Biology

General skills The course is focused on the study of embryology and the mechanisms that control the different phases of embryogenesis and cell differentiation and on the gametogenesis and fertilization processes. The main aims of the course is to acquire the basic knowledge of the various phases of embryogenesis with a comparative view on different animal models (invertebrates and vertebrates) and of the main mechanisms that control cell fate and specification/differentiation, the maturation of gametes and the mechanisms of fertilization. The course requires established knowledge of cell biology and the basic mechanisms of molecular biology. The course includes lessons and laboratory sessions, dedicated to the observation and recognition of embryos of different animal models and the observation of histological sections of embryos at various developmental stages. The student should have basic knowledge of the microscope and the main histological techniques. The course includes at the end 2-3 bio-applicative seminars with the aim to discuss topics such as animal cloning, the use of adult stem cells and iPS in regenerative medicine, assisted fertilization Specific skills Knowledge and understanding - Knowledge of the stages of embryogenesis and of the main events characterizing the cell fate and differentiation -Knowledge and understanding of the various stages of embryo development with a comparative vision -Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms that control the cell fate - Knowledge and understanding of the germ line formation and the gametes maturation. B) Applying knowledge and understanding -know how to use the appropriate terminology - recognize the various phases of embryogenesis - recognize the various embryos and the main tissues and organs in development both in whole embryos and in histological sections C)Autonomy of judgment - acquiring critical judgment skills, through the historical study of the developmental biology knowledge and of the evolution of the different methodologies used starting from experimental embryology to the recent molecular biology - evaluation of the knowledge learned through self-assessment tests and through an exception test D) Communication skills -Describe what has been learned through the oral test using scientific language properties and knowing how to integrate, discuss and analyze in a critical way what has been learned E) Learning skills - learn the appropriate terminology - connect and integrate the acquired knowledge in a logical way - identify the most relevant topics and their potential applicability to current problems.