Biological Sciences

Biology, the science of life, studies organisms as the basic units of life. How they evolved, how they are built up, how they act, how they communicate with each other, how they are related to the non-living environment, and how they reproduce. The course starts with biomolecules and reactions that enable life, followed by tasks about organelles, cells, DNA, and the protein machinery that results in the diversity of cells. The course continues with cell growth and differentiation, metabolism, and reproduction. The end of the course goes into organ systems and evolutionary mechanisms that ultimately provide the biodiversity on planet Earth.

This course covers review topics restricted to life sciences. Enrolled students conduct research project or literature review exercise on a mutually agreed topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Approval of the course instructor is needed for students to enroll in this course. Graded P or F.

This course is designed to give an in-depth knowledge of structure and function of neurons, neuronal communication and muscle. Major topics include a) The detailed structure of neurones and muscle cells, b) The biophysical membrane properties of these cells, c) Ion fluxes and permeabilities, d) Synaptic transmission, e) Excitation/contraction coupling and cell signalling. Parallel computer simulated assignments complement the lecture material in addition to an assignment on muscle function and EMG measurements.

This course provides an understanding of the structure and function of macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and introduces key molecular biology techniques, thereby laying a solid foundation for medical research.

This course surveys major marine organisms and the habitats and community structures in which they occur, with emphasis on trophic interactions and the functioning of marine ecosystems. The course examines how environmental conditions, biological adaptations, and ecological processes influence the distribution and organization of marine life. Attention is also given to marine resources and their use by humans, as well as to the design, implementation, and interpretation of marine ecological research.

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to: Understand the chemical and biological composition of soils and their importance for ecosystem functioning; explain the role of microbial biodiversity in biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S) and soil health; analyze the interactions between soil microorganisms, soil fauna and plants; assess the effects of global changes on soil biological functioning; use scientific concepts and terminologies to describe soil biological and biochemical processes and their environmental implications; and relate theoretical knowledge to case studies applied to sustainable management and climate change mitigation. Topics include: 

Soil Biochemistry and Functionality:
- Soil composition: organic and inorganic components.
- Chemical properties: pH, cation/anion exchange capacity, adsorption.
- Microbial enzyme activity and nutrient cycling (C, N, P).
- Role of organic matter in regulating ecosystem services.
- Strategies for soil management and climate resilience.
Soil Biology and Global Changes:
- Microbial biodiversity and interactions with soil fauna.
- Microbial regulation of biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S).
- Impacts of climate change, land use and pollution on soil biology.
- Role of soil in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage.
- Soil-climate feedback mechanisms.

This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. This course provides students with an advanced knowledge of cellular neurobiology and molecular mechanisms of brain functions, as well as to make students able to apply this knowledge to specific aspects of nervous system physiopathology. This course is an overview of advanced topics in neurobiology and is designed to introduce and discuss the biological models, the techniques and the research strategies employed in this research field, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the structure and function of the nervous system. The course is divided into three general topic areas: cell biology of the nervous system, molecular mechanisms in the brain functions, and their alterations in neuropathologies. At the end of the course, the student is able to: understand and discuss properly main aspects of nervous system physiopathology; read and comprehend scientific articles; use this neurobiology background for advances experimental purposes. The course content is divided as follows:

1. Advanced Methodological Approaches in Neurobiology: From optogenetics to neuroimaging, brain atlas.
2. In Vitro and In Vivo Models in Neurobiology: From primary cultures to brain organoids, with an introduction to related ethical issues.
3. Cellular Neurobiology: Cells of the nervous system, their interactions, and communication systems. Biology and physiology of neurons. Oligodendrocytes and the myelin sheath. Astrocytes and microglia.
4. Molecular Neurobiology: Biochemical, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cognitive brain processes, such as synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory (from invertebrates to mammals).
5. Developmental Neurobiology: Molecular mechanisms underlying the origin of various CNS cell types, cell migration, axonal formation, synapse stabilization, activity-dependent CNS development, critical periods, and neural plasticity. Neural stem cells and adult neurogenesis.
6. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Brain–Environment Interaction: Gut–brain axis and circadian rhythm regulation.
7. Alterations in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology in Neuropathologies: Neurodegenerative diseases, prion disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuropsychiatric diseases.

This course addresses the particularities of production systems of salmonids (salmon and trout) so that students acquire the specific language, understand its biological bases and relate them to commercial production of salmonid species for human consumption. Special emphasis is placed on the activity in Chile, its requirements, characteristics and cultivation systems.

This course covers materials processing for manufacturing biomaterials, including traditional manufacturing techniques and 3D printing techniques. Students explore how we can produce biomedical materials, implants, and devices using a variety of manufacturing techniques.  

Topics include Introduction to materials processing for biomedical applications, Synthesis of starting materials (ceramics and metals), Polymers as a drug delivery system, CAD/CAM process, Metal casting and surface modifications, Colloidal processes, Processes for porous scaffolds, 3D printing applications.