General Info

courseProgram

Introduction, computer architecture, numbers in binary and hexadecimal basis.
Python: Editor and console, numeric variables, strings, logical operators, if/else, users' input, lists, for loop, while loop, libraries, array, random number generation, graphic plots, functions, files I/O, Machine Learning fundamentals.
R programming, Linux terminal and HPC programming fundamentals.

examMode

The written exam consists of writing a Python program on paper within two hours.
It is followed by a brief interview to assess the skills and discuss the exam.

books

Lessons slides. Additional material provided at lesson. All the material is being uploaded on Drive and Google Classroom.
Contact the teacher via mail at emanuele.santinami@unitus.it to be added, and specify your institutional mail address.

classRoomMode

In presence lessons and practice exercises. It's possible to complete two midterm tests that count as an exam. There is no compulsory attendance, but class attendance is recommended.

bibliography

Lessons slides. Additional material provided at lesson.

courseProgram

Mendel's genetic analysis:
genetic variability;
the law of segregation;
the law of independent assortment;
genes and alleles: the concept of polymorphism.

Extensions of Mendelian analysis:
dominance relationships;
multiple allelia;
pleiotropy;
multifactorial inheritance,
inheritance of quantitative traits ..

Chromosome theory of inheritance:
mitosis and meiosis;
sex-linked inheritance;
meiosis and Mendelism.

Association and recombination:
segregation of genes located on the same chromosome;
crossing over-over;
the chi-squared test
genetic maps;
three-point essay.

The physical basis of heredity, DNA:
identification of the genetic material;
structure; *
replication; *
recombination.

The function of the gene:
genetic dissection through mutations
the hypothesis a gene an enzyme;
complementation;
fine structure of the gene;
the genetic code;
the transcription; *
translation. *

The eukaryotic chromosome
structure and organization of chromatin;
the model with radial lugs;
structure and function of the telomere and centromere;
the organizing regions of the nucleolus (NOR).

Chromosomal mutations:
of structure;
the mobile elements;
of number.

Genetic analysis of bacteria and viruses *:
the bacterial chromosome;
isolation of mutants;
gene transfer in bacteria:
natural and artificial transformation;
conjugation;
genetic maps in bacteria.
transduction

Gene regulation in prokaryotes:
negative and positive regulation;
the lac operon;
the tryptophan operon;
attenuation.

Gene regulation in eukaryotes:
regulation of transcription;
post-transcriptional regulation;
the role of chromatin structure;
epigenetic inheritance;
euchromatin and heterochromatin;
variegated position effect (PEV);
inactivation of the X chromosome in mammals.

Genomic analysis:
the cloning of genes;
hybridization of nucleic acids;
the PCR;
DNA sequencing;
genome sequencing;
DNA polymorphism analysis:
SNP;
Microsatellites.

Population genetics:
gene and genotype frequencies
the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium;
evolution of populations and species.


* These topics are treated only from the point of view of Genetics, leaving out the biochemical, molecular and microbiological aspects that are treated in other courses.

examMode

The intermediate written exemption and the final final written test take place in the same way.
Exercises are assigned, usually 10, with the same value for the purposes of the vote out of thirty, ie 3 points per exercise. The exercises consist in the practical application of the notions of Genetics and Environmental Mutagenesis explained in class and which allow to understand if the student has acquired the ability to reason according to the paradigms of the hereditary transmission of characters. The exercises assigned do not differ from those carried out in the exercises. Particular emphasis is given to exercises that demonstrate knowledge of the formal aspects of genetics: mendelism, sex-linked inheritance, mapping of genes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, mutations and mutagenesis, regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes, population genetics.
The final written test focuses on the second part of the course, or on the entire course, depending on whether or not the student has passed the exemption test (grade equal to or greater than 15/30).
The final grade of the written exam results from the average of the ongoing exam (if passed). and the final written test.
If the final mark of the written test is equal to or greater than 18/30, the student can usually decide to confirm it, without taking the oral exam.
If the oral test is necessary, the final grade is the average between the written test and the oral test.
The oral exam focuses on ascertaining the knowledge of the topics that are not easily traceable to the logic of the numerical exercise and, if necessary, on the deepening of the theoretical notions underlying the exercises carried out by the student in the written tests.
The exam calendar and registration for exam sessions are done through the University portal.

books

Griffiths et al., Genetica - Principi di analisi formale, Zanichelli

mode

Lectures in the classroom, presentations (ppt) with graphic illustrations, photographs and videos. Exercises aimed at solving problems that demonstrate the knowledge of the formal aspects of genetics and the ability to apply them, on the type of exercises that will constitute the examination tasks. Laboratory exercise consisting in a blind cross between drosophiles with alternative characters, from the results of which the student must infer the inheritance pattern of the character in question. The lectures are equivalent to 8 credits (64 hours) and the exercises to one credits (8 hours).

classRoomMode

Attendance is not mandatory but recommended

bibliography

Griffiths et al., Genetica - Principi di analisi formale, Zanichelli

courseProgram

Theory

1) History of microbiology: discovery of the microbial world; the “Abiogeny” dispute, microorganisms and their environment, impact of microorganisms on man: pathogenic, harmful and useful microorganisms.
2) Cytology: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: general concepts, structure and ultra-structure of bacterial cells, structure and function of cytoplasmic membrane, transports through the cytoplasmic membrane, cell wall, structure and function, the cell wall of Gram + and Gram – bacteria, Archaeal and eukaryotic cell walls, capsules and other envelopes, motility, flagella and chemotaxis, endospore structure and function, mentions of eukaryotic spores.
3) Cell physiology: reminders of chemistry and cell biochemistry (redox reactions, hydrogen and electron transport, high energy compounds), biological energy production, glycolysis and alternative pathways; NAD re-oxidation: fermentations (alcoholic and lactic); aerobic respiration (TCA, electron transport phosphorylation, energy balance in respiration), mentions of anaerobic respiration and biosynthesis.
4) Microbial growth: growth of a single cell and of a microbial population, diauxic growth, effect of environmental parameters on growth (pH, temperature, etc.), methods for the control of microbial growth.
5) Microbial ecology and mention of environmental biotechnology: isolation and identification of microorganisms (recalls), interactions among microbial population and between microorganisms and other organisms; microbial ecosystems; methods for the study of microbial ecology and diversity; biogeochemical cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Iron, Sulphur, etc.), role of microorganisms in environmental decontamination, aerobic/anaerobic catabolism of environmental pollutants, treatment of water and wastewater.

examMode

The student evaluation will be done by an oral examination regarding the whole course program

books

Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, D.A. Stahl, D.P. Clark, Pearson, 2012. Vol.1 e 2 (or any other more recent edition)
Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Vol. 1 e 2A
Biologia dei microrgamismi di G. Dehò e E. Galli, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2018.

The lectures slides (PDF) are available on line. During the course, some scientific publications will be distributed and discussed.

Other recent textbooks of General Microbiology could be used after a preliminary check with the teacher.

mode

The course will consist in oral lectures regarding the published program and supported by Power Point presentations (available on line on Moodle platform). It is possible that few scientific papers will be discussed too

classRoomMode

Attendance to classes is not mandatory, but strobgly suggested.

bibliography

-PESCIAROLI C., CUPINI F., SELBMANN L., BARGHINI P. and FENICE M. 2012. Temperature preferences of bacteria isolated from sea water collected in Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea, Russia. Polar Biol 35: 435-445. *
-SILVI S., BARGHINI P., AQUILANTI A., JURAEZ-JIMENEZ B., and FENICE M. 2013. Physiologic and metabolic characterization of a new marine isolate (BM39) of Pantoea sp. producing high levels of exopolysaccharide. Microb Cell Fac 12:10. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-12-10*
-PESCIAROLI C., RODELAS B., JUAREZ-JIMÉNEZ B., BARGHINI P. and FENICE M. 2015. Bacterial community structure of a coastal area in Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea, Russia: possible relation to tidal hydrodynamics. Ann. Microbiol. 65: 443-453.*
-PESCIAROLI C., BARGHINI P., CERFOLLI F., BELLISARIO B., and FENICE M. 2015. Relationship between phylogenetic and nutritional diversity in Arctic (Kandalaksha Bay) seawater planktonic bacteria Ann. Microbiol. 65: 2405-2414.* DOI 10.1007/s13213-015-1083-4*
-TIMPERIO A.M., GORRASI S., ZOLLA L. AND FENICE M. 2017. Evaluation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and MALDI BioTyper in comparison to 16S rDNA sequencing for the identification of bacteria isolated from Arctic sea water. Plos-One. 12, 7. Article number e0181860. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181860*
-BARGHINI, P., PASQUALETTI, M., GORRASI, S., and FENICE, M. 2018. Bacteria from the “Saline di Tarquinia” marine salterns revealing very atypical growth profiles in relation to salinity and temperature Mediterr. Mar. Sci, 19 (3) 513-525. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.15514,*
-PASQUALETTI M., BARGHINI P., GIOVANNINI V., AND FENICE M. 2019. High production of chitinolytic activity in halophilic conditions by a new marine strain of Clonostachys rosea. Molecules. 24(10), 1880 10.3390/molecules24101880*
-GORRASI, S., PESCIAROLI, C., BARGHINI, P., PASQUALETTI, M. AND FENICE M. 2019. Structure and diversity of the bacterial community of Kandalaksha Bay (White Sea, Russia), a complex Arctic estuarine system submitted to intense tidal currents. J. Mar. Syst. 196: 77-85.
-PASQUALETTI, M., GIOVANNINI, V., BARGHINI, P., GORRASI, S., AND FENICE M. 2020. Diversity and ecology of culturable marine fungi associated with Posidonia oceanica leaves and their epiphytic algae Dictyota dichotoma and Sphaerococcus coronopifolius. Fungal Ecology 40, Published on line.

courseProgram

General Ecology - The historical development of ecology; Ecology and its domain; Current state of ecological research in Italy. Ecology of the interactions between organisms and the physical environment: Conditions; Spatial and temporal variations; Adaptations in response to variations in environmental conditions; Limiting factors; Tolerance ranges; Environmental optima; Biological rhythms - climatic factors.
Evolutionary Ecology - Genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; Genetic variability; Evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; Balanced polymorphisms; Linkage disequilibrium; supergenes; Genetic divergence; Species concept; Reproductive isolation mechanisms; Speciation mechanisms; Hybrid zones and reinforcement; Sibling species; Biodiversity at the genetic level.
Population ecology - Demography and dynamics: population structure and growth; Demographic parameters; Demographic tables; Intrinsic growth rate - numerical regulation of populations; Density dependent and independent factors; Exponential growth; environmental carrying capacity - logistic growth curve. Interspecific interactions: symbiosis; commensalism; inquilinism; antibiosis; parasitism; adaptations to parasitic life; coevolution; predation - adaptations to predation; cryptism; mimicry; intraspecific competition; interspecific competition; ecological niche; Principle of competitive exclusion; character displacement; r and K selection.

examMode

The assessment test is oral and will contain a series of questions aimed at ascertaining the student's theoretical knowledge on the interpretation of the mechanisms that determine the distribution, abundance and relationships with the biotic and abiotic environment of organisms. In addition, some questions will be aimed at solving a practical problem on the type of those faced during the hours of practice.
The methods for attributing the final judgment are based on the number of correct answers, which must be greater than 60% of those proposed.

books

L. Bullini, S. Pignatti, A Virzo De Santo, "Ecologia Generale". UTET
M. L. Cain, W. D. Bowman, S. D. Hacker, “Ecologia”. Piccin Editore.
Krebs "Ecology", Neebo Ed.

mode

The course includes lectures, interactive and supported by Power Point presentations, audiovisuals, with stimulation to deepen specific topics and the choice of potential thesis topics. Propose an understanding of the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and integrative nature of the topics covered. Analysis of the ecological processes that regulate the functioning of environmental systems. Case study discussion. Training seminars on specific topics. Critical discussion of scientific articles. Go out into the field.

classRoomMode

Attendance to the course is not compulsory

bibliography

Tamagnini, D., Canestrelli, D., Meloro, C., Raia, P., Maiorano, L., 2021. New Avenues for Old Travellers: Phenotypic Evolutionary Trends Meet Morphodynamics, and Both Enter the Global Change Biology Era. Evolutionary Biology 48: 379-393.
Zampiglia M., Bisconti R., Maiorano L., Aloise G., Siclari A., Pellegrino F., Martino G., Pezzarossa A., Chiocchio A., Martino C., Nascetti G. & D. Canestrelli, 2019. Drilling down hotspots of intraspecific diversity to bring them into on-ground conservation of threatened species. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 7: 205.
Bisconti R., Porretta D., Arduino P., Nascetti G. & D. Canestrelli, 2018. Hybridization and rampant mitochondrial introgression among fire salamanders in peninsular Italy. Scientific Reports 8: 13187.
Arntzen J.W., de Vries W., Canestrelli D. & I. Martínez-Solano, 2017. Hybrid zone formation and contrasting outcomes of secondary contact over transects in common toads. Molecular Ecology 26: 5663-5675.
Bisconti R., Canestrelli, D. Tenchini R., Belfiore C., Buffagni A. & G. Nascetti, 2016. Cryptic diversity and multiple origins of the widespread mayfly species group Baetis rhodani (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) on northwestern Mediterranean islands. Ecology and Evolution 6: 7901-7910.

courseProgram

General part
Bases of nomenclature and evolution. Concept of species. Diagnostic characters for the identification of forest taxa: the habitus, the posture, the bark, the leaf apparatus, the reproductive apparatus. Variability of diagnostic characters. Hybridization in forest trees. Classifications based on morphology and on a molecular basis. Growth and development of trees. Phenological cycles. Predetermined and indeterminate growth. Reproductive cycles in temperate forests. The longevity of forest trees.
Bioclimatology and forest ecoregions. Biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Succession processes and structuring dynamics of forest stands. Principles and practice of dendroecology. Environmental gradients and climate changes. Old-growth forests and natural levels. Monumental trees and their role in the landscape and nature conservation.
Special part
Dendrology: monographic treatment of species of forest interest in Europe: taxonomy, habitus, chorology, habitat, cenology, xylology and traditional uses.
Taxus baccata, Cedrus spp., Larix decidua, Picea abies, Abies alba, Mediterranean firs, Pinus halepensis, P. pinea, P. pinaster, P. nigra, P. heldreichii, P. silvestris, P. mugo, P. uncinata P cembra, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus spp., Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa, Quercus ilex, Q. coccifera, Q. suber, Q. cerris, Q. macrolepis, Q. trojana, Q. frainetto, Q. pubescens, Q. petraea , Q. robur, Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis, Ostrya carpinifolia, Corylus avellana, Betula pendula, B. pubescens, Alnus cordata, A. glutinosa, A. incana, A. viridis, Populus alba, P. canescens, P. tremula , P. nigra, Salix caprea, S. alba, S. eleagnos, Ulmus minor, U. glabra, Celtis australis, Juglans regia, Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos, Acer pseudoplatanus, A. platanoides, A. lobelii, A. opalus , A. campestre, A. monspessulanum, Fraxinus ornus, F. excelsior, F. angustifolia, Laburnum anagyroides, Cercis siliquastrum, Ceratonia siliqua, Sorbus torminalis, S. domestica, S. aria, S. aucuparia, Prunus aviu m, Pyrus pyraster and Malus sylvestris.
THE MEDITERRANEAN macchia: distribution, physiognomy, and composition in the main ecological areas (thermo-Mediterranean and meso-Mediterranean region), evolutionary and recessive dynamics

examMode

The level of learning achieved and the relative ability to communicate it are monitored through questions and discussions during lectures and field and laboratory exercises. In particular, the exercises constitute a fundamental moment of involvement of the students who are called to draw up a technical-scientific report based in part on group work and, therefore, on subsequent in-depth studies conducted during the study and personal application phase. This report also contributes to the assessment of the skills acquired in the area of ​​communication.
In the oral test for the attribution of the final grade the acquired level of knowledge, skills and competence will be evaluated with particular reference to the critical understanding of principles and theories of tree biology and ecology. In particular, the acquisition by the student of the ability to apply in concrete cases - derived for example from dendroecological activities and collections of herbarium samples in the field - the concepts and methods acquired for the taxonomic identification of tree species and dendroecological monitoring through reasoning will be verified. Analysis and synthesis will be evaluated in relation to the knowledge acquired on the biology and ecology of trees. The exam includes the evaluation of a herbarium of at least 20 tree species that must be prepared by each student. The student must have correctly identified at least 18 species. The student who has not drawn up the herbarium is given 5 samples of taxa belonging to the species of the program; in this case, the student must have correctly identified at least 4 samples.
The oral exam includes at least three-course topics, one of which will be chosen by the student.

books

In-depth teaching material for the lessons available on the Moodle platform.
Gellini R. Grossoni P. - Forest botany, Cedam
Trees in Lazio. CD provided by the teacher.
Websites (Acta plantarum).

mode

The course consists of lectures, field exercises, and laboratory activities. In particular, the field exercises constitute a fundamental moment of involvement of the students who are called to active participation during the excursions and, therefore, to draw up an herbarium based in part on group work and in-depth studies conducted during the study phase and personal application. The course also includes dendroecological laboratory activities carried out on wood samples collected in the forest stands during excursions.

classRoomMode

Though recommended, attendance to lessons is optional

bibliography

Scientific articles available on the Moodle platform

courseProgram

Introduction: The concept of Hydrogeology, the importance of groundwater as fundamental resource for human and for the environment.
Groundwater in the subsoil and Aquifer properties: study of groundwater distribution and movement in the unsaturated and saturated zone; definition of the main hydrogeological properties (porosity, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, specific yield) and how they can influence groundwater circulation; the Darcy Law and estimation of flow rate; Aquifer classification.
Aquifer recharge and interaction with different water bodies: the concept of continuous circulation of water in the Earth-atmosphere system (hydrological cycle), hydrological water balance and definition of recharge, infiltration, evapotranspiration and runoff; construction and interpretation of piezometric maps, definition of groundwater flow direction, hydraulic gradient and relationship between surface and groundwater; spring classification; study of the relationship between fresh and seawater in coastal environments (Ghyben- Herzberg Law); groundwater chemistry, elements of water-rocks interaction, geochemical classification of groundwater (Chebotarev, Schoeller and Piper Diagrams); definition of groundwater origin through groundwater isotopes.
Groundwater and anthropogenic activities: different ways for groundwater exploitation and purpose (drinking water exploitation, irrigation, thermal use, dewatering, etc); the utility of pumping tests to gain different aquifer properties; aquifer contamination occurrence, definition of the main classes of pollutants, basic elements of contaminant transport in groundwater; the concept of aquifer vulnerability and brief description of implemented methods to assess the vulnerability, groundwater resource protection principle in accordance with the regulation.

examMode

The oral exam will be carried out according to the "Regolamento didattico di Ateneo". For the evaluation process and for the grade assignment will be considered: the level of knowledge of the topics of the course programme, analyical skills, sinthesys and interdisciplinary linking skills, critical thinking, making judments and communication skills.

books

Pietro Celico (2003) – Elementi di Idrogeologia – Liguori Editore
Massimo Civita (2005) – Idrogeologia applicata ed ambientale

Slides and additional material provided by the teacher during the course.

mode

For the course are scheduled: 5 CFU (40 hours) of lectures and 1 CFU (8 hours) of practical training (cartographic, numerical and in the field).

classRoomMode

The attendance is not mandatory but is highly recommended.

bibliography

See suggested books.

Additional scientific papers useful for the deepening of course's topics.

courseProgram

Physico-chemical, biological and hydrological characteristics of soils.
Pedogenetic factors (climate, lithology, morphology, time, and biota, including humans).
The main forms of the landscape (karst, glacial, river, slope, structural) that guide the distribution and evolution of soils
Pedogenetic processes that drive the development of soil horizons.
Soil profile and genetic horizons.
International classification of soils and distribution of soils in the world.
The soil survey and the interpretation of a profile.
Soils as an archive of the past: paleopedology
Recognize and study paleosols and relict soils, witnesses of different environmental conditions of the past and important indicators of climate change.

examMode

Interview on the topics covered during the course

books

- Pedologia applicata. Simone Priori, ed.Youcanprint, ISBN 9791222781334.
- Lecture notes by the teacher

mode

Lectures and exercises in the field and in the laboratory

classRoomMode

Presence recommended, especially during exercises

bibliography

- FAO-IUSS (2015). World Reference Base for Soil Resources, World Soil Resources, n.106.
- Soil Science Division Staff. 2017. Soil survey manual. C. Ditzler, K. Scheffe, and H.C. Monger (eds.). USDA Handbook 18. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
- Tabor, N. J., & Myers, T. S. (2015). Paleosols as indicators of paleoenvironment and paleoclimate. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 43, 333-361.

courseProgram

1. Introduction
Introduction to Chemistry and to the course. Concepts of elements, compound and homogeneous and heterogenous mixtures. The atomic structure: from Democritus to Dalton. Protons, neutrons and electrons. Atomic number and mass number, concept of isotope. Atomic masses and relative atomic masses. Chemical and physical transformation. The laws of conservation of matter, of defined proportions and multiple proportions.

2. Stoichiometry
Avogadro's number, mole and molar mass. Balance of a chemical reaction: elements of stoichiometry (yield of a reaction and limiting reagent). Chemical analysis by combustion. Classes of compounds and nomenclature. The oxidation number. Balancing redox equations.

3. The electronic structure of the atom
The Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, atomic spectra. The duality wave/particle of matter and the De Broglie equation. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. The Schroedinger equation. Atomic orbitals, quantum numbers and electron spin. Pauli exclusion principle. Electronic configuration of the elements. Principle of Aufbau. The periodic system of the elements. Periodic properties: ionization energy, electron affinity, atomic and ionic radius. Metals, non-metals and metalloids. Notes on coordination compounds and their biological significance.

4. The chemical bond
The covalent bond (pure and polar), ionic, dative and metallic bonding. Electronegativity and electric dipole moment. Valence and oxidation number. Bond properties: order, distance and energy. Classification and nomenclature of oxides and their hydrolysis products. Lewis's structures. VSEPR model and geometry of molecules. Notes on the theories of Valence Bond and Molecular Orbitals. Hybridization. Sigma and pi orbitals. Resonance. Intermolecular forces: Van der Waals, London and hydrogen bond.

5. The gaseous state
Ideal gas state equation. Dalton's Law for gaseous mixtures. Density and relative density of gases and gaseous mixtures. Kinetic-molecular theory and velocity distribution. Graham's effusion law. Experimental methods for the determination of the molecular masses of gaseous substances. Real gases and Van der Waals equation.

6. Chemical thermodynamics
Thermodynamic systems definitions: open, closed, isolated. Status functions. Reversible and irreversible transformations. Heat, work and internal energy. First principle of thermodynamics. Enthalpy and Hess law. Thermochemistry. Second principle of thermodynamics: microscopic and macroscopic definitions of entropy. Spontaneous processes. Gibbs Free energy. Temperature effects on the spontaneity of a chemical reaction. Introduction to the concept of chemical equilibrium.

7. Chemical Kinetics
Definition of the rate of a chemical reaction. Kinetic laws and kinetic order of a reaction. Integrated kinetic laws. Order and molecularity of a reaction. Arrhenius equation and activation energy. Kinetic mechanism of reactions. Collision theory and theory of activated complex. Catalysis.

8. Chemical equilibrium
Thermodynamic equilibrium in chemical reactions. Mass action law: KC and KP. Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria. The principle of Le Chatelier. Effect of the variation in concentration of a reagent or a product on equilibrium. Effect of variation of volume, pressure and temperature on homogeneous equilibria.

9. Condensed states - liquid and solid
Intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Phase's equilibria. Vapour pressure. One component phase diagram. Phase diagram of water. Distillation. Crystalline lattices and elementary cells. Molecular, ionic, covalent and metallic solids. Lattice energy and Madelung constant. Polymorphism and allotropy.

10. Solutions
Concentration units of solutions. Solubility and thermodynamics of dissolution. Enthalpy of dissolution and effect of temperature on solubilization processes. Colligative properties: lowering of vapor pressure (Raoult's law), elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure. Henry's law. Non-ideal solutions: fractional distillation and azeotropic mixtures. Activity and ionic strength. Colloids: lyophilic and hydrophilic. Amphiphilic substances: micelles.

11. Acids and bases
General definitions (Arrhenius, Broensted-Lowry, Lewis). Strength of acids and bases and equilibrium constants. Molecular structure and relation with the acid-base properties. Water autoprotolysis, pH and pOH. Calculation of pH of acidic, basic, monoprotic and polyprotic solutions. Buffer solutions. Solubility and solubility product of salts.

12. Electrochemical
Galvanic and electrolytic cells. Standard potential and electromotive force. The electrochemical series and the spontaneity of a redox reaction. Thermodynamics of galvanic cells: the Nernst equation and the equilibrium constants of a redox reaction.

examMode

The exam is a written test featuring open questions about theory, numerical exercises, multiple choice questions and true/false questions, in line with what presented in the classes and reported in the suggested bibliography. The oral exam is devoted to overcoming light insufficiencies at the written test.

books

The lectures are based on the following books:

P. W. Atkins, L. Jones, "Chemical Principles - The quest for insight", V edition, W. H. Freeman and Co., New York
Raymond Chang, Jason Overby, «Chemistry», McGraw Hill Ed.

Additional recommended texts:

P. W. Atkins, L. Jones, "Chemical Principles - The quest for insight", V edition, W. H. Freeman and Co., New York
J. C. Kotz, P, M. Treichel, J. R. Townsend, "Chemistry and chemical reactivity", VII edition, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning
T. E. Brown , H. E. LeMay , B. E. Bursten , C. Murphy , P. Woodward, "Chemistry, the central science", XIII edition, Pearson

NOTE: The teacher will communicate at the beginning of the course the link to the additional teaching material available to the students.

mode

The classes will be in person. The teacher will use the blackboard as primary didactic element, supported by slides, which will be given to the students as supporting teaching material. The primary teaching element, beyond the attendance to the classes (which is, anyway, facultative, even if strongly suggested), is the book. In the classes, the teacher will explain the theory of the course, complementing with exercises. During the lessons the interaction of the students with the teacher is nurtured and fostered.

classRoomMode

The classes will be in person. The teacher will use the blackboard as primary didactic element, supported by slides, which will be given to the students as supporting teaching material. The primary teaching element, beyond the attendance to the classes (which is, anyway, facultative, even if strongly suggested), is the book. In the classes, the teacher will explain the theory of the course, complementing with exercises. During the lessons the interaction of the students with the teacher is nurtured and fostered.

bibliography

Recommended texts:

P. W. Atkins, L. Jones, "Chemical Principles - The quest for insight", V edition, W. H. Freeman and Co., New York
J. C. Kotz, P, M. Treichel, J. R. Townsend, "Chemistry and chemical reactivity", VII edition, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning
T. E. Brown , H. E. LeMay , B. E. Bursten , C. Murphy , P. Woodward, "Chemistry, the central science", XIII edition, Pearson

NOTE: The teacher will communicate at the beginning of the course the link to the additional teaching material available to the students.

courseProgram

The organization of living things at the level of biological macromolecules (glucides, amino acids and proteins, nucleotides and nucleic acids) and lipids.
Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.
DNA and RNA viruses.
Evolution of the eukaryotic cell.
The prokaryotic cell.
Archaea and Eubacteria.
The unicellular eukaryotes: the Protists.
Mushrooms and Plants
Structure, organization and function of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell and organelles.
Cell membranes and membrane transport.
Intracellular traffic.
Energy and metabolism.
Energy production in living things.
Mitochondria and oxidative phosphorylation.
The mitochondrial genome (outline).
DNA structure and replication.
The transmission of genetic information.
The mutations.
The genetic code.
The transcription.
Types of RNA.
Ribosomes, translation and protein synthesis.
Cellular communication.
Cell cycle.
Apoptosis, mitosis, meiosis and gametogenesis.
Biological bases of the diversity of the animal and plant world.

examMode

Test with a combination of open-ended and multiple-choice questions

books

David Sadava David M. Hillis H. Craig Heller Sally Hacker. 2021. Biologia. Zanichelli
David Sadava David M. Hillis H. Craig Heller Sally Hacker. 2021. Principi di biologia. Zanichelli

classRoomMode

optional frequency

bibliography

The bibliography material will be provided by the teacher

courseProgram

A – General Concepts (2 CFU)
1. Animals among living organisms
2. Taxonomic categories and taxa;
3. Analogy, homology, adaptive convergence;
4. Criteria and methods of classification;
5. Phylogenetic reconstruction;
6. Species concepts;
7. Species structure;
8. Properties of species: variability;
9. Properties of species: dispersal capacity and ecological tolerance;
10. Evolutionary mechanisms;
11. Natural selection;
12. Speciation;
13. Reproductive isolation;
14. Rules of zoological nomenclature.

B – Systems and Apparatuses (2 CFU)
1. Stages of embryonic development;
2. Body cavities;
3. Symmetry;
4. Classification of the Animal Kingdom;
5. Reproduction: general concepts and comparison between sexual and asexual reproduction;
6. Types of asexual reproduction;
7. Gonochorism: sexual characteristics;
8. Gonochorism: mate recognition and synchronization;
9. Gonochorism: copulation;
10. Hermaphroditism;
11. Parthenogenesis;
12. Reproductive strategies and parental care;
13. Digestive systems and feeding function;
14. Feeding strategies in animals;
15. Functions and structure of the integument;
16. Animal coloration;
17. Adaptive colorations;
18. Functions of respiration;
19. Physical factors in respiration;
20. Biological and environmental factors in respiration;
21. Respiratory structures in animals.


C – Systematics (3 CFU)
1. PORIFERA
2. RADIATA
o (Cnidarians: Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Hexacorallia, Octocorallia, Ctenophores)
3. PLATYHELMINTHES
o (Turbellaria, Trematoda, Cestoda)
4. NEMATODA
5. ANNELIDA
o (Errant Polychaetes, Sedentary Polychaetes, Oligochaetes, Hirudinea)
6. MOLLUSCA
o (Polyplacophora, Scaphopoda, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Nautiloid Cephalopods, Coleoid Cephalopods)
7. ARTHROPODS – CHELICERATA
o (Merostomata, Arachnids: Scorpions, Spiders, Harvestmen, Pseudoscorpions, Mites)
8. ARTHROPODS – CRUSTACEA
o (Branchiopoda, Ostracoda, Copepoda, Cirripedia, Malacostraca)
9. ARTHROPODS – MYRIAPODA
o (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Scutigeromorpha)
10. ARTHROPODS – HEXAPODA
o (Insects: Thysanura, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Plecoptera, Isoptera, Blattodea, Dermaptera, Phasmatodea, Mantodea, Anoplura, Heteroptera, Homoptera, Siphonaptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera)
11. ECHINODERMATA
o (Crinoidea, Holothuroidea, Ophiuroidea, Asteroidea, Echinoidea)
12. CHORDATA
o (Ascidians, Agnatha, Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Amphibians: Anura, Urodela; Reptiles: Chelonia, Lizards, Snakes; Birds; Mammals: Insectivores, Chiroptera, Lagomorphs, Rodents, Carnivores, Cetartiodactyla)

classRoomMode

Warmly encouraged

courseProgram

Module A STRUCTURE
Alkanes and cycloalkanes. Introduction. Structure. Sp3 hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties. Isomerism of structure. Conformational analysis (ethane, cyclohexane). Stability of cycloalkanes (angle strain, torsional strain, tension steric). Derivatives of cyclohexane (stereoisomery cis-trans). Bicyclic alkanes and polycyclic. Natural role and applications of alkanes.

Alkenes. Introduction .. Structure. Sp2 hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties. Stability (heat of hydrogenation, heat of combustion). Nomenclature system (E) - (Z) for alkenes. Cicloalcheni.Funzione biological.

Alkynes. Introduction. Structure. Sp hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties.

Functional groups and classes of organic compounds. Alkyl halides. Alcohols. Ethers. Amines. Aldehydes and ketones. Carboxylic acids. Esters and amides. Introduction. Structure. Nomenclature. Physical Properties.

Stereochemistry. Introduction. Chirality of carbon. Enantiomers and chiral molecules. Graphical representation. Nomenclature (R) (S). Optical activity (specific optical rotation, definition of racemate, optical purity). Diastereoisomers (meso compounds). Chiral molecules without chiral carbons.

Aromatic compounds. Introduction. Benzene. Structure and stability. Huckel rule. Other aromatic compounds. Nomenclature of benzene derivatives. Induction phenomena and resonance. Heterocyclic aromatic compounds. The aromatic compounds in biochemistry.

Carbohydrates. Classification. Monosaccharides. Mutarotation and formation of glucosides. Configuration D or L. Disaccharides. Polysaccharides.

Protein. Structure of the amino acids. Nomenclature. Peptide bond. Oligopeptides.

Nucleic acids. Purine and pyrimidine nucleic bases. Nucleosides. Nucleotides. Oligonucleotides.

Lipids.

Form B. THE REACTIVITY '

Reactions of alkanes and cycloalkanes. Chlorination of methane. Free radicals. Stability and structure. Thermodynamics and kinetics. Halogenation of higher alkanes.

Ionic reactions of substitution and elimination. Formation of carbocations. Stability and structure. Nucleophilic substitution reactions. SN2 reaction. SN1 reaction. Mechanisms and trends stereochimici.Effetti solvent and leaving group. Elimination reactions. E1 reaction. E2 reaction. Competition between substitution and elimination. Substitution reactions and elimination of biological interest.

Reactions of the C = C double bond. Addition reaction. Addition of hydrogen halides. Markovnikov rule.

examMode

The exam includes a written test followed by an oral test. The written test generally consists of five exercises whose contents cover all the topics of the course. Each exercise is assigned the maximum value of 6 points. The oral exam is accessed having achieved the minimum score of 18/30. The oral exam consists of two parts. The first concerns the discussion of the written test with in-depth analysis on the performance of the exercises. The second some questions concerning further developments of the themes of the written test.

books

- Basic Organic Chemistry, Bruno Botta, Editore EdiTes (most recent edition).

- Organic chemistry, Robert Thornton Morrison, Robert Nielson Boyd, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Distribuzione Zanichelli (most recent edition).

mode

The lesson includes a theoretical part in which the general principles and concepts are described, and an applicative part inherent to the carrying out of the exercise on the topics just treated.

classRoomMode

Face to face

bibliography

Chimica Organica Essenziale, Bruno Botta, Editore EdiTes (edizione più recente).
Da consultare:
- Chimica Organica, Robert Thornton Morrison, Robert Nielson Boyd, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Distribuzione Zanichelli (edizione più recente).

Gli studenti non frequentanti sono incoraggiati a contattare il docente per avere informazioni sul programma, sui materiali didattici e sulle modalità di valutazione del profitto.