Cellular and Molecular Biology

BIOPHYSICS

BIOPHYSICS

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
• 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 biophysical functions of the cells. In particular,  detailed biophysical features of ion channels will be discussed from the quantitative and experimental points of view. The course aims to foster the training of students in the application of the physical sciences and engineering to fundamental biological questions at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Additional objective points to a quantitative analysis of some conceptual and technical approaches to signal transduction mechanisms from a molecular and postgenomic pint of view, with particular emphasis on selected themes.

Results of learning outcomes

• use multiple experimental tools and results to solve a biological problem in cell physiology
• Extending and applying knowledge of biophysics 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 biophysics to make accurate statements, describe complex information, provide detailed explanations and integrate knowledge
• Critically evaluating scientific publications and media reports
• Discuss the strenght and limitations of the results published on research papers, eventually identifying sources of errors and biases
• Communicating biophysical 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. 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: 

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.

Lectures and tutorials

Students will be assigned specific readings on selected topics presented and discussed together(on Webex platform). 

• Lectures : Attention is given to focused scientific questions, starting from the knowledge provided by the scientific literature.  Experimental approaches, results and conclusions are deeply analysed. 
• Research essays: discussion sessions in which students will be divided into working groups focusing on the different topics of the course. 

Learning assessment methods

Examinations will be based on material covered in lectures, assigned readings and seminars.

Research Essay: This at-home assignment will refer to specific topics of the course. The essay (up to 2000 characters + figures, tables and references) will be prepared by groups of usually two students and presented orally by the end of the semester (on Webex platform). The Research Essay will give rise to a maximum of 12/30 points. 

Final exam - This exam will be an interview (on Webex platform) on the topics discussed during the lessons and will give rise to a maximum of 21/30 points.

The final maximum grade will be 30/30.  Grading 31-33 will give rise to " 30 cum laude".

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 biophysical topics;
2. design integrative experimental protocols to address functional questions, taking into account the strengths and limitations of the different approaches.

Topics:

• Ion Fluxes: From Fick To Nernst-Planck. Nernst Law: Equilibrium And Reversal Potential. GHK Law: Membrane Potential. Equivalent circuits: resistance, capacitance, conductance. Electrical  Signals:  Amplitude And Frequency Coding. Spatial propagation. Receptor Potentials. Postsynaptic potentials. Integration. Ionic basis of Action Potential And Excitability in neurons and muscles.
• From macro to micro bio-electrical events. Electrophysiology: Experimental Measurement of Ion  Fluxes  through biological Membranes.   History And Techniques. Voltage clamp and the Hodgkin-  Huxley model for the ionic basis of action potential. Patch Clamp. Single channel kinetics. Gating,   Conductance, Permeability, Selectivity.
• Structure and function of ion channels Ion channels classification: leak channels; gated channels.   Common properties of ion channels: gating and selectivity. Molecular basis of voltage sensor.   Molecular basis of Voltage-gated channels inactivation. Molecular basis of ligand-gated   mechanism.   Molecular basis of ion selectivity. 
• Intracellular messengers. Interplay between cAMP and Ca2+ signals in live cells.
• Cell Volume Regulation. Water Fluxes And Aquaporins.
• Genetic approach to control living cells. Optogenetics, chemogenetics and magnetogenetics. Mechanosensitive channels: Piezo and TRP channels.

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

• Teaching materials
• Exams and finals
• Go to Moodle
• Visit the forums