Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Educational objectives

The course of Physical Methods in Organic Chemistry and Radiochemistry aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of modern chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, commonly used in the study of organic molecules in research and control laboratories. The course also aims to provide the ability to identify the most suitable chromatographic techniques for solving real problems, and to understand UV, IR, MS and NMR spectra of organic molecules. The course provides students with basic knowledge on nuclear chemistry and radiopharmaceutical preparations. At the end of the course the student will acquire the skills to analyze in-depth NMR, IR and MS spectra, to derive from their combined analysis the structure of unknown compounds, and to predict the spectroscopic properties of new compounds.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Students successfully completing this course understand and master the fundamentals of modern chromatographic techniques: adsorption, partition, kinetic aspects, van Deemter equation, composition and morphology of stationary phases, simple structure-retention relationships, solute-stationary phase-mobile phase interactions. The students know and understand the fundamentals of spectroscopic techniques: interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic spectrum, wavelength, frequency, energy content, intensity of radiation, absorption, emission, scattering, excited states, quantization. The students know and understand the theoretical principles and practical applications of IR spectroscopy (harmonic and anharmonic oscillators, fundamental vibrations, overtone, combination bands, characteristic absorptions of the main functional groups), 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR (nuclei in a magnetic field, resonance, relaxation processes, shielding and shielding constants, homo- and hetero-nuclear spin-coupling, Pople's spin notation systems, Karplus relation) and MS (ionization and fragmentation processes, analyzers). The students know and understand the theoretical principles and practical applications of instrumental hyphenated techniques (LC-MS). The students are able to understand how the spectral parameters can be influenced by the experimental conditions (physical state of the sample, concentration, solvent, temperature).

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Students successfully completing this course should be able to select the most suitable chromatographic technique according to the structure of the compounds to be analyzed and is able to describe the process underlying the choice of stationary phases, mobile phases and detectors. The student is able to control and optimize the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the chromatographic process and is able to apply the acquired knowledge to new problems typical of research or working contexts. The student is able to interpret IR, NMR, MS spectra of simple pure organic compounds, and is able to choose the spectroscopic technique or the combination of several techniques suitable for diverse structural investigations (control of the conversion of functional groups, identification of impurities, ). The student is able to apply the known instrumental techniques to new problems that may arise in research or work areas.

3. Making judgement
Students successfully completing this course should be able to integrate the knowledge acquired during the course with those of the physical-organic chemistry that characterizes the Degree Course in CTF (study of equilibrium, reaction speed, reaction mechanisms, study of intermediates, selectivity, stereochemistry ). The student will be able to acquire data from databases and interpret multispectral data useful for solving typical problems in research and production areas such as synthesis laboratories, quality control of active ingredients, laboratories for the analysis of products of natural origin, complex mixtures of metabolites. These skills are stimulated and developed typically during exercises of interpretation of spectra, during lectures and exercises.

4. Communication
Students successfully completing this course will be able to communicate what has been learned in a clear and rigorous manner, both to non-expert interlocutors and to experts in the field. The student is stimulated to interpersonal communication typically during classroom exercises.

5. Learning skills
Students successfully completing this course should have developed autonomous learning abilities related to chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques through the consultation of databases, bibliographic material and scientific literature available on-line.

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The course of Physical Methods in Organic Chemistry and Radiochemistry aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of modern chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, commonly used in the study of organic molecules in research and control laboratories. The course also aims to provide the ability to identify the most suitable chromatographic techniques for solving real problems, and to understand UV, IR, MS and NMR spectra of organic molecules. The course provides students with basic knowledge on nuclear chemistry and radiopharmaceutical preparations. At the end of the course the student will acquire the skills to analyze in-depth NMR, IR and MS spectra, to derive from their combined analysis the structure of unknown compounds, and to predict the spectroscopic properties of new compounds.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Students successfully completing this course understand and master the fundamentals of modern chromatographic techniques: adsorption, partition, kinetic aspects, van Deemter equation, composition and morphology of stationary phases, simple structure-retention relationships, solute-stationary phase-mobile phase interactions. The students know and understand the fundamentals of spectroscopic techniques: interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic spectrum, wavelength, frequency, energy content, intensity of radiation, absorption, emission, scattering, excited states, quantization. The students know and understand the theoretical principles and practical applications of IR spectroscopy (harmonic and anharmonic oscillators, fundamental vibrations, overtone, combination bands, characteristic absorptions of the main functional groups), 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR (nuclei in a magnetic field, resonance, relaxation processes, shielding and shielding constants, homo- and hetero-nuclear spin-coupling, Pople's spin notation systems, Karplus relation) and MS (ionization and fragmentation processes, analyzers). The students know and understand the theoretical principles and practical applications of instrumental hyphenated techniques (LC-MS). The students are able to understand how the spectral parameters can be influenced by the experimental conditions (physical state of the sample, concentration, solvent, temperature).

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Students successfully completing this course should be able to select the most suitable chromatographic technique according to the structure of the compounds to be analyzed and is able to describe the process underlying the choice of stationary phases, mobile phases and detectors. The student is able to control and optimize the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the chromatographic process and is able to apply the acquired knowledge to new problems typical of research or working contexts. The student is able to interpret IR, NMR, MS spectra of simple pure organic compounds, and is able to choose the spectroscopic technique or the combination of several techniques suitable for diverse structural investigations (control of the conversion of functional groups, identification of impurities, ). The student is able to apply the known instrumental techniques to new problems that may arise in research or work areas.

3. Making judgement
Students successfully completing this course should be able to integrate the knowledge acquired during the course with those of the physical-organic chemistry that characterizes the Degree Course in CTF (study of equilibrium, reaction speed, reaction mechanisms, study of intermediates, selectivity, stereochemistry ). The student will be able to acquire data from databases and interpret multispectral data useful for solving typical problems in research and production areas such as synthesis laboratories, quality control of active ingredients, laboratories for the analysis of products of natural origin, complex mixtures of metabolites. These skills are stimulated and developed typically during exercises of interpretation of spectra, during lectures and exercises.

4. Communication
Students successfully completing this course will be able to communicate what has been learned in a clear and rigorous manner, both to non-expert interlocutors and to experts in the field. The student is stimulated to interpersonal communication typically during classroom exercises.

5. Learning skills
Students successfully completing this course should have developed autonomous learning abilities related to chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques through the consultation of databases, bibliographic material and scientific literature available on-line.

Educational objectives

Module1 - Cellular and functional biochemistry I
Knowledge and ability to understand
Understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate key cellular functions. Understanding of the molecular bases leading to alterations of cellular functions.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate the main cellular functions whose imbalance is the basis of the onset of pathologies. This knowledge will be useful for the rational design and development of new drugs.

Communication skills and learning skills
Students will be able to critically describe the molecular mechanisms that regulate the main cellular functions.

Module 2 - Cellular and functional biochemistry II
Knowledge and ability to understand
Knowledge of the systems responsible for the signaling pathways and of the transduction of intra- and extracellular signals, with particular attention to the function performed by the protein components and their mechanism of action.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge of the main signaling pathways and of the transduction of intra- and extracellular signals useful for the rational design and development of new drugs.

Communication skills and learning skills
Students will be able to critically describe the main signaling and transduction pathways of cellular signals.

Educational objectives

Module1 - CELLULAR AND FUNCTIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY I
Knowledge and ability to understand
Understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate key cellular functions. Understanding of the molecular bases leading to alterations of cellular functions.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate the main cellular functions whose imbalance is the basis of the onset of pathologies. This knowledge will be useful for the rational design and development of new drugs.

Communication skills and learning skills
Students will be able to critically describe the molecular mechanisms that regulate the main cellular functions.

Educational objectives

Module 2 - CELLULAR AND FUNCTIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY II
Knowledge and ability to understand
Knowledge of the systems responsible for the signaling pathways and of the transduction of intra- and extracellular signals, with particular attention to the function performed by the protein components and their mechanism of action.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge of the main signaling pathways and of the transduction of intra- and extracellular signals useful for the rational design and development of new drugs.

Communication skills and learning skills
Students will be able to critically describe the main signaling and transduction pathways of cellular signals.

Educational objectives

General Aims
Knowledge of the general systematic and structural organization of the normal human body from the tissue level to the systematic level, in particular the organs of the various systems.

Specific Aims
1. Knowledge and Understanding
During the Course the Student will gain access to a thorough knowledge and complete comprehension of the general, structural and functional organization of the human body.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the Course the Student will gain the knowledge necessary to the anatomical characteristics for the understanding of Human Physiology.
In the field of Applicative Biotechnologies, the Student will profit his/hers knowledge of the Human Anatomy to design new-­‐generation drugs or therapeutic approach using biocompatible materials.

3. Making judgments
Critical and judgmental skills, as well as the comprehension of the topics discussed, are verified by the Lecturer during each lesson through interaction with the students.

4. Communication skills
The Student is asked to demonstrate solid knowledge and critical understanding of each topic of the Macro and microscopic Human Anatomy. The Student's ability to communicate what learned is verified via an oral interview.

5. Learning skills
Fundamental to the study of Human Anatomy in this module are the correct use of the chosen textbook(s) and the attendance and active participation to the lessons.

Educational objectives

General aim of the Physiology module within the Anatomy and Physiology Course is the gaining understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the human body's homeostasis at the cellular, organ, system and integrative level. Such knowledge is necessary for the adequate comprehension of the topics covered by the following theoretical and applicative Courses, e.g. in the pharmacological, physio--‐pathological and biotechnological fields. In particular,
the deep knowledge of the Human Physiology will allow the Student gaining, by the end of the Degree Course, the complete vision of the impact of pharmacological tools and biotechnological applications on the human body.
Specific Aims
1. Knowledge and Understanding
During the Course the Student will gain access to a thorough knowledge and complete comprehension of i) the general, structural and functional organization of the human body, from the cellular to the system level; ii) the intra--‐ and inter--‐cellular signalling and regulation mechanisms underlying the human body homeostasis; and iii) the mechanisms and role for integrative Physiology, coordinating cells, organs and systems under physiological or altered conditions.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the Course the Student will gain the knowledge necessary to master the complex mechanisms underlying the physiological interactions needed for the maintenance of homeostasis in normal and altered conditions. This will allow him/her to critically integrate the understanding of Human Physiology with knowledge of Pharmacology and Biotechnology topics to be applied during his/hers future training and / or professional career. In the field of Applicative Biotechnologies, the Student will profit his/hers knowledge of the Human Physiology to, for instance: i) design new--‐generation drugs or drugs for personalized or target--‐ specific therapy; or, ii) elaborate the most appropriate therapeutic approach using biocompatible nanotechnologies.
3. Making judgments
Critical and judgmental skills, as well as the comprehension of the topics discussed, are verified by the Lecturer during each lesson. This will make sure that the every student in the class will properly proceed in the critical understanding of Physiology. Students' interaction and proactiveness is strongly encouraged during the lesson. Likewise, deepening of specific topics is promoted, also including studying of scientific papers to be agreed with the Lecturer each time.
4. Communication skills
The Student is asked to demonstrate solid knowledge and critical understanding of each topic of the Physiology Course, from the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular and membrane physiology to the multi--‐systemic and integrated control of the homeostases necessary for life. The Student's ability to communicate what learned is verified via an oral interview during which the Student will be asked the demonstrate his/her acquired knowledge also using schematizations, mathematical functions, equations, flow charts both for Physiology and for Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology and Anatomy basic topics, if necessary to the understanding/expression of topics of Human Physiology.
5. Learning skills
Fundamental to the study of Human Physiology in this module are: i) use of the textbook(s) as agreed with the Lecturer; and, ii) attendance and active participation to the lessons. Supplementary teaching material to support/integrate the comprehension of identified, specific topics will be will be made available, when needed, via the e-Learning platform. Critical spirit, Proactiveness and Cultural Independence are fundamental skills of the Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist. These attitudes will be widely stimulated by the Lecturer. Thus, the final goal for both the Student and the Lecturer is to the develop the tools necessary for the Student’s autonomous, critic and creative approach to work, whether it will be in an academic or professional career.

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide the biochemical basis for understanding the development of technologies used in research and production of proteins, enzymes and biomolecules useful for medicine, nutrition and industrial processes.
During the course the potential applications of biochemistry and biotechnology in the industrial field will be illustrated, with particular reference to the pharmaceutical industry.

Module 1 – Enzimology and industrial biochemistry
Acquired knowledge
- understanding the methodologies used for development and industrial scale production of proteins and enzymes;
- knowledge of the potential applications of protein biotechnology in industrial processes, diagnostic and therapeutic, with particular reference to the pharmaceutical industry;

Acquired competences
- ability to use biochemical techniques for the purification, analysis and use of enzymes and biomolecules.

Communication skills and learning skills
Describe and relate critically the processes studied. Deal with scientific articles in the biotechnology field and get a critical understanding of their contents.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide the biochemical basis for understanding the development of technologies used in research and production of proteins, enzymes and biomolecules useful for medicine, nutrition and industrial processes.
During the course the potential applications of biochemistry and biotechnology in the industrial field will be illustrated, with particular reference to the pharmaceutical industry.

Module 2 – Pharmaceutical biotechnologies
Acquired knowledge
Competences in the field of pharmaceutical biotechnologies in order to design, develop, test, formulate and produce new biotech compounds.

Acquired competences
Conceptual basis and technical knowledge of innovative biotechnological methodologies applied to the process of pharmaceutical development.

Communication skills and learning skills
Describe and relate critically the processes studied. Deal with scientific articles in the biopharmaceutical field and get a critical understanding of their contents.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide the biochemical basis for understanding the development of technologies used in research and production of proteins, enzymes and biomolecules useful for medicine, nutrition and industrial processes.
During the course the potential applications of biochemistry and biotechnology in the industrial field will be illustrated, with particular reference to the pharmaceutical industry.

Module 1 – Enzimology and industrial biochemistry
Acquired knowledge
- understanding the methodologies used for development and industrial scale production of proteins and enzymes;
- knowledge of the potential applications of protein biotechnology in industrial processes, diagnostic and therapeutic, with particular reference to the pharmaceutical industry;

Acquired competences
- ability to use biochemical techniques for the purification, analysis and use of enzymes and biomolecules.

Communication skills and learning skills
Describe and relate critically the processes studied. Deal with scientific articles in the biotechnology field and get a critical understanding of their contents.

Educational objectives

The course completes the formation of the student in the field of microbiology by giving a clear and detailed vision of some aspects of the subject together with critical skills that are necessary to evaluate future developments in this specific sector.
The fundamental objective of the course is to give adequate informations on the following subjects:
• Emerging problems in the treatment of infectious diseases and their possible solutions according to recent findings of molecular and cellular microbiology;
• Drugs used in the treatment of infectious diseases (analysis of conventional methods used in research and development of drugs for infectous diseases and impact of new molecular findings on them):
• Methods used to search and develop new anti-infective drugs and to identify new molecular targets of pathogens;
• New approaches in the tratment of infections, methods for integrated biological control of mucosal environments by quorum sensing modulators, phages and predating bacteria;
• Biological drugs (vaccines and recombinant drugs) (productive and applicative aspects);
• Characterization and manipulation of mucosal microbiota in order to promote human health with particular attention to the use of probiotics, prebiotics and functional foods able to modify the mucosal microbiota;
• Potentials of biotechnologic diagnostics in the different sectors of microbiologic interest.

Educational objectives

General Aims
Knowledge of the general systematic and structural organization of the normal human body from the tissue level to the systematic level, in particular the organs of the various systems.

Specific Aims
1. Knowledge and Understanding
During the Course the Student will gain access to a thorough knowledge and complete comprehension of the general, structural and functional organization of the human body.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the Course the Student will gain the knowledge necessary to the anatomical characteristics for the understanding of Human Physiology.
In the field of Applicative Biotechnologies, the Student will profit his/hers knowledge of the Human Anatomy to design new-­‐generation drugs or therapeutic approach using biocompatible materials.

3. Making judgments
Critical and judgmental skills, as well as the comprehension of the topics discussed, are verified by the Lecturer during each lesson through interaction with the students.

4. Communication skills
The Student is asked to demonstrate solid knowledge and critical understanding of each topic of the Macro and microscopic Human Anatomy. The Student's ability to communicate what learned is verified via an oral interview.

5. Learning skills
Fundamental to the study of Human Anatomy in this module are the correct use of the chosen textbook(s) and the attendance and active participation to the lessons.

Educational objectives

General Aims
Knowledge of the general systematic and structural organization of the normal human body from the tissue level to the systematic level, in particular the organs of the various systems.

Specific Aims
1. Knowledge and Understanding
During the Course the Student will gain access to a thorough knowledge and complete comprehension of the general, structural and functional organization of the human body.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the Course the Student will gain the knowledge necessary to the anatomical characteristics for the understanding of Human Physiology.
In the field of Applicative Biotechnologies, the Student will profit his/hers knowledge of the Human Anatomy to design new-­‐generation drugs or therapeutic approach using biocompatible materials.

3. Making judgments
Critical and judgmental skills, as well as the comprehension of the topics discussed, are verified by the Lecturer during each lesson through interaction with the students.

4. Communication skills
The Student is asked to demonstrate solid knowledge and critical understanding of each topic of the Macro and microscopic Human Anatomy. The Student's ability to communicate what learned is verified via an oral interview.

5. Learning skills
Fundamental to the study of Human Anatomy in this module are the correct use of the chosen textbook(s) and the attendance and active participation to the lessons.

Educational objectives

General Aims
The objective of the course of Molecular and Cellular Pathology is to provide a firm foundation for understanding the molecular and cellular basis of disease. Goals: understanding the molecular complexity in human disease basis, understanding how most common diseases are linked to the dysfunction of specific pathways and how the application of molecular and cellular approach might help to advance medical research and the translation and application of knowledge to human disease.

Specific Aims
1. Knowledge and Understanding
The goal of the courses is to provide students a rigorous intellectual foundation of the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of human disease. Appreciate how most human diseases are linked with molecular or cellular dysfunction. Students should be able to articulate basic disease mechanisms that can underlie an identified pathology.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course students will have a solid understanding of the basic mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level that are correlated with the pathologic mechanisms that underlie human disease. This background is particularly important for Pharmaceutical Biotechnolgy students by equipping students with an advanced knowledge of molecular pathology and an understanding of the relevant principles and rationale for practical applications of therapeutic approach.

3. Making judgments
Didactic and highly interactive lectures are provided to obtain an understanding of how in most common diseases insufficient knowledge about the pathogenesis of human diseases may limit the effectiveness of the present therapeutic approaches. Students will know how molecular and cellular pathology is presently applied to gain insight into how disease conditions are investigated at a molecular level, as well as understanding how this may positively affect the therapeutic approach to human diseases.

4. Communication skills
Students' achievement of learning outcomes is demonstrated by the ability to analyze and critically discuss molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to human disease. Students’ evaluation is based by oral exam and the final score represents the sum of the two modules of the course. The overall knowledge of students is verified and students obtain their evaluation from grade 18 to grade 30. An exam is considered passed if the final grade is equal to or higher than 18/30. In the event of a full grade (30/30), the Examination Board may grant honours (lode).

5. Learning skills
The Program in Molecular and cellular pathology focuses on the molecular mechanisms that cause diseases, the newest technologies in genomics, and proteomics as well as the development of prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic tools. This is a crucial aspect to help students understand their learning interests as Pharmacological Biotechnology students, enhancing their dispositions to be active and autonomous learners.

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide the student with basics in formulation of biotechnological drugs, as well as, development of conventional and innovative pharmaceutical dosage forms. To this end, the course aims to give adequate theoretical bases in order to make the student able to comprehend the relation between the properties of the different dosage forms and their biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic fate in vivo, considering the physico-chemical properties of the drug as well as the therapeutic objective. At the same time, the course aims to provide deep knowledge on different formulation strategies and analytical techniques to characterize the pharmaceutical forms.
The course further aims to provide the student with knowledge about manufacturing, registration and commercialization of biotechnological drugs. Overall, the course aims to develop knowledge about the main formulation, manufacturing, quality and regulatory issues.
At the end of the course, the student should demonstrate:
1) Knowledge and understanding skills on the following topics:
- basics on formulation, manufacturing and quality control of the principal conventional and innovative dosage forms;
- technological characteristics of the excipients;
- theoretical bases of controlled release of drugs;
- pharmaceutical legislation and regulation with focus on biotechnological drugs.

2) Applying knowledge and understanding
The course aims to provide the student with general principles to optimize the efficacy of biotechnological drugs, taking into consideration the physico-chemical and stability properties of the active molecule as well as the administration route, the delivery vehicle and the targeting strategy more suitable to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Therefore, the student will be able to follow the steps of the manufacturing process of medicines and to prepare the principal conventional and innovative dosage forms, taking into account potential formulation, regulatory and safety issues.
3) Making judgements
At the end of the course, the student will write a report to demonstrate its ability to evaluate the technological, regulatory and safety issues related to the manufacturing of a conventional or innovative dosage form.
4) Communication skills
During the course, some roundtables sessions will be carried forward under the direction of the professor to evaluate the communication skills of the student. These sessions will be important to develop the ability to critically evaluate technological, regulatory and safety issues related to the manufacturing of conventional or innovative dosage forms. They will also be useful to develop the ability to properly report this information to both expert and inexpert persons.

5) Lifelong learning skills
The course will provide the student with theoretical basis and tools to develop independent lifelong learning skills, in order to make it able to further enrich its knowledge, thus maintaining it on a constant level. This point is particularly important considering the quick and incessant evolution of the pharmaceutical technologies and legislation.

Educational objectives

The course is aimed at providing the students conceptual basis and technical knowledge to design new chemical entities. In particular, during the course the students will develop computational skill in physical-chemistry theory of medicinal chemistry. Methods in both ligand-based drug design (no knowledge of target) and structure based drug design (known structure of the target) will be learned both in theoretical aspects and in detailed practical sessions. Practical sessions will also introduce the students to the use of personal computers.

Acquired knowledges
Make structure-activity relationships for a given series of bioactive compounds and rationalization of their quantitative and structural features to design new molecular entities of pharmaceutical interest.

Acquired competences
Setup a rational approach for the rational design of new derivatives through LBDD and SBDD software techniques.

Educational objectives

The Pharmacognostic biotechnology module aims to provide students with the qualifying knowledge about the herbal drugs and the major challenges about herbal drugs and botanicals, particularly about the phytochemical composition, the pharmaco-toxicological effects, the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical application, and the law regulations for production and marketing. The student will acquire knowledge about the features and properties of the major phytochemical groups, the variability problems and the quality control of herbal drugs, the production and preparation of herbal products, and the surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to herbal products. This knowledge will allow the student to acquire the suitable professional skills on the possible application of plant biotechnologies for improving the features and quality of herbal materials of pharmacognostic interest. During the course, the student will be stimulated to critically evaluate the challenges and problems about the topic under study, particularly the herbal drug quality, the rational use and the possible adverse reactions. The course is based on lectures aimed at developing communication skills and technical language through the classroom interaction with the lecturer about Pharmacognostic biotechnology and the related challenges. The course will also allow the student to develop communication skills and autonomy of learning, useful for further training courses or for the self-updating.

Educational objectives

The Pharmacognostic biotechnology module aims to provide students with the qualifying knowledge about the herbal drugs and the major challenges about herbal drugs and botanicals, particularly about the phytochemical composition, the pharmaco-toxicological effects, the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical application, and the law regulations for production and marketing. The student will acquire knowledge about the features and properties of the major phytochemical groups, the variability problems and the quality control of herbal drugs, the production and preparation of herbal products, and the surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to herbal products. This knowledge will allow the student to acquire the suitable professional skills on the possible application of plant biotechnologies for improving the features and quality of herbal materials of pharmacognostic interest. During the course, the student will be stimulated to critically evaluate the challenges and problems about the topic under study, particularly the herbal drug quality, the rational use and the possible adverse reactions. The course is based on lectures aimed at developing communication skills and technical language through the classroom interaction with the lecturer about Pharmacognostic biotechnology and the related challenges. The course will also allow the student to develop communication skills and autonomy of learning, useful for further training courses or for the self-updating.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The general objective of the course is to provide the student: 1) the basic scientific and regulatory knowledge and formation that will allow him/her to find, comprehend and critically assess the data and documentation about biological drugs; 2) the basic knowledge about herbal drugs and the major challenges about their use.
Specific objectives
1. Knowledge and comprehension by the student
Knowledge of xenobiotic mechanisms of toxicity. Comprehension of the relationship between chemical properties and structure and mechanisms of toxicity. Knowledge of the factors influencing the variability in the response to a xenobiotic. Knowledge of toxicokinetics and pharmacokinetics; comprehension of their implications and applications in the pharmaceutical field. Knowledge on the methods of experimental studies. Comprehension of the risk evaluation process and its pharmaceutical applications. Knowledge of the basis of chemical carcinogenesis and developmental toxicity and the methods used for studying them. Knowledge of pharmacovigilance.
2. Ability in using knowledge and comprehension
At the end of the course, the student should be able to: 1) find and critically evaluate scientific data about biological drugs and herbal drugs, also taking into account the current regulations;
Al termine del corso lo studente dovrà essere in grado di: reperire e valutare criticamente le informazioni riguardanti farmaci biologici e piante medicinali, anche in relazione alla regolamentazione vigente; 2) comprehend the development process of new biological drugs.
3. Ability in examining and judging
During the lessons, the teacher frequently questions the students in order to evaluate the comprehension and the ability to use the knowledge learnt. The students will be confronted with many cases of biological and herbal drugs upon which the students should express their evaluation. In the final test the student will expose to the teacher and other students a presentation on a biological drug and answer to questions on actual cases of herbal drugs.
4. Ability in communicating what learnt
During the final presentation the student shold prove to be able to communicate exhaustively and concisely.
5. Ability in continuing the study autonomously
The course aims to provide the formation giving the student the ability of evaluating critically the sources of information widely available, particularly in the web. During the course, the teacher will illustrate the main sources of reliable information, such as databases and sites of institutional organizations.

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The objectives of the module are reported in the teaching sheet

Educational objectives

The final exam consists in the drafting, presentation and discussion of a written report (thesis), independently elaborated by the student on the basis of the research activity conducted under the supervision of a teacher. The thesis documents in detail the project developed by the student and his/her individual experimental activity. Drafting the report, student will enhance his/her critical and methodological autonomy to favor a profitable integration into the labour market.