Biological Sciences

Study the development of cognition through a neuroscientific lens, examine how the nervous system starts out wired for every possible contingency to eventually prune (tune) itself towards an efficient functioning for the environment it resides it, study the neural network structure and functioning of the brain, its common properties that support efficient cognitive functioning, and how disruptions to these networks can impair cognition. The course also covers the theory of neuroplasticity, focusing on the role of the brain’s lifelong ability to rewire itself. In addition, study mirror neurons, atypical developmental processes (including autism, schizophrenia, and trauma), and the intersection between developmental cognitive neuroscience and society. A mandatory field trip to Amsterdam is included, where the Van Gogh museum is visited to study Van Gogh’s art as a clinical case and experience immediate neuroplasticity first-hand by dining in complete darkness during a three-course meal. Motivated and dedicated students have the opportunity to co-author a paper with the course coordinator for potential publication in well-respected journals (topics of interest can be discussed). Students should have completed at least two Psychology courses and should be interested in brain development and neuroscientific methods that can be used to uncover developmental processes.

Systems biology is a new approach to biological and biomedical research based on a more holistic perspective and relies on the use of mathematical and computational models, with complementing experiments in the lab.  This course provides an overview of systems biology and its building blocks, experimental approaches, and a variety of mathematical models and tools. Students are introduced to the mathematical basis of dynamic systems, networks, and constraint-based modeling.  Examples used in the course include cancer metabolism (molecular modeling), neuroscience (tissue-level modeling), and diabetes (whole-body level modeling). Practical skills are trained by carrying out computer experiments. 

This course focuses on aspects of toxicity among invertebrate and vertebrate groups, paying particular attention to differences between poisonous and venomous animals, as well as the evolution of venom in animals. It discusses the classification and recognition of venomous and poisonous animals and explains the need for this by stakeholders including clinicians. The course provides information on the nature and mechanism of envenomation and reviews the knowledge about the various aspects of the biology, ecology, and medical importance of venomous and poisonous animals of the major animal phyla. Key components of the course include the prevention and management of bites and stings and the important roles these animals play in the ecosystem.

This course introduces the science and practice of conservation biology, beginning with an overview of conservation issues, the value of biodiversity, extinction risks, and the history and philosophy of conservation. It explores the conservation of biodiversity at multiple levels, including the diversity of genes, species, populations, and ecosystems. At the species and population levels, the role of life history, behavior, and management of populations in the real world is covered. The conservation and management of ecosystems is considered in terms of important processes, such as disturbance, re-wilding, and threats by alien species. Issues considered here include incentives, access, who benefits from conservation, legal aspects, and management policies. 

This course addresses the principle, understanding, and application of cancer treatment and prevention. 

Please note that the course extends into January, available for year students only. The course focuses on the following topics: the geological evolution of the planet earth and the formation of sea basins; the physical and chemical characteristics of the water masses; physiography and geomorphology of the seabed, genesis, and characteristics of rocks and sediments; sedimentological processes and distribution of benthic environments; the interactions between marine organisms and the abiotic environment; the main types of marine ecosystems and their functional characteristics; and the processes of formation of populations and their distribution in space and time. The course is divided into lectures and practical sessions, in the field and/or in the laboratory, with collection and analysis of samples/data and interpretation of results. Visits to the ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences) of the CNR of Bologna where the tools used in oceanographic and marine biology campaigns and the principles and techniques for the analysis and interpretation of the acquired data are presented. Visit to the Environmental Sciences Laboratories, of the Master's Degree in Marine Biology, at the Ravenna Campus.

This course is part of the LM degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. The course covers molecular, cellular, and “-omics” aspects of the following topics (considering both theoretical and methodological points of view): 1) Cell-cell communication in bacteria (quorum sensing): basic principles and components of quorum sensing (QS); role of the QS in microbial pathogenicity, genome plasticity (horizontal gene transfer), stress response, and microbial interaction with the host; and application of quorum sensing circuits in biotechnology and synthetic biology of single bacteria and microbial communities. 2) Microbial biofilms: distribution and diversity of biofilms; mechanisms of biofilm formation and persistence; microbial metabolism and physiology in biofilm; role of QS in biofilm formation; biofilm resistance and tolerance; in vitro systems to grow and study the microbial biofilm; and the role/importance of biofilms in medical and industrial fields. 3) Bacterial second messengers: molecular mechanisms of the nucleotide second messenger (NSM)-based intracellular signaling in bacteria; the different components involved in the NSM-based signaling; and essential and emerging roles of NSMs in bacterial sensing and cellular response, biofilm formation, and microbial interactions. 4) Signaling and interactions within microbial communities: “-omics” to study microbial communities and microbial interactions; and designing and construction of synthetic microbial communities for the application in medical, industrial, and environmental fields.