BIOLOGY, GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY AND GENETICS

Integrated educational activity

Course Sheet

Academic Year of enrolment:

2020/2021

Optional/Mandatory:

Compulsory

Degree:

6-year Single Cycle Master's Degree Programme in MEDICINE AND SURGERY

Language:

Italian

Moduls:

BIOLOGY

5 credits
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY

2 credits
MEDICAL GENETICS

5 credits

Credits:

Programme Year:

Hours of classroom activity:

144

Prerequisites:

No prerequisites

AF code:

40000293

Assessment Methods

Verification of learning:

The calls for applications provide for the following interim evaluation procedures during the academic year:
1) for medical genetics: a written task accompanied by an oral examination.
2) for biology: an oral evaluation
3) for psychology: a written evaluation

The examination consists of an oral examination of the entire integrated course.

Teaching period

First semester

Objectives

At the end of the course the student will have acquired basic knowledge (i) on the structural, functional and dynamic properties of the fundamental unity of living organisms, i.e. the cell in the prokaryotes and eukaryotes in its various expressions, (ii) on the constituents of the cell and of the extracellular environment, with particular reference to the chemical composition and metabolic transformations encountered by the constituent biomolecules in physiological conditions, (iii) on the life cycle and on the principles governing the transmission of the hereditary characteristics of living organisms.
The student will also acquire an in-depth knowledge of the principles of medical genetics and genetic pathology with particular reference to the perspectives of genomic and personalized medicine.

Within the overall training course, the aim of the course is to provide the learner with the necessary knowledge to be able to deal with the study of other disciplines, including physiology, general pathology and pharmacology, as well as being preparatory to teachings with a more clinical approach.

The student will be able to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge with basic biological and genetic sciences useful for understanding the complexity of individuals of all ages, groups and communities.

The course proposes an integration of the most current notions of cellular biology, medical genetics and psychology that will provide the student with the necessary tools to get to know and describe in an organic way the structure of eukaryotic cells and their functions and principles of heredity, as well as to develop independently the tools for understanding the psychology of the patient.

Contents

BIOLOGY

Introduction
Biological macromolecules: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic organization
Cell function and organization:
Cell membranes,
cells and organelles
Cytoskeleton and cell motility
Chromatin and chromosomes
DNA replication
Transcription and the Genetic Code
RNA Processing
Translation and Protein Sorting
Regulation of Gene Expression
Cell cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis
Stem cells and regenerative medicine

GENETICS

Genes in pedigrees and populations
Genes and alleles nomenclature; models of monogenic and multifactorial inheritance; mendelian pedigree patterns; complications to the basic mendelian patterns; genetics of multifactorial characters; factors affecting gene frequencies

Principles of DNA cloning
DNA cloning and PCR; principles of nucleic acid hybridization; DNA sequencing

Organization of the human genome
General organization of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes; protein coding genes; RNA genes; highly repetitive DNA

Model organisms, comparative genomis and evolution

Gene expression
Promoter and primary transcript; Epigenetics: histon modifications and DNA methylation; epigenetic memory and imprinting; alternative splicing; translational control

Bioinformatic approaches in the post-genomic era
Study of gene function; bioinformatic approaches; Proteomics, protein-protein and protein-Dna interactions

Human genetic variability and its consequences
Types of variation between genomes; DNA damage and repair; pathogenic DNA variants; molecular pathology; genotype – phenotype correlations; genetic mapping of mendelian characters; mapping genes conferring susceptibility to complex diseases

Cancer genetics

Chromosomal abnormalities

PSICOLOGY

The nature of psychology
The historical origins of psychology
Modern orientations of psychology

The biological basis of psychology: the brain and behaviour:
Neurons and structures of the nervous system
The organization of the central nervous system;
Brain asymmetries
The autonomic nervous system
The neuroendocrine system and the response to stress

Emotions.
The components of emotion
Cognitive assessment and emotion
Subjective experience and emotion
Trend towards thought and action
Positive emotions
Body modifications and emotions
Facial expression and emotion
Emotional regulation

Personality.
Evaluation of the personality
Psychoanalytical approach
Behavioural approach
Cognitive approach
Evolutionary approach

The psychology of the deep: Freud and the mechanisms of defense from anxiety.
The topographic model of the mind;
The Es, the Ego and the Superego;
Transference and countertransference;
The interpretation of dreams;
The mechanisms of defense against anxiety:
Removal;
Cancellation;
Projection;
Introjection;
Regression;
Reactive training;
Intellectualisation;
Rationalization;
Displacement;
Symbolisation;
Moving to action;
Sublimation;
Asceticism;
Idealization;

The psychological development of the individual:
Early childhood;
Preschool age;
Childhood;
Adolescence;
Adulthood;
Ageing.
Death.

Recommended Bibliography

1. Strachan, Genetica e Genomica oppure Genetica molecolare umana, ed Zanichelli
2. Neri Genuardi, Genetica umana e medica, ed Edra
3. Pierce, Genetica, ed Zanichelli
4. Russell, Genetica. Un approccio molecolare, ed Pearson
5. Thompson & Thompson, Genetica in medicina, EdiSES

1. Ginelli Malcovati: MOLECOLE, CELLULE E ORGANISMI EdiSES
2. Biologia molecolare della cellula. B. Alberts. Zanichelli
3. Karp Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare Edises

1. Atkinson- Hilgard. “Introduzione alla psicologia” Piccin Ed 2006
2. Dispense delle lezioni in formato power point e fotocopie bibliografiche.

Methods of Provision

Conventional

Teaching Methods

Lectures with computer media.
The professor is available to clarify doubts raised by the students and to carry out tutoring support for exam preparation. A web community will facilitate the interactions among students and teacher.

Contacts/More Information

N.A.

BIOLOGY, GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY AND GENETICS

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BIOLOGY, GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY AND GENETICS