The objective of the Molecular Pathology and Laboratory course is to consider the pathology from a molecular point of view. Students will acquire informations concerning the altered molecular patterns in different models of disease, focusing in particular on neoplastic diseases. Attention will be pointed also to epigenetics mechanisms whose role has been demonstrated in different pathologic states. Additionally, several experimental approaches will be considered to study relevant biological processes such as apoptosis, gene expression and epigenetic profiles.

- The biology of cancer

- The control of DNA stability: repair vs mutation

- Regulation of gene expression: from transcription factors to chromatin structure

-       Methods for the study of gene expression

-       Methods for the study of epigenetics

- Growth factors signaling and oncogenes

- Growth inhibition and tumor suppressor genes

- Cell cycle and cancer

-       Methods to study the cell cycle

- Cell death and senescence

-       Experimental procedures for the study of senescence/cell death

None.

Knowledge and understanding - Acquisition of the tools to understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases. Ability to use the language of their specific discipline.

Applying knowledge and understanding - Ability to recognize and apply the cognitive tools and the rigorous approach of the  Molecular Pathology as rational of any activity related directly and indirectly to health protection.

Indipendence of judgment - Being able to learn and independently evaluate the results of investigations on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of diseases.

Communicative skills- Ability to explain, in a simple, immediate and exhaustive manner the acquired knowledge and to interface with future professional roles (researchers, students, health workers).

Learning ability - Upgrade capabilities through consultation of the scientific literatue related to the discipline. Ability to participate, using the knowledge gained in the course, to the continuous updating initiatives of the professional field.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

The course will take place through lectures in which the teacher exposes, through visual aids (slides), the fundamental notions and provides practical examples to facilitate understanding. The teacher will try to involve students during the teaching activity also in order to verify the effectiveness of the tools used and the understanding of the topics covered.

Attendance

There are no attendance obligations but attendance at the course is strongly recommended.

Course books

- Lauren Pecorino - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CANCER: mechanisms, targets and therapeutics. 4th Edition

Other teaching material produced by the teacher will be made available to students during the course.

Assessment

In order to verify the preparation at the end of the course, the student will have to take an oral test aimed at verifying the understanding of the main aspects concerning biological drugs and the therapeutic approaches associated with them. The critical processing capacity of the topics covered during the course and the quality of the student's oral presentation will also be assessed. 

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.