Cellular and Molecular Biology

CELL PHYSIOLOGY

CELL PHYSIOLOGY

Academic year 2020/2021

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Support activities
• Program
• Suggested textbooks and readings
• More information
• Teaching tools

Course objectives

This teaching contributes to the learning objectives included into the Biomedical and Biomolecular area of the Master in Cellular and Molecular Biology, providing knowledge and applicative abilities to critically investigate cell functions. Students learn to address issues related to the complex relationship between structural and functional components of the cell. Starting from the basic role of diffusional events that will be treated from both the theoretical and experimental points of view, particular attention will be focused on live cell imaging techniques as experimental tools to investigate physiological processes in time and space at different biological scales (from molecular to multicellular). For each item, students learn how to highlight the specific scientific question, to interpret data, to discuss the experimental approaches employed by the authors. The main objective is to develop the ability to critically analyze and interpret the results of the related scientific literature. 

Results of learning outcomes

• Extending and applying knowledge of cell physiology to new contexts
• Re-analysing information
• Selecting robust information from a variety of sources
• Making reasoned predictions and generalisations from experimental evidence and theoretical information
• Drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification
• Drawing on knowledge and understanding of cell physiology to make accurate statements, describe complex information, provide detailed explanations and integrate knowledge
• Critically evaluating scientific publications and media reports
• Discussing the strenght and limitations of the results published on research papers, eventually identifying sources of errors and biases
• Communicating cell physiology findings and concepts fully, appropriately and using a variety of different modalities 

Course delivery

Due to the serious health emergency in progress and in compliance with the measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus infection, by way of derogation from what previously reported in this sheet, the teaching will be provided in alternative teaching methods (scenario 5 -integrated solution) using the Moodle platform through the E-Learning DBios website and with telematic meetings on the WebEx platform (https://unito.webex.com/meet/luca.munaron). Instructions for using the platform are available and accessible on the UniTo website.
The measures introduced are applied on a temporary basis until the end of the emergency situation related to COVID 19.

In particular, the teaching will be provided in the form of: 

1. Lessons and discussion on the program topics live online via webex platform (https://unito.webex.com/meet/luca.munaron).

2. Recordings of webex lessons uploaded to the Moodle platform.

3. Video-recorded lessons covering the entire program uploaded to the Moodle platform.

Lessons and supplementary activities

1. selected readings provided on the Moodle platform;

2. online exercises for self-evaluation provided on the Moodle platform;

3. external in-depth videos on specific topics uploaded to the Moodle platform.

Learning assessment methods

Examinations will be based on material covered in lectures, assigned readings, online and on site activities.

Midterm Multidisciplinary Test (MMT, optional) - This test will be in common with the courses of  Oncology and Molecular  Pathology, Advanced Cell Biology and Biotechnology, and Virology. It will be a Moodle-based test of 30 questions (10 for each course): 27 with a variety of formats (multiple choice, true/false, filling in checklists) and three open questions. The optional midterm Multidisciplinary test will give rise to additional points to the final grade of final exam of each of the three courses, provided this will be passed in the first session. Correspondence between Midterm Multidisciplinary Test vote and additional points for final exams is as follows: 22-23/32, 0.5 points; 24-25/32, 1 points; 26-27/32, 1.5 points; 28-30/32, 2 points. 

Multidisciplinary Research Essay (MRE, optional) - This at-home assignment will be in common with the courses of Oncology and Molecular  Pathology, Advanced Cell Biology and Biotechnology, and Virology, and will refer to methodologies and technical approaches relevant to the three courses. The essay (up to 2000 characters + figures, tables and references) will be prepared by groups of normally three students and presented oraly by the end of the semester. The optional Multidisciplinary Research Essay will give rise to additional points to the final grade of final exam of each of the three courses, provided this will be passed in the first exam session. Correspondence between vote to the Multidisciplinary Research Essay and additional points for final exams is as follows: 22-23, 0.5 points; 24-25, 1 points; 26-27, 1.5 points; 28-30, 2 points. 

Final exam - This exam will be a Moodle-based test of 20-30 questions in different formats : open question, multiple choice quizzes, true/false, short answers, open-ended questions; interpretation of experimental data and resolution of exercises . Time: 30'. The maximum grade will be 33/30. Grading 31-33 will give rise to " 30 cum laude". Any additional points obtained by MMT and MRE will be added to the final exam of the first exam session. 

Upon student's request, an integrative final interview can be taken (written/oral: 3/1).

Academic conduct: The penality for course-related dishonesty (ei. cheating on exams, plagism, etc) will be failure for the entire course.

DURING ALL THE COVID-EMERGENCY PERIOD ALL THE EXAMS WILL BE HELD ONLINE WITH MOODLE PLATFORM UNDER WEBEX MONITORING.

Support activities

Supplementary activities

1. selected readings provided on the Moodle platform;

2. online exercises for self-evaluation provided on the Moodle platform;

3. external in-depth videos on specific topics uploaded to the Moodle platform.

Program

The main objective of the course is to convey to the students the ability to

1. critically analyze scientific papers on cell physiology topics;
2. design integrative experimental protocols to address functional questions, taking into account the strengths and limitations of the different approaches.

Topics:

• Cell as a complex system
• Structure-function redundancy
• Diffusional processes
• Membrane transports
• Electrical signals
• Molecular basis of sensory physiology
• Live fluorescence microscopy approaches to investigate intracellular signaling
• Spatio-temporal features of calcium signaling

All the video-lectures, recorded webex streaming lessons and discussions, slides, selected papers, e-books and websites are fully available on Moodle.

Class schedule

More information

• Teaching materials
• Exams and finals
• Go to Moodle
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