Module I- Cellular Physiology. The course aims to provide the general elements and the chemico-physical principles of animal cell functions. Principal issues:
Living organisms as systems of effectors. Biological membranes. Homeostasis. Intercellular communication. Nervous and endocrine communication. Membrane potential. Biophysics of the ionic channels. Techniques of molecular biology and biophysics to study the structure-function relationships of membrane functional proteins. Ionic pumps. Electric properties of membranes. Potential of action. Receptors. Mechanisms of signal transduction. Synaptic transmission. Dynamic properties of cytoskeleton.
Module II- Elements of Anatomy and Systems Physiology. Morphological and functional organization of nervous system and of principal organs and apparatuses that control the osmotic homeostasis will be presented. The course is aimed to provide the fundamental knowledge of morphology and integrated functions of the animal organisms, underlining the relationships between structure and function. Anatomical and physiological aspects involved in the sensorial functions and of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and endocrine systems will be presented.