B6064 - Fondamenti e didattica della biologia - Modulo 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student masters the major topics of molecular biology; uses the correct terminology; discusses the relevance of the structuring concepts of molecular biology; critically discusses the teaching and learning of the major topics of molecular biology in secondary schools.

Course contents

The course aims to dissect some basic molecular biology topics with students, discussing teaching and learning of these topics, with respect to common mistakes and misconceptions. Specifically, the topics of molecular biology which will be taken into consideration are: genome and DNA; Mendelian genetics; population genetics.

More in detail, contents that, among others, will be discussed will be the following.

Structure, architecture and organization of the genome; gene expression; gene regulation; protein synthesis.

The three Mendel’s laws; “exceptions” to the Mendel’s laws; meaning of the Mendel’s laws.

Hardy-Weinberg equilibria; simple models of population genetics; genetic drift; neutral theory; fitness; selection coefficient; fixation and loss of alleles.

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested reference texts:

Longo, C. (2014). Didattica della Biologia. Milano: Ledizioni.

Padoa-Schioppa, E. (2018). Metodi e strumenti per l'insegnamento e l'apprendimento della biologia. Napoli: EdiSES.

Sadava, D., Hillis, D. M., Craig Heller, H., Hacker, S. (2021). Principi di Biologia. Quinta edizione italiana condotta sulla undicesima edizione americana. Bologna: Zanichelli.

Morris, J. R., Hartl, D. L., Knoll, A. H., Lue, R. A., Michael, M. (2021). Biologia. Come funziona la vita. Bologna: Zanichelli.

Any further references will be discussed with the students.

Teaching methods

Methodologically speaking, recalling the manifold key concepts of biology will take place beside their placement among proximate causes, experimentally described, and remote causes, which requires evolutionary thinking, using frontal and dialogue lessons supported by presentations with diagrams and graphic illustrations. Practical activities involve the organization of group activities, while some topics will be completed or corroborated through individual activities.

Assessment methods

Provided that the minimum mandatory percentage of participation is confirmed and that possible assignments have been handed in as requested during the lectures, the assessment of the learning outcome of the course will take place during the final examination for the teaching qualification in the focal discipline, as stated in the Art. 9 of the DPCM 08/04/2023.

Teaching tools

Classrooms equipped for teaching with: personal computer, projector, touch-screen with the role of a digital whiteboard.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Plazzi