course common to the two curricula in “Tecniche erboristiche” and in “Informatore Scientifico del Farmaco”, will be usable by both professional figures in the field of work, in which the expected learning outcomes are relate to: quality control, composition, safety , possible effectiveness and relative promotion/advertising of products of plant origin. The course takes place in an alternation of lectures (useful to address the concepts of basic theory) and of practical exercises in the classroom (suitable to stimulate the student's critical-applicative skills).
The specific objectives of the Course concern the acquisition by the student of transversal skills, including the detailed knowledge of: the main regulations of the sector and consequent commercial typology various herbal products (herbal medicinal products of traditional and consolidated use, herbal food/dietary supplements, homeopathic, nutraceuticals, “cosmeceuticals” and cosmetics containing plants); the acquisition of critical skills and judgment of the composition of what is available on the market and of the main innovations of the sector, of biological activity and of the safety of use of vegetable preparations. In this last context, particular attention will be devoted to the Phytosurveillance of suspected adverse reactions and to the functioning of the Italian Phytovigilance System.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to communicate effectively what has been learned and can continue the study independently in the course of life, thanks to the skills acquired in the concepts learned and in the implementation methods of research of information in the field of medicinal plants. During the course, websites and bibliographic references and contact with industry associations, possibly useful for developing collaborative relationships in the world of work, will be provided. Based on the knowledge acquired, the graduate in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences will have the necessary skills to carry out his profession in the pharmaceutical and / or herbal and possibly regulatory fields.

Educational objectives

In addition to the compulsory courses, students have 12 credits for independently chosen educational activities that can be used to complete their preparation. Students can acquire these credits choosing two topics among the groups belonging to the optional courses. Otherwise, the student's choice will be assessed by the Board.

Educational objectives

In addition to the compulsory courses, students have 12 credits for independently chosen educational activities that can be used to complete their preparation. Students can acquire these credits choosing two topics among the groups belonging to the optional courses. Otherwise, the student's choice will be assessed by the Board.

Educational objectives

General Aims
Purpose of the course is to provide the student with fundamental concepts of general and inorganic chemistry and also of stoichiometry calculations, which constitute the basis for the correct comprehension of concepts pf organic, (phyto)therapeutic and biological chemistry developed in courses held in the following semesters. It deals with the indispensable topics for a correct understanding of matter and its transformations. The course includes numerical exercises that make the student able to face the problems he/she will encounter in the various areas of chemistry, providing the essential tools for their analysis.

Specific purposes. Knowledge and understanding.
The student will have the opportunity to master the concepts underlying the properties and reactivity of matter, from elements to chemical compounds, learn about general chemical structures and models, and understand the problems related to stoichiometry. He/she therefore understand the basic principles of general chemistry starting from the atomic structure, the periodic table and the chemical bond, up to chemical reactions (qualitative and quantitative aspects) with elements of kinetics and description of the aggregation states of matter included the concentrations units of the solutions. So, he/she is able to perform stoichiometric calculations, to balance redox reactions, to predict the composition of an equilibrium, to identify the speed of a reaction, to perform calculations on the solubility and pH of the solutions. He/she will also have acquired a basic knowledge of the properties of the elements and their compounds, including nomenclature.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to correlate the various topics developed in the program by relating the properties of matter with the properties of atoms and molecules. He/she will also become familiar with the correct and appropriate application of calculation tools, using the disciplinary methods of investigation, in order to solve application questions.

Critical and judgmental abilities.
The lectures will be all interactive, in which the professor will ask continually questions to students to stimulate them and develop their critical sense. These questions allow both to evaluate the understanding of the students and solicit them to make connections with everything studied until now. The organization of the relevant exercises about the topics covered in the lectures will offer the student the opportunity to put to the test the knowledge acquired in relation to the various themes proposed. This allows to develop the ability to apply the concepts studied to practical cases and to critically evaluate the outcome and the method used in the procedures adopted.

Ability to communicate what has been learned.
In addition to providing basic knowledge, the course aims to make the student acquire mastery of language and appropriate use of chemical terminology and scientific method, essential for communicating in the national and international scientific context. To this end, ample space is dedicated to informal interventions and discussions during the lessons and to the final exam.

Ability to continue the study independently in the course of life.
The stimulus to use a correct scientific formalism and to formulate logically consistent deductions starting from the concepts and principles that underlie chemical science constitute a solid training towards cultural growth in the autonomy of future studies and professional activities.

Educational objectives

Biology can be defined as the entire field of disciplines that study living organisms in all their manifestations and the natural laws that regulate them. Beyond the definitions, biology is one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding fields of human activity and has repercussions that affect every aspect of our lives, from health to environmental issues. The research activity constantly carried out by biologists all over the world has allowed us to acquire a great knowledge of biological processes and to make ourselves more and more aware of our close interdependence with the great variety of organisms present in our planet.
This course has mainly a propaedeutic purpose; taking into particular account the level of preparation of each student, the objective to be achieved is allowing the student to face the courses of the following years with the necessary basic knowledge and to know the aspects main topics of the study of biology. In the course, therefore, beyond a general knowledge of the fundamental topics of biology, we want to give appropriate importance to the concepts mainly related to professional training in the pharmaceutical field, as well as to the subsequent subjects of the Degree Course. In this sense, the Botanical Section and the Chemistry of Life are of great interest: in fact, they constitute the initial part of the training course that will be then completed with the Pharmaceutical Botany (for the herbal curriculum) and the Pharmacognosy, as well as a series of other related teachings. For this reason we will follow a path that starts from the Chemistry of Life, and then, by deepening the constitution of living beings at the cellular level with references to the basic biochemical and genetic mechanisms, leads to the understanding of the higher organizational levels up to the organismic level of Biology, both for plants and animals, taking into account the evolutionary peculiarities, and with hints also to the ecological part.
The course has been designed and implemented with the aim of making the numerous and complex aspects of Biology interesting and accessible: it is important that the students acquire a greater awareness of the variety of life forms, their enormous adaptability to the environment and their ecological and evolutionary correlations, understanding, at the same time, the dynamic way in which science works and make progress.
The study of Plant Biology will focus on the peculiarities of plants, from the metabolic ones to the morpho-functional ones, in order to provide the basic notions useful in the degree course, with particular reference to the topics that will be further explored in the courses of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany. The main objective of the study of Animal Biology will be the acquisition of basic knowledge on animal structures and functions at different levels of complexity, with emphasis on their adaptive meaning.
We intend to highlight both the universality of evolutionary solutions, and the main alternative solutions to general problems of functionality of complex organic systems in the Man and in the main Phyla of the Metazoan. It will also deal with the main types of relationship between living beings, with reference to parasitology.
The teaching of Biology at the first-year level is congruent with the course of the student enrolled in the degree course in SFA, as it is intended to establish a solid base of scientific knowledge on which to build their professional skills, which include a wide range of disciplines, all closely related to each other.
The logical path of the topics will be developed through five consecutive sections:
a) Chemistry of Life. Science and Biology in the pharmaceutical context. Modern Biology and Systems Biology. Evolution of the scientific method. Also including elements of Primary and Secondary Metabolism.
b) Cellular Biology, with the main elements of the cellular constitution and its functioning. Biodiversity. Understanding diversity: systematics and phylogeny. Viruses and sub-viral agents. Bacteria. Archaea. Origin of Eukaryotes. Protists.
c) Plant Biology, the main botanical aspects of plant organisms and related organisms.
d) Formal Genetics and Molecular Biology. Chromosomes, cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. DNA replication. From DNA to proteins: gene expression. Mutations. Regulation of gene expression. Genomes. Gene expression and development. Elements of Formal Genetics and Epigenetics. Introduction to the Darwinian concept of evolution. The mechanisms of evolution: evolutionary changes in populations. Speciation. Macroevolution. Evolution of genes and genomes. Development and evolution.
e) Animal Biology. At the end of this section, the student acquires a general knowledge on the biology of animal organisms (evolutionary biology, reproduction, morphological types, etc.) through the study of model groups. In particular, it acquires a critical and comparative view of morpho-functional biodiversity in the animal field and an overview on the animal adaptations to environmental plurality, including some information regarding migrations and the main infectious agents.

The evaluation of the student will be carried out mainly through a final written test, which will focus on all the topics of the program, testing the student's ability in a form that avoids the psychological difficulty arising from a university-type oral examination to which he/she is not still used to.
The student will deepen what he learned during the lessons on the recommended texts, which have been written and thought mainly for the students of the pharmaceutical courses. This deepening will allow him to rediscover these topics in the future, when the memories of the concepts taught in the classroom will be partly forgotten. The texts will remain as a reference for the student who will know where to find detailed concepts, especially useful to pass the exam.
The teaching of Pharmaceutical Biology consists of lectures, with some final exercises to prepare the students for the exam. The lessons are all interactive: the teacher stimulates the students with questions to which they, based on their knowledge and what they have learned in class, can give an answer. This allows the teacher to evidence the links between the current course and the previous knowledge, fundamental to understand what is proposed in class.
The continuous references to concepts of previous courses must make the student accustomed to study the proposed subject not as something closed, only aimed to pass the final exam and to be filed immediately afterwards, but intends to highlight a multidisciplinary study, absolutely required to face the university study. The student will find on the e-learning platform the slides and the teaching material (exam program, recommended texts) useful for the preparation of the exam. It is understood that the slides are a guide to the exam topics, but they can never absolutely replace the recommended texts and lectures given by the teacher.
Attendance to the course is optional but strongly recommended. In fact, the percentage of students who pass the exam and with good grades is limited to those who have regularly attended, while is generally high the failure percentage among not attending students. The assessment methods of the course are characterized by an exam session set in the months of January, February and May, excluding the periods in which the lessons are held. The teacher is also available to hold, at the request of the students, additional appeals during the months of April and September, reserved for undergraduate and off-course students, in accordance with the provisions of the respective CCL. The objective of the test is to certify the student's knowledge and assimilation of the main topics that will then be the subject of further study in subsequent courses. The elements taken into consideration for the evaluation are: the knowledge of the subject, in all the main areas of Biology covered by the exam program, the ability of reasoning demonstrated in the choice of answers and the ability to study autonomously on the indicated texts.

Educational objectives

The educational objectives of the Human Anatomy course are to provide the student with knowledge of anatomical terminology, the topographical and structural organisation of the human body, the essential morphological characteristics of systems, apparatuses and organs. In particular, the specific objectives are to be able to know, learn and, therefore, use adequate and specific terminology as well as to establish a correlation between structure and function. All this in order to acquire the appropriate basic knowledge for understanding the disciplines of subsequent integrated courses, where knowledge of normal human anatomy will enable a better understanding of non-physiological and pathological situations.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows the main concepts of organic chemistry needed both for the knowledge of the molecular structure and for the understanding of the reactivity of the main functional groups. Moreover, the student learns the basic concepts of stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry.

Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of course, the student knows and understand the spatial arrangement of the carbon structures and knows how to assign the name to the simplest molecules according to the IUPAC nomenclature; the student is able to graphically show the structures through the most commonly used conventions and assign the absolute configuration to the stereocenters. Furthermore, the student knows the reactivity of the functional groups according to the general scheme of the main reaction mechanisms.

Making judgements
The student, at the end of course, is able to collect and understand information useful to express a proper independent opinion. In particular, he must show a critical and proposing spirit in the discussion of issues inherent to natural products and their implications in global health.

Communication skills
The student, at the end of course, has the ability to communicate outward the knowledge he has learned during the Master degree, both toward the scientific community and the labor market. In particular, he must be able to provide clear and direct information on chemical reactivity, with particular emphasis to that of the natural products.

Learning skills
Given the basic training activity of this course, students who have passed the exam are able to undertake the study of other basic and characterizing training activities that have been set in the Master degree.

Educational objectives

- The aim of the course is to allow students to enhance their English Vocabulary, focusing specifically on technical/scientific terms, necessary to communicate in their professional environment
- By the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves through a set of terms acquired through practical activities. The Vocabulary studied during the course will include notions of basic anatomy, clinical assessment and pharmaceutical components.
- Most of the course will be delivered orally by means of power point presentations. Students, however, would be required to do exercises in class, together with reading and listening activities.
- As the vocabulary acquired will be repeatedly used during classes, students will have the chance to consolidate their knowledge and use the new acquired vocabulary in different contexts.
- Additional activities will provide students with further practice and analysis, allowing them to consolidate the strategies learnt during classes.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the principal
microrganisms of medical interest, their role in physiological and pathological processes,
pathogenetic mechanisms involved in microorganism-related diseases, mechanisms of
action of the main antimicrobial drugs and their preventive and / or therapeutic use.
Specific aims
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know in depth the Medical Microbiology in its
general and applicative aspects. In particular, the course will allow the student to acquire a
good knowledge about morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria,
mycetes and protozoa of medical interest, their transmission, related diseases and
underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, the student will know the structure and
replication mechanisms of the main viruses of medical interest, the virus-host relationships
and pathogenic mechanisms. The student will also know the main elements of immune
responses to microbial infections, as well as the main preventive and therapeutic
approaches.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will prepare the student to know and understand the main mechanisms of
action of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. Particular attention will be devoted to the
antimicrobial resistance, underlying mechanisms and related problems.
3. Making judgement
During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy to capture
students' attention, foster student involvement, and facilitate a positive, active learning
environment.
4. Communication skills
At the end of the course the student should be able to use an appropriate technical-
scientific language.
5. Learning skills
The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in depth study on the treated
topics in specialized texts.

Educational objectives

By the end of the course, the student will know: 1) the molecular basis of cell functioning with special
attention to excitable cells; 2) the main features of the integrated functioning of organs of the human body
under conditions of homeostasis. The student will be aware of the main mechanisms governing the human
body in order to relate them to the professionality of their curriculum (herbal sciences, scientific drug
information, quality control of health products).

Specific Aims
1. Student knowledge and understanding
The student will know the basic aspects of cellular and plasma membrane functioning, of the central and
autonomic nervous system, muscle contraction (skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle), cardiovascular
system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system and hormonal communication.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, the student will know how to understand the role of different organ
systems in the functioning of the human body. He/she will know which are the most relevant relationships
between structure and function of individual organs and systems. He/she will know the main cellular and
molecular mechanisms responsible for the proper functioning and control of the body's functions.
3. Critical judgment skills
Lectures will be interactive in which the Professor will ask students continuous questions to stimulate them
to develop critical sense and integrate prior knowledge. Such questions will also serve to assess and prompt
students to make connections with previously acquired skills, avoiding considering the study of the subject
an end but integrating physiology in the light of already acquired chemical, biological and anatomical
knowledge.
4. Ability to communicate what has been learned
The student's ability to communicate will be assessed based on the exposition of the topics covered by the
program. The student will be able to integrate the topics covered and expound them in an organic manner
giving an overview of the physiology of the human organism. Group works will be organized during the
course on specific topics on the functioning of the human organism.
5. Ability to pursue study independently
The student will find further study of what was heard in class in the recommended texts. The texts will
remain the reference point of the student who will know where to go to find the notions in detail.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The course “Pharmaceutical Analysis and Advanced Stoichiometry” aims to provide students with
both theoretical and practical knowledge related to the qualitative and quantitative identification of
substances of pharmaceutical and toxicological interest. Furthermore, the course is intended to
provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmaceutical and
toxicological properties of these substances.

Specific Objectives – Pharmaceutical Analysis Module
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to theoretically and practically apply concepts related to acid-base equilibria,
hydrolysis, complexation, precipitation, and redox reactions, and evaluate their interdependencies
for the identification of inorganic compounds. Equally important, students will understand the
biological mechanisms at the molecular level that underlie the pharmaceutical and toxicological
properties of inorganic cations and anions.

Specific Objectives – Advanced Stoichiometry Module
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid theoretical understanding of the
quantitative aspects of chemical reactions. They will be able to represent and interpret the
equilibria involved in chemical processes using stoichiometric equations and assess the
spontaneity of acid-base, redox, and precipitation reactions. In addition, they will be able to
critically analyze experimental results obtained from various quantitative analysis techniques, with
a particular focus on volumetric titrations.

Common Objectives of the Course
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to apply and interpret the results of specific chemical
tests for the separation and identification of pharmaceutical substances. They will understand the
chemical reactivity exploited in such tests and will develop problem-solving skills related to their
application.

Critical Thinking and Judgment Skills (lab tests, written reports, etc.)
Lectures will be interactive, with the instructor regularly asking questions to engage students and
develop their logical and critical thinking. These questions will also encourage students to make
connections between various topics covered in the course, helping them gain a comprehensive
understanding of the subject. Additionally, students will learn to consider pharmaceutical chemical
analysis as an integral part of their broader scientific education, linking it to previously studied
subjects (such as general and inorganic chemistry, physics, anatomy, biology) and to future
academic or professional paths.

Communication Skills

Student learning will be assessed through an oral examination based on topics covered in both
theoretical and practical lessons. The exam will also evaluate the student’s ability to clearly and
effectively communicate what they have learned.

Ability to Continue Learning Independently
Students will find the topics discussed in class, along with in-depth materials, in the recommended
textbooks and additional resources provided by the instructor. These materials will serve as a long-
term reference, helping students revisit and deepen their understanding of concepts that may have
been partially forgotten over time.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The course “Pharmaceutical Analysis and Advanced Stoichiometry” aims to provide students with
both theoretical and practical knowledge related to the qualitative and quantitative identification of
substances of pharmaceutical and toxicological interest. Furthermore, the course is intended to
provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmaceutical and
toxicological properties of these substances.

Specific Objectives – Pharmaceutical Analysis Module
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to theoretically and practically apply concepts related to acid-base equilibria,
hydrolysis, complexation, precipitation, and redox reactions, and evaluate their interdependencies
for the identification of inorganic compounds. Equally important, students will understand the
biological mechanisms at the molecular level that underlie the pharmaceutical and toxicological
properties of inorganic cations and anions.

Specific Objectives – Advanced Stoichiometry Module
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid theoretical understanding of the
quantitative aspects of chemical reactions. They will be able to represent and interpret the
equilibria involved in chemical processes using stoichiometric equations and assess the
spontaneity of acid-base, redox, and precipitation reactions. In addition, they will be able to
critically analyze experimental results obtained from various quantitative analysis techniques, with
a particular focus on volumetric titrations.

Common Objectives of the Course
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to apply and interpret the results of specific chemical
tests for the separation and identification of pharmaceutical substances. They will understand the
chemical reactivity exploited in such tests and will develop problem-solving skills related to their
application.

Critical Thinking and Judgment Skills (lab tests, written reports, etc.)
Lectures will be interactive, with the instructor regularly asking questions to engage students and
develop their logical and critical thinking. These questions will also encourage students to make
connections between various topics covered in the course, helping them gain a comprehensive
understanding of the subject. Additionally, students will learn to consider pharmaceutical chemical
analysis as an integral part of their broader scientific education, linking it to previously studied
subjects (such as general and inorganic chemistry, physics, anatomy, biology) and to future
academic or professional paths.

Communication Skills

Student learning will be assessed through an oral examination based on topics covered in both
theoretical and practical lessons. The exam will also evaluate the student’s ability to clearly and
effectively communicate what they have learned.

Ability to Continue Learning Independently
Students will find the topics discussed in class, along with in-depth materials, in the recommended
textbooks and additional resources provided by the instructor. These materials will serve as a long-
term reference, helping students revisit and deepen their understanding of concepts that may have
been partially forgotten over time.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The course “Pharmaceutical Analysis and Advanced Stoichiometry” aims to provide students with
both theoretical and practical knowledge related to the qualitative and quantitative identification of
substances of pharmaceutical and toxicological interest. Furthermore, the course is intended to
provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmaceutical and
toxicological properties of these substances.

Specific Objectives – Pharmaceutical Analysis Module
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to theoretically and practically apply concepts related to acid-base equilibria,
hydrolysis, complexation, precipitation, and redox reactions, and evaluate their interdependencies
for the identification of inorganic compounds. Equally important, students will understand the
biological mechanisms at the molecular level that underlie the pharmaceutical and toxicological
properties of inorganic cations and anions.

Specific Objectives – Advanced Stoichiometry Module
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid theoretical understanding of the
quantitative aspects of chemical reactions. They will be able to represent and interpret the
equilibria involved in chemical processes using stoichiometric equations and assess the
spontaneity of acid-base, redox, and precipitation reactions. In addition, they will be able to
critically analyze experimental results obtained from various quantitative analysis techniques, with
a particular focus on volumetric titrations.

Common Objectives of the Course
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to apply and interpret the results of specific chemical
tests for the separation and identification of pharmaceutical substances. They will understand the
chemical reactivity exploited in such tests and will develop problem-solving skills related to their
application.

Critical Thinking and Judgment Skills (lab tests, written reports, etc.)
Lectures will be interactive, with the instructor regularly asking questions to engage students and
develop their logical and critical thinking. These questions will also encourage students to make
connections between various topics covered in the course, helping them gain a comprehensive
understanding of the subject. Additionally, students will learn to consider pharmaceutical chemical
analysis as an integral part of their broader scientific education, linking it to previously studied
subjects (such as general and inorganic chemistry, physics, anatomy, biology) and to future
academic or professional paths.

Communication Skills

Student learning will be assessed through an oral examination based on topics covered in both
theoretical and practical lessons. The exam will also evaluate the student’s ability to clearly and
effectively communicate what they have learned.

Ability to Continue Learning Independently
Students will find the topics discussed in class, along with in-depth materials, in the recommended
textbooks and additional resources provided by the instructor. These materials will serve as a long-
term reference, helping students revisit and deepen their understanding of concepts that may have
been partially forgotten over time.