Cell biology and technology

General skills The course aims to study the applications of plant metabolic engineering and the use of advanced methodologies for the study and production of bioactive molecules of agronomic, pharmacological, or food interest. Additionally, students will develop skills in the application of plant metabolic engineering to genetically improve plants in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as to produce biofuels, plant fortification, molecular farming, and phytoremediation. These competencies will be acquired through lectures and seminar activities conducted by industry experts. Furthermore, skills will be implemented through visits to companies and institutions operating in the agronomic sector. Learning outcomes A) Knowledge and understanding skills Acquire detailed knowledge on the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis and regulation of the production of plant macromolecules of industrial and pharmacological interest. Acquire knowledge on advanced techniques for the analysis of plant metabolites and macromolecules. Acquire knowledge of the main molecular biology and cell biology approaches aimed at plant engineering to obtain cultivated varieties with improved agronomic traits. Understand the effect of plant molecules in the treatment of plant diseases. Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand: - Main advanced systems for the study of plant metabolism - Applications of metabolic genetic engineering to obtain plant products of industrial interest. - Biotechnological methods for obtaining plants with improved nutritional value, resistance to stress and plants improved to produce bioenergy. B) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - understand and carry out experimental protocols aimed at the production of plant metabolites of commercial interest - design the engineering of metabolic pathways for plant genetic improvement. C) Autonomy of judgment- - ability to autonomously understand and solve scientific problems concerning plant metabolism for plant improvement and for applications in the industrial field. - Ability to autonomously evaluate and interpret experimental data for the study of plant metabolism and its modifications with biotechnological approaches for plant improvement D) Communication skills - Acquisition of adequate skills and useful tools for the communication and dissemination of the knowledge acquired and the results of the scientific activity carried out during the course of study. - Ability to communicate with industrial managers, production technicians and with heads of public and private research bodies in the sector. E) Learning ability - Autonomous ability to deepen further scientific information and technical knowledge of the sector for the continuous updating of knowledge. - Ability to learn cognitive tools and scientific method typical of the activity of a cell biologist in the sector of scientific research in genetic improvement and applied to the production of plant metabolites of commercial interest