Genetics and Molecular Biology

Educational objectives

The cell division cycle underlies as fundamental processes as development, growth, regeneration, stem cell maintenance and differentiation. It integrates all levels of control operating in molecular biology; the loss of these controls favour cell transformation and neoplastic growth. The course will critically examine the emerging concepts, experimental models and forefront methods in cell cycle studies with the aim to understand its regulatory mechanisms and clarify the converging pathways between development and cancer.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The course aims to develop knowledge and skills of the students on the main aspects of human biodiversity in an evolutionary framework, making them aware of the potential impact of such discipline for basic and biomedical research.
Specific objectives
To acquire a full "knowledge and understanding" of human biology and biodiversity, especially in the biomolecular aspects.
To develop the ability of "applying knowledge and understanding" with use of online resources and dedicated software that are currently used for genetic ad genomic analysis in human biodiversity studies.
To cultivate the capacity of "making judgements" through the discussion in the classroom of topics chosen during the lectures.
To promote “communication” skills through the presentation of a chosen topic at the end of the course.

Educational objectives

General Objectives: the main objective of the class is to provide the students with the basic knowledge on sorting and trafficking of molecules in the cell. The class will focus on protein sorting in the different cellular sub-domains. Lessons will be starting from basic cell biology concepts to evolve toward the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the spatial and functional differentiation of different cellular sub-regions. Alterations of these mechanisms will be described in relation to pathological conditions.

Specific objectives:
In order to pass the final exam, students will need show to have acquired knowledge on the different routes of the intracellular trafficking crucial in defying the specialization and differentiation of the cell. The concept of signal sequence as a sorting signal will be deeply described as well as the main types of transport among the different cellular compartments. The gated transport from the cytoplasm and the nucleus (and vice versa), the transport through the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and the vesicular transport to move molecules from the different compartments of the secretory pathway and the plasma membrane. Inward vesicular transport will be also described for the endocytosis process and regulated exocytosis will be reviewed for the description of the molecular mechanisms regulating the release of the neurotransmitter at the pre-synaptic terminals. Cellular checkpoints will be presented as quality control crossroads to ensure proteins are properly sorted in the cell. Protein folding in the cytosol and in the endoplasmic reticulum will be reviewed by comparing the class of molecular chaperones that are involved. Finally, degradation pathways in the cells will be also considered focusing on the proteasome for the cytosolic proteins and the ones deriving from the endoplasmic reticulum.
At the end of the class students should be able to elaborate and organize their own ideas on different molecular mechanisms the cellular functions are based on and to describe the experimental approaches that have been used to study them. Communication skills on the cellular topics described in the class will be practiced by the students through a short group-presentation by using slides with the images taken from the article they have chosen to present. This will be useful to improve the scientific language for describing cell biology problems and methodologies. Students will be studying the topics presented in the class by integrating their personal notes with scientific articles and reviews provided by the teacher. One of the objectives of the class is stimulating a critical opinion on the comprehension reading of the scientific articles. The students are welcome to develop their own interests on specific topics by interacting directly and individually with the teacher and asking for additional material. In order to connect basic cell biology topics to lab experimental approaches, at the end of the class around 5 to 7 lessons will be dedicated to seminars held by researchers from different institutes working on pathological issues linked to the class. This is very much appreciated by the students that have the chance to interact directly with researchers from different fields and to connect theoretical notions to practical issues. Moreover, this offers the student the chance to get oriented for deciding where to apply for the preparation of the final master thesis.

Educational objectives

The aim of this course is to give the student a broad introduction to the cellular and molecular basis of cancer. The module explores the molecular and cellular hallmarks of cancer, including tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes, apoptosis, DNA repair mechanisms and metabolism. Emphasis will be also given to the events that control cellular senescence and immortalization, stem cells, angiogenesis and metastatic dissemination, inflammation-cancer sequence and viruses causing cancer.
On successful completion of this course students should be able to: 1. define and describe the nature and role of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes in the process of cancer; 2. outline the role of cell proliferation and avoidance of cell death in cancer progression; 3. outline the molecular factors regulating metabolism and novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting these hallmarks; 4. discuss the causes of cancer including mutation, infection and inflammation; 5 outline the molecular mechanisms regulating metastasis and angiogenesis and the influence of the tumour microenvironment in regulating tumour growth and development.

Educational objectives

The knowledge and skills in biomedical area are crucial for the biologist who wants to meet the challenges in the understanding and treatment of the most widespread human diseases. The course of Molecular Pathology and Immunopathology intends to provide to the students an advanced knowledge of the molecular and cellular factors and mechanisms underlying the most common human diseases caused by: a) hyper-activation of the immune system; b) defects of the immune system; c) pathogen evasion of the host immune response; d) dysregulated interaction between genes and environment.

Educational objectives

The knowledge and skills in biomedical area are crucial for the biologist who wants to meet the challenges in the understanding and treatment of the most widespread human diseases. The course of Molecular Pathology and Immunopathology intends to provide to the students an advanced knowledge of the molecular and cellular factors and mechanisms underlying the most common human diseases caused by: a) hyper-activation of the immune system; b) defects of the immune system; c) pathogen evasion of the host immune response; d) dysregulated interaction between genes and environment.

Educational objectives

The knowledge and skills in biomedical area are crucial for the biologist who wants to meet the challenges in the understanding and treatment of the most widespread human diseases. The course of Molecular Pathology and Immunopathology intends to provide to the students an advanced knowledge of the molecular and cellular factors and mechanisms underlying the most common human diseases caused by: a) hyper-activation of the immune system; b) defects of the immune system; c) pathogen evasion of the host immune response; d) dysregulated interaction between genes and environment.

Educational objectives

The aim of the course is to illustrate the mechanisms underlying human pathology, with a particular focus on how the disruption of the direct relationship between metabolism and epigenetics contributes to its onset and progression. Upon completing the course, students will have acquired a broader understanding of human pathology by exploring a fundamental regulatory level in the development of diseases, especially those associated with metabolic alterations. Specifically, students will gain knowledge and skills related to:
i) pathologies associated with metabolic dysfunction, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, liver disorders, and cancer;
ii) the critical role of certain metabolites in regulating the activity of epigenetic enzymes;
iii) the potential to act in the metabolism–epigenetics–pathology axis through nutraceutical or pharmacological approaches;
iv) technological methods used to study the relationship between metabolism and epigenetics in disease contexts

Educational objectives

This course focuses on the interaction between the endocrine, the immune and the nervous systems at molecular, cellular and systems levels. It provides an overview of current and developing concepts in Neuroimmunology from both Neuroscience and Immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarise students with the molecular and cellular elements of interconnectivity between the immune and nervous systems and the effect of neuro-immune interaction on physiological responses and disease processes. Moreover it provides the basis of crosstalk between cells of endocrine, immune, and nervous systems in the stress response and in the onset and development of neurological disorders.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge on the fundamental properties of stem cells, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that regulate their capacity of self-renewal and differentiation. The course also intends to clarify the potential of somatic cell reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), providing notions about the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the reprogramming process. Examples of the use of stem cells for the creation of in vitro model systems of different human diseases and regenerative medicine will be provided.
The student is guided along the path to arrive at an understanding of the processes that determine the peculiar capacities of stem cells to give rise to the different types of differentiated cells that build up organs and tissues.

There are no laboratory activities.

Knowledge and understanding
The student:
- Knows correctly the terminology related to stem cells;
- Knows the molecular basis of biological processes that regulate self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells;
- Knows the different levels of epigenetic regulation of stem cell differentiation;
- Knows the basic techniques for the study of stem cells

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student:
- knows how to properly use stem cell terminology
- can distinguish the different types of stem cells, also based on their differentiation potential
- can evaluate the possible use of stem cells as model systems in biology;
- knows how to evaluate the possible applications of stem cells
- is able to use the knowledge on the techniques for the study of stem cells to design an experiment in the laboratory.

Educational objectives

The aim of this course is that the students should acquire a deep level of knowledge of advanced molecular methodologies such as Next Generation Sequencing, single molecule techniques and CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing techniques.

After the completion of the course, students are expected to:
1. Know the most important methodologies in Molecular Biology developed since the completion of the Human Genome Project, in particular NGS applications and new gene and genome editing techniques
2. Understanding how the different methodological approaches studied may be used to answer a specific scientific question
3. Be able to analyze and interpret recent scientific articles, including the methodologies used
4. Be able to identify which methods should be used to address a specific scientific issue

Educational objectives

These classes aim to build a deep knowledge on the molecular mechanisms in plant development.The student will get in touch with cutting edge techniques to study gene expression regulation in plants. Students will gain knowledge on genetic networks, mathematical and growth models deriving from Arabidopsis. The described molecular mechanisms will be analysed also in an Evo-Devo fashion.
During the classes Journal Clubs on freshly published papers will be held.
Program
1. Basic principles of developmental biology
2. Differences and similarities in organ development between animals and plants
3. Pattern formation
4. Generation of morphogen gradients (inter- and intracellular communication, polar auxin transport, similarities with retinoic acid, generation of morphogen sensors)
5. Stem cell niches
6. Clonal analysis and transactivation systems (CRE/LOX, UAS/GAL4, LHGR/OP)
7. Molecular mechanisms determining the formation and maintenance of stem cells (PLT transcription factors, WOX homeobox genes)
8. The WUS/CLV and SHR/SCR systems in stem cell niche homeostasis
9. Molecular mechanisms regulating asymmetric cell divisions (Cyclins, Retinoblastoma, etc.) and mathematical models describing bistable circuit formation
10. Use of confocal microscopy, light sheet microscopy, and vertical microscopes to study organ growth
11. Evolution of the stem cell niche and its regulatory molecular mechanisms from algae to angiosperms
12. Molecular mechanisms underlying cellular differentiation (hormones, lncRNAs, morphogen minima generation, etc.)
13. The role of the DREAM complex and retinoblastoma in cellular differentiation
14. Differences and similarities in cell cycle regulation between animals and plants
15. Involvement of telomeres in maintaining stem cell activity in plants
16. The role of microRNAs in plant development and techniques for their study (LNA, MIMICRY, STTDM-MIMICRY, microRNA sensors)
17. Evolution of microRNAs: similarities and differences between animals and plants
18. MicroRNAs in robust and plastic organ development (role of miR165 and miR160 in homeotic transformations)
19. Genetic and molecular improvement of plants for adaptation to extreme conditions
20. Use of morphogenetic factors to enhance the generation of transgenic plants
21. Species-specific molecular mechanisms driving morphological diversity and their industrial applications
22. Evolution of cis-regulatory elements in plants
23. Continuous and discontinuous developmental models
24. Generation of computational models predicting morphogen activity
25. Post-translational protein modifications and their role in organ development (fucosylation, glycosylation, etc.)

Educational objectives

The course’s main goal is making students explore the theoretical bases of most recent genetic-molecular methods employed in human molecular genetics for the identification of genes responsible for monogenic, polygenic or multifactorial diseases. Furthermore this course, which is entirely taught in English, aims at providing students with basic concepts regarding genetic tests for the identification of pathologic genetic variants at a population level. The course goals will be reached through a general description of methods and their employment by means of critical analysis of scientific articles made available to the students.

Specific tasks:
A) Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of techniques for the analysis of genetic (either large or small) variants of human genome.
Knowledge and understanding of genetic and molecular strategies for human gene tracking
Knowledge and understanding of methods in human molecular cytogenetics and cytogenomics with a particular reference to clinic cytogenetics
Knowledge and understanding of molecular strategies for the development of human genetic tests aimed to the identification of pathogenic variants within populations.

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- Proper usage of scientific language
-Identification of criteria for the identification of normal and pathogenic variants
-Acquisition of conceptual tools to understand methods for the most appropriate genetic analyses
-Usage and understanding of on-line data banks for disease gene priororitation.

C) Making judgments
Learning to address specific questions for the elaboration and comprehension of acquired knowledge

D) Communication skills
Communicating with a proper scientific language the human genetics concepts acquired during classes
Development of communication skills in English by means of ppt presentations showing topics taken from selected scientific articles

E) Learning skills
Making a conceptual map of acquired information gained during the course
Comprehension of concepts underlying methods that have been described in the selected scientific articles.

Educational objectives

General aims

This course aims to present how gene expression is also controlled by reversible and inheritable phenomena such as DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA activities. These processes may operate over the regular genetic control and represent the "epigenetic space" of regulation. Students will learn how epigenetic processes occur in different organisms and control vast array of biological functions, such as tissue/organ regeneration, X-chromosome inactivation, stem cells differentiation and genomic imprinting. The epigenetic aberrations underlying many diseases, including cancer, disorders of the nervous systems, and aging will be also discussed.

Specific aims

• Preliminary knowledge
The student who addresses this course must possess the basic notions of molecular biology (indispensable), genetics (important) and biochemistry (important).
• Knowledge of the student at the end of the course:
With this course the students acquire the knowledge of a level of regulation of gene expression that acts over the genetic one, but on which it depends. With particular regard to the interaction with the environment around us.
• Acquired skills of the student with this course
The student knows how to deal with issues concerning the regulatory aspect at the base of the main cellular processes; has the fundamentals to be able to read and understand a scientific article of high detail
• Critical and judgmental skills acquired at the end of the course
Through the knowledge of the principles and details of epigenetic regulation, students acquire a good critical and scientific judgment of these problems
• Communication skills on course content
The students are evaluated not only on their specific knowledge of the contents of the study program, but also to know how to expose the issues in question with balance, properties of scientific language and in-depth study.
• Ability to continue independently
In this regard, students will have acquired knowledge and critical skills in the field of epigenetic regulation and will be able to look with a new perspective on the main cellular processes that they will encounter in their scientific career.

Educational objectives

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence.The course aims to discuss and explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate epigenetic phenomena (chromatin remodeling, histone modification and histone code, heterochromatic proteins, DNA methylation, RNA interference) and the cellular processes that exploit this kind of regualtion (genomic and chromosomal imprinting, facultative heterochromatin, chromosome elimination, position effect of variegation and paramutation).
In addition this course will allow students to learn modern approaches to study the chromatin modifications. We will examine most interesting non-canonical genetic events that involve epigenetic mechanisms. In nature, in fact, exist many variations of basic biological processes, such as meiosis and mitosis, and chromosomal structures, such as telomeres and centromeres. The aim is to demonstrate that the study of non-canonical genetic systems allows to obtain meaningful information about their evolutionary significance and the corresponding canonical processes. A further goal is to illustrate the biology of transposons and their role in gene expression and genomic organization.

Educational objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with the most advanced Genetics methodologies through the study of a complex biological process, and the conceptual tools to understand the genetic bases of development in higher organisms, also by an evolutionary point of view.

Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand (knowledge and understanding):
- how the development processes originated and evolved
- how the development of higher organisms is controlled at the genetic level
- how the architecture of the body of higher organisms is built

Students who have passed the exam will be able to (applying knowledge and understanding):
- to evaluate the most appropriate genetic methods to solve scientific problems concerning the development of organisms
- evaluate the importance of model organisms for the study of human development and its pathologies

Students who have passed the exam will be able to (making judgements)
- critically analyze some aspects related to social problems

Educational objectives

There is much evidence on the involvement of genes in the control of life span and senescence. These two aspects of the life cycle of an organism can therefore be considered two dissectionable phenotypes through a mutational analysis. The course aims to illustrate the most relevant results obtained in different model systems using formal genetic and molecular approaches.

Acquired knowledge:
Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand:
- the genetic theories of senescence
- the main mechanisms of senescence
- the relationship between aging and cancer

Acquired skills:
Students who have passed the exam will be able to:
- to evaluate which genetic techniques are most appropriate to solve scientific problems concerning senescence and length of life
- evaluate the importance of model organisms for the study of aging and related diseases

Making judgments:
Students who have passed the exam will be able to:
- critically analyze some aspects related to aging

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with a solid theoretical foundation in genome evolution, highlighting the molecular mechanisms that drive its transformation over time. Particular attention will be given to the development of critical thinking, the ability to read, understand and analyse scientific articles, and to interpret raw data from applied genomics. We will explore what composes genomes, how they are organised and reshaped, examining the processes that shape their architecture: gene duplication, transposition, recombination, drift and selection. Mutagenesis will be treated not only as a source of variation, but as an ambivalent force — a driver of evolution and, at the same time, a threat to genomic stability. We will compare genomic, genetic and epigenetic organisation from simple eukaryotes all the way to ourselves. Particular focus will be dedicated to the human genome and pathological states: tumour genome evolution — with its structural instability, cycles of clonal selection and accumulation of driver mutations — represents a paradigmatic example of how evolutionary principles operate in real time within a single organism. The subject integrates genetics, genomics — including recent developments in the fields of pangenomics and genetic engineering — epigenomics, population genetics, molecular biology, mathematics and statistics into a unifying perspective, building also on knowledge acquired in other courses. The practical components will guide students to formulate, design and test a new scientific hypothesis in the field, critically read the literature, and develop a project grounded in the curriculum covered.

Educational objectives

The primary objective of the course is to provide a solid theoretical and practical grounding in high-resolution RNA biology, enabling students to master modern sequencing technologies and omics data analysis. This involves developing critical skills in the interpretation of experimental results and acquiring a thorough understanding of advanced RNA study methodologies and their applications such as CRISPR and epitranscriptomics. In summary, the course aims to train students capable of utilizing cutting-edge tools to explore the complexity of RNA biology.

Educational objectives

Main aim
The main aim of the course is to allow the student in GMB to acquire the basic concepts of Pharmacology, which will be useful to its inclusion in sectors of the job market related to the Drug Discovery Process, or to enter third level-education programs requiring a basic pharmacology knowledge.

Specific aims
This objective will be pursued through an articulated knowledge about a range of basic aspects of drug development including pharmacology, such as target identification, drug testing, pharmacokinetics investigations, safety requirements (in vitro and in animal toxicological evaluations), phases of clinical development and postmarketing surveillance.

Among the skills that will be acquired by the student at the end of the course the making judgments and communication skills will be stimulated by inviting students to present to their colleagues a recent publication they chose from the scientific literature concerning pharmacological studies in one of the aforesaid aspects of drug development. The presentation will be followed by a discussion on the results that will involve the other students in the class.
Finally, through the reference to scientific databases (eg. Pubmed) or to websites of public or private organizations in the area of Pharmacology (eg AIFA, ISS, Italian Pharmacology Society), the course will provide the student with indications on the use of such sources to develop learning skills necessary for his/her autonomous education in this field.

Educational objectives

Research in Virology allows accomplishing, with relative ease, fundamental discoveries on the mechanisms that regulate complex biological processes and on the origin of life. Thanks to the study of the biology of viruses, in the effort to fight the negative effects they have on their hosts, it has been possible to use them to our advantage so that today Virology has many applications in biotechnology. The discoveries in the field of Virology increase unabated providing more and more knowledge on the molecular details of viruses, including the interactions with their hosts. The breadth of information, old and new, requires to limit the number of viruses discussed in the teaching of Virology, making a selection of examples to be illustrated, which demonstrate broad principles as well as specific detail. Through in-depth discussion of selected topics, the teaching of Molecular Virology aims to provide a comprehensive view of the world of viruses, characterized by such great diversity, knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of the virus life cycle and of their influence on the physiology of the host cell, and the molecular basis of their use in biotechnology. Finally, by including some flipped lessons, the Course of Molecular Virology aims to improve the students’ skills to communicate their knowledge to both specialists and non-specialists.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of Molecular Virology Course, students will acquire knowledge on:
- The pivotal role of molecular virology discoveries on the understanding of the main biological processes;
- The mechanisms by which hosts control virus infection and how different viruses overcome these;
- The life cycles of selected DNA and RNA viruses;
- The molecular basis for how certain viruses cause disease;
- Why do viruses cause cancer;
- The molecular basis of antiviral therapy
- The current state of scientific knowledge for several virus systems under study;
- The molecular basis for creating recombinant viruses.

By the end of the Molecular Virology Course, students should be able to:
- Develop a detailed understanding of the molecular biology underpinning viral replication cycles and virus-host interactions to build original ideas aimed at creating biotechnological tools to be used in a research context;
- Apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems in medical sphere associated to viral infection, identifying potential targets for designing antiviral drugs.
- Integrate the acquired knowledge for facing emerging viral infection, express judgments and reflect on social and ethical responsibilities linked to vaccines and genome editing.
- Communicate responsibly and illustrate correctly, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, the potential of new technologies based on recombinant viruses both in developing new vaccines and the manipulation of eukaryotic cells.
- Continue to study in autonomous manner bio-molecular aspects aimed at understanding and explaining new viral infections and their consequences at the cell and the whole organism level.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and understanding:
The aim of the course is to provide insights into the main computational methods used in the fields of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, with a particular focus on omic approaches such as the analysis of RNA-Sequencing data. Students will familiarize with the basics of R, a programming environment for statistical computing and graphics, and they will use it for the analysis of transcriptomic data.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course students will be able not only to understand, but also to autonomously carry out computational and statistical analyzes of biological data.

Making judgements:
By carrying out a project in R, students will develop the ability to correctly interpret biological data, formulate hypotheses and verify them directly.

Communication skills:
Students will learn to effectively communicate the results of their analyses by compiling a written report on the project.

Learning skills:
The knowledge and skills acquired during the course will allow students to autonomously deepen both the study of computational methods for the analysis of biological data and that of R or other programming languages.

Educational objectives

In-depth knowledge of methods for data taking and analysis of experimental results, mainly by laboratory experiments and lecture-hall practice. Exploitation of instruments, hardware and software tools. Application of advanced methods for statistical inference (parametric and non parametric methods, test of hypothesis) to actual data from current literature or experiments in the context of the specific master degree.

Educational objectives

Main objectives
The course of Molecular Parasitology aims to provide students with the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying the biology of parasites and vectors, their pathogenicity and their coevolution with the host, with particular interest in the vector-parasite and host-parasite molecular interplays. Human parasitic protozoa, helminths and arthropods will be part of the syllabus, with particular attention to the molecular biology of the vectors.
The lessons will address different aspects of parasitological relationships, starting from the fundamental biological aspects up to the specific molecular mechanisms of parasitic life, such as evasion of the host's immune system, molecular mimesis, penetration into host cells, etc.
Biotechnological approaches (-omics, transgenesis, creation of novel experimental models, etc.) that allowed in recent years to expand genomic, genetic, molecular and biochemical knowledge on parasites and on the complex interactions between different eukaryotic organisms will be also discussed.
Specific objectives
At the end of the lessons, the student will have acquired both the key biological competences on the discipline of Parasitology and the specific knowledge on the molecular basis of parasitological relationships, vector-parasite-host interactions, metabolism and pathogenicity of parasites.
A) Knowledge and understanding.
During the course, the student will be guided towards understanding the importance of studying the subject both from the point of view of basic research and from the point of view of the numerous possible applications in biomedical research, considering the considerable impact of parasitic diseases (neglected and not) on global public health.
B) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
At the end of the lessons, the students will have gained the biological and terminological competences of the subject. One of the aims of the course is to provide students with useful tools for analyzing biological problems and questions and for identifying the relevant molecular strategies useful for their study.
C) Autonomy of judgment.
During the course the student's ability to apply the scientific method to Molecular Parasitology will be stimulated. Many aspects of the molecular interactions that regulate parasitic life with the hosts and with the vectors are in fact still open questions, deeply studied in numerous laboratories in the world. The student will be encouraged to develop the ability to understand scientific issues, to interpret the experimental strategies applied and to evaluate the conclusions reached.
D) Communication skills.
The curriculum of the course encompasses different opportunities of direct communication from the student to the teacher and to the class, for example through the deepening (in groups or individually) and the exposition of specific topics of the program. The student will be directed towards choosing the appropriate literature and will be followed in the presentation of the specific study.

E) Learning skills.
Learning skills will be continuously stimulated through the application of an integrated study method between texts, teaching and didactic material provided by the teacher, original articles, thematic reviews, especially through the review of the most recent scientific literature.

Educational objectives

Learning objectives
Psychobiology is a discipline that belongs to the life sciences and more particularly to neurosciences.
In the field of psychobiology we consider how the relationships between brain and behavior have changed from an evolutionary and developmental point of view. The main objective of the course is to
provide students with the basics to address the study and understanding the relationship between the nervous system and behavior, from reflexes to cortical functions.
The student is guided to the understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of the nervous system and the strategies for regulating their functions.

Particular attention will be devoted to the effects of the environment on the structure and nervous function. The course wil also deal with basic psychopharmacology and animal models of neurologiacal
and psychiatric diseases.

Knowledge and understanding
The student:
-Knows the neuroscientific terminology correctly;
- Knows the neurobiological bases of behavior;
- Knows the different levels of organization of the CNS from the spinal cord to the cortex;
- Knows the excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms of NS
- Knows the basic techniques for the study of the nervous system, in vitro and in vivo
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

The student:
- knows how to correctly use neuroscientific terminology
- knows how to evaluate the function of different nerve structures and their functional relationships;
- knows how to evaluate the role of neurotransmitters in the various brain functions
- is able to use the techniques for the study of the nervous system in order to explore its functions.

Making judgements
- is able to critically analyze scientific literature in the field of psychobiology

Communication skills
- ability to communicate effectively acquired knowledge to non-specialists
- ability to communicate effectively acquired knowledge through a written report
- ability to synthesize and communicate complex problems in the field of psychobiology

Lifelong learning skills
the student should be able to understand, and evaluate research in the field of neuroscience and develop critical judgment

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies " consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies " consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies " consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

After completing the course, learners will be able to:
Run Python programs
Store data in programs
Use built-in functions
Detect syntax errors occurring in programs
Read tabular data
Visualise and statistically analyse tabular data
Plot biological data
Create functions
Repeat actions with loops
Make choices
Determine where errors occurred
Manage errors and exceptions
Make programs readable
Use software that other people have written
Recognize various data formats to represent DNA/RNA sequence data
Independently write Python scripts to
Read in sequence data using Python or BioPython modules
Parse data files
Run external programs
Read input from the command line
Describe a wide range of machine learning techniques
Recognize what machine learning method is most applicable to given data analysis problems
Transform biological data for ML application. In particular, transform sequence data into a machine-readable format for input into a machine learning pipeline
Preprocess Biological Sequence Data for Natural Language Processing
Build a Random Forest model (RF) to classify a set of sequences

Educational objectives

The cell division cycle underlies as fundamental processes as development, growth, regeneration, stem cell maintenance and differentiation. It integrates all levels of control operating in molecular biology; the loss of these controls favour cell transformation and neoplastic growth. The course will critically examine the emerging concepts, experimental models and forefront methods in cell cycle studies with the aim to understand its regulatory mechanisms and clarify the converging pathways between development and cancer.

Educational objectives

General Objectives: the main objective of the class is to provide the students with the basic knowledge on sorting and trafficking of molecules in the cell. The class will focus on protein sorting in the different cellular sub-domains. Lessons will be starting from basic cell biology concepts to evolve toward the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the spatial and functional differentiation of different cellular sub-regions. Alterations of these mechanisms will be described in relation to pathological conditions.

Specific objectives:
In order to pass the final exam, students will need show to have acquired knowledge on the different routes of the intracellular trafficking crucial in defying the specialization and differentiation of the cell. The concept of signal sequence as a sorting signal will be deeply described as well as the main types of transport among the different cellular compartments. The gated transport from the cytoplasm and the nucleus (and vice versa), the transport through the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and the vesicular transport to move molecules from the different compartments of the secretory pathway and the plasma membrane. Inward vesicular transport will be also described for the endocytosis process and regulated exocytosis will be reviewed for the description of the molecular mechanisms regulating the release of the neurotransmitter at the pre-synaptic terminals. Cellular checkpoints will be presented as quality control crossroads to ensure proteins are properly sorted in the cell. Protein folding in the cytosol and in the endoplasmic reticulum will be reviewed by comparing the class of molecular chaperones that are involved. Finally, degradation pathways in the cells will be also considered focusing on the proteasome for the cytosolic proteins and the ones deriving from the endoplasmic reticulum.
At the end of the class students should be able to elaborate and organize their own ideas on different molecular mechanisms the cellular functions are based on and to describe the experimental approaches that have been used to study them. Communication skills on the cellular topics described in the class will be practiced by the students through a short group-presentation by using slides with the images taken from the article they have chosen to present. This will be useful to improve the scientific language for describing cell biology problems and methodologies. Students will be studying the topics presented in the class by integrating their personal notes with scientific articles and reviews provided by the teacher. One of the objectives of the class is stimulating a critical opinion on the comprehension reading of the scientific articles. The students are welcome to develop their own interests on specific topics by interacting directly and individually with the teacher and asking for additional material. In order to connect basic cell biology topics to lab experimental approaches, at the end of the class around 5 to 7 lessons will be dedicated to seminars held by researchers from different institutes working on pathological issues linked to the class. This is very much appreciated by the students that have the chance to interact directly with researchers from different fields and to connect theoretical notions to practical issues. Moreover, this offers the student the chance to get oriented for deciding where to apply for the preparation of the final master thesis.

Educational objectives

The aim of this course is to give the student a broad introduction to the cellular and molecular basis of cancer. The module explores the molecular and cellular hallmarks of cancer, including tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes, apoptosis, DNA repair mechanisms and metabolism. Emphasis will be also given to the events that control cellular senescence and immortalization, stem cells, angiogenesis and metastatic dissemination, inflammation-cancer sequence and viruses causing cancer. The role of the microenvironment and of the immune system in cancer progression will be also outlined. The students are required to give a short presentation to the audience about selected topics aimed to discuss the more recent advances in molecular oncology.

On successful completion of this course students should be able to: 1. define and describe the nature and role of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes in the process of cancer; 2. outline the role of cell proliferation and avoidance of cell death in cancer progression; 3. outline the molecular factors regulating metabolism and novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting these hallmarks; 4. discuss the causes of cancer including mutation, infection and inflammation; 5 utline the molecular mechanisms regulating metastasis and angiogenesis and the influence of the tumour microenvironment in regulating tumour growth and development; 6 be able to sum up and discuss topics taken from the more recent literature.

Educational objectives

This course focuses on the interaction between the endocrine, the immune and the nervous systems at molecular, cellular and systems levels. It provides an overview of current and developing concepts in Neuroimmunology from both Neuroscience and Immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarise students with the molecular and cellular elements of interconnectivity between the immune and nervous systems and the effect of neuro-immune interaction on physiological responses and disease processes. Moreover it provides the basis of crosstalk between cells of endocrine, immune, and nervous systems in the stress response and in the onset and development of neurological disorders.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge on the fundamental properties of stem cells, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that regulate their capacity of self-renewal and differentiation. The course also intends to clarify the potential of somatic cell reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), providing notions about the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the reprogramming process. Examples of the use of stem cells for the creation of in vitro model systems of different human diseases and regenerative medicine will be provided.
The student is guided along the path to arrive at an understanding of the processes that determine the peculiar capacities of stem cells to give rise to the different types of differentiated cells that build up organs and tissues.

There are no laboratory activities.

Knowledge and understanding
The student:
- Knows correctly the terminology related to stem cells;
- Knows the molecular basis of biological processes that regulate self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells;
- Knows the different levels of epigenetic regulation of stem cell differentiation;
- Knows the basic techniques for the study of stem cells

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student:
- knows how to properly use stem cell terminology
- can distinguish the different types of stem cells, also based on their differentiation potential
- can evaluate the possible use of stem cells as model systems in biology;
- knows how to evaluate the possible applications of stem cells
- is able to use the knowledge on the techniques for the study of stem cells to design an experiment in the laboratory.

Educational objectives

The aim of this course is that the students should acquire a deep level of knowledge of advanced molecular methodologies such as Next Generation Sequencing, single molecule techniques and CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing techniques.

After the completion of the course, students are expected to:
1. Know the most important methodologies in Molecular Biology developed since the completion of the Human Genome Project, in particular NGS applications and new gene and genome editing techniques
2. Understanding how the different methodological approaches studied may be used to answer a specific scientific question
3. Be able to analyze and interpret recent scientific articles, including the methodologies used
4. Be able to identify which methods should be used to address a specific scientific issue

Educational objectives

The course’s main goal is making students explore the theoretical bases of most recent genetic-molecular methods employed in human molecular genetics for the identification of genes responsible for monogenic, polygenic or multifactorial diseases. Furthermore this course, which is entirely taught in English, aims at providing students with basic concepts regarding genetic tests for the identification of pathologic genetic variants at a population level. The course goals will be reached through a general description of methods and their employment by means of critical analysis of scientific articles made available to the students.

Specific tasks:
A) Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of techniques for the analysis of genetic (either large or small) variants of human genome.
Knowledge and understanding of genetic and molecular strategies for human gene tracking
Knowledge and understanding of methods in human molecular cytogenetics and cytogenomics with a particular reference to clinic cytogenetics
Knowledge and understanding of molecular strategies for the development of human genetic tests aimed to the identification of pathogenic variants within populations.

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- Proper usage of scientific language
-Identification of criteria for the identification of normal and pathogenic variants
-Acquisition of conceptual tools to understand methods for the most appropriate genetic analyses
-Usage and understanding of on-line data banks for disease gene priororitation.

C) Making judgments
Learning to address specific questions for the elaboration and comprehension of acquired knowledge

D) Communication skills
Communicating with a proper scientific language the human genetics concepts acquired during classes
Development of communication skills in English by means of ppt presentations showing topics taken from selected scientific articles

E) Learning skills
Making a conceptual map of acquired information gained during the course
Comprehension of concepts underlying methods that have been described in the selected scientific articles.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with a solid theoretical foundation in genome evolution, highlighting the molecular mechanisms that drive its transformation over time. Particular attention will be given to the development of critical thinking, the ability to read, understand and analyse scientific articles, and to interpret raw data from applied genomics. We will explore what composes genomes, how they are organised and reshaped, examining the processes that shape their architecture: gene duplication, transposition, recombination, drift and selection. Mutagenesis will be treated not only as a source of variation, but as an ambivalent force — a driver of evolution and, at the same time, a threat to genomic stability. We will compare genomic, genetic and epigenetic organisation from simple eukaryotes all the way to ourselves. Particular focus will be dedicated to the human genome and pathological states: tumour genome evolution — with its structural instability, cycles of clonal selection and accumulation of driver mutations — represents a paradigmatic example of how evolutionary principles operate in real time within a single organism. The subject integrates genetics, genomics — including recent developments in the fields of pangenomics and genetic engineering — epigenomics, population genetics, molecular biology, mathematics and statistics into a unifying perspective, building also on knowledge acquired in other courses. The practical components will guide students to formulate, design and test a new scientific hypothesis in the field, critically read the literature, and develop a project grounded in the curriculum covered.

Educational objectives

The primary objective of the course is to provide a solid theoretical and practical grounding in high-resolution RNA biology, enabling students to master modern sequencing technologies and omics data analysis. This involves developing critical skills in the interpretation of experimental results and acquiring a thorough understanding of advanced RNA study methodologies and their applications such as CRISPR and epitranscriptomics. In summary, the course aims to train students capable of utilizing cutting-edge tools to explore the complexity of RNA biology.

Educational objectives

Main aim
The main aim of the course is to allow the student in GMB to acquire the basic concepts of Pharmacology, which will be useful to its inclusion in sectors of the job market related to the Drug Discovery Process, or to enter third level-education programs requiring a basic pharmacology knowledge.

Specific aims
This objective will be pursued through an articulated knowledge about a range of basic aspects of drug development including pharmacology, such as target identification, drug testing, pharmacokinetics investigations, safety requirements (in vitro and in animal toxicological evaluations), phases of clinical development and postmarketing surveillance.

Among the skills that will be acquired by the student at the end of the course the making judgments and communication skills will be stimulated by inviting students to present to their colleagues a recent publication they chose from the scientific literature concerning pharmacological studies in one of the aforesaid aspects of drug development. The presentation will be followed by a discussion on the results that will involve the other students in the class.
Finally, through the reference to scientific databases (eg. Pubmed) or to websites of public or private organizations in the area of Pharmacology (eg AIFA, ISS, Italian Pharmacology Society), the course will provide the student with indications on the use of such sources to develop learning skills necessary for his/her autonomous education in this field.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and understanding:
The aim of the course is to provide insights into the main computational methods used in the fields of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, with a particular focus on omic approaches such as the analysis of RNA-Sequencing data. Students will familiarize with the basics of R, a programming environment for statistical computing and graphics, and they will use it for the analysis of transcriptomic data.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course students will be able not only to understand, but also to autonomously carry out computational and statistical analyzes of biological data.

Making judgements:
By carrying out a project in R, students will develop the ability to correctly interpret biological data, formulate hypotheses and verify them directly.

Communication skills:
Students will learn to effectively communicate the results of their analyses by compiling a written report on the project.

Learning skills:
The knowledge and skills acquired during the course will allow students to autonomously deepen both the study of computational methods for the analysis of biological data and that of R or other programming languages.

Educational objectives

In-depth knowledge of methods for data taking and analysis of experimental results, mainly by laboratory experiments and lecture-hall practice. Exploitation of instruments, hardware and software tools. Application of advanced methods for statistical inference (parametric and non parametric methods, test of hypothesis) to actual data from current literature or experiments in the context of the specific master degree.

Educational objectives

Learning objectives
Psychobiology is a discipline that belongs to the life sciences and more particularly to neurosciences.
In the field of psychobiology we consider how the relationships between brain and behavior have changed from an evolutionary and developmental point of view. The main objective of the course is to
provide students with the basics to address the study and understanding the relationship between the nervous system and behavior, from reflexes to cortical functions.
The student is guided to the understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of the nervous system and the strategies for regulating their functions.

Particular attention will be devoted to the effects of the environment on the structure and nervous function. The course wil also deal with basic psychopharmacology and animal models of neurologiacal
and psychiatric diseases.

Knowledge and understanding
The student:
-Knows the neuroscientific terminology correctly;
- Knows the neurobiological bases of behavior;
- Knows the different levels of organization of the CNS from the spinal cord to the cortex;
- Knows the excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms of NS
- Knows the basic techniques for the study of the nervous system, in vitro and in vivo
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

The student:
- knows how to correctly use neuroscientific terminology
- knows how to evaluate the function of different nerve structures and their functional relationships;
- knows how to evaluate the role of neurotransmitters in the various brain functions
- is able to use the techniques for the study of the nervous system in order to explore its functions.

Making judgements
- is able to critically analyze scientific literature in the field of psychobiology

Communication skills
- ability to communicate effectively acquired knowledge to non-specialists
- ability to communicate effectively acquired knowledge through a written report
- ability to synthesize and communicate complex problems in the field of psychobiology

Lifelong learning skills
the student should be able to understand, and evaluate research in the field of neuroscience and develop critical judgment

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies " consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies " consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

The course of "Biochemical Biotechnologies " consists of the integrated modules "Applied Biochemistry" and "Microbial Biotechnologies: Industrial Applications". The learning outcomes of the course concern biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and microorganisms in basic and applied research and in industry. The learning outcomes of each individual module can be consulted in the appropriate section of the module.

Educational objectives

After completing the course, learners will be able to:
Run Python programs
Store data in programs
Use built-in functions
Detect syntax errors occurring in programs
Read tabular data
Visualise and statistically analyse tabular data
Plot biological data
Create functions
Repeat actions with loops
Make choices
Determine where errors occurred
Manage errors and exceptions
Make programs readable
Use software that other people have written
Recognize various data formats to represent DNA/RNA sequence data
Independently write Python scripts to
Read in sequence data using Python or BioPython modules
Parse data files
Run external programs
Read input from the command line
Describe a wide range of machine learning techniques
Recognize what machine learning method is most applicable to given data analysis problems
Transform biological data for ML application. In particular, transform sequence data into a machine-readable format for input into a machine learning pipeline
Preprocess Biological Sequence Data for Natural Language Processing
Build a Random Forest model (RF) to classify a set of sequences