Learning outcomes of the course unit
The main objective of this module is to give students the basic knowledge of eukaryotic cells and tissues. At the end of the course, students will know and will be able to discuss critically on the eukaryotic cell, on the intra and inter cellular relationships and on the tissue organisation.
Prerequisites
No
Course contents summary
The module of Histology aims at teaching students the basic knowledge of the cell and its components (plasma membrane, cytoplasm, Golgi's apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitocondria, nucleus), the cell cycle, the stem cells, the processes involved in cell differentiation, the formation and organisation of tissuses.
Course contents
The biomolecules and the supramolecular complexes. The protoplasm: structure, energetics and functional aspects. The extracellular matrix: structure and function. The animal cell as chemical and physical environment. The cell organelles and apparati: morphological and functional aspects. The cell cycle and the mechanisms of cell replication. Basic knowledge on staminal cells and differentiated cells. Cell populations.
Somatic cells: morphological and functional aspects of the differentiated cytotypes. Germ cells. Tissues.
Recommended readings
Didactical material given by the teacher, including the slides of the course.
The main book adopted is:
R. SCANDROGLIO: LA CELLULA; ED. SCIENTIFICHE OPPICI
R. SCANDROGLIO: I TESSUTI DEFINITIVI ED. SCIENTIFICHE OPPICI
Teaching methods
Before each new lesson, the teacher will first summarise then check whether the previous topics have been well understood through an interactive discussion with the students.
Assessment methods and criteria
Besides the short exams described above and performed throughout the course, there will be a final oral exam during which the student wil be asked questions on topics discussed during the course. Not only will be the understanding of a specific topic valued, but also the capacity of the student to trace, using the appropriate language, those links necessary to the understanding of the biological phenomenon described.
