The principal aim of the course is to furnish the students with the theoretical bases of formal and post-genomic genetics as well as with the description of the experimental approaches used. Students must apprehend the logic of formal genetics and the methods of the genetic dissection of complex biological phenomena: genotype/phenotype correlation and their interactions with the environment. Relevant arguments will be: mutations, mutagenesis, DNA repair, mutations and carcinogenesis.

The aim of the course is to provide students with the information necessary for understanding the theoretical foundations of classical and modern genetics and the experimental approaches that have allowed their definition. Students must learn the logic of formal genetic analysis and the methodologies of genetic dissection of biological phenomena. They will have to know how to connect the concepts of genotype and phenotype and the interaction of these with the environment. A relevant chapter of the course will be dedicated to the students' acquisition of the concepts of mutation, mutagenesis and repair of genetic damage; as well as the impact that these processes have in the generation of syndromes, in the onset of degenerative diseases and in the evolution of populations. The notions will be provided to understand the paradigm shift that took place in the post-genomic era, and the understanding of the importance of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic model systems will be stimulated.
Knowledge and understanding.
To have developed the knowledge of the principles of formal genetics: Mendelism, sex-linked inheritance, mapping of genes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, mutations, regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetics of populations. Having acquired the basic notions of Environmental Mutagenesis and Molecular Genetics and having understood the potential of post-genomic analysis.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
Knowing how to use the notions learned in class and developed in the exercises to interpret the patterns of inheritance and to solve problems in the various fields of Genetics.
Autonomy of judgment.
Being able to identify the appropriate rules of Genetics to apply to the resolution of new problems even if similar to those discussed in class.
Communication skills.
The students' ability to speak, reason and discuss the questions raised during the lessons regarding the topics covered will be stimulated.
Learning ability.
To be able to discuss scientific issues related to Genetics also in its medical applications and in its evolutionary implications. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.