This feature allows you to view your educational path, if you enrolled in previous years

Curriculum(s) for 2024 - Cell biology and technology (30052)

Single curriculum

1st year

LessonSemesterCFUSSDLanguage
1052141 | Plant cellular plasticity and dynamics of differentation: industrial applications1st6BIO/01ITA

Educational objectives

General Skills

The course aims to study the structural and functional organization of the plant cell and the models of plant development, using experimental systems and advanced methodologies. It also aims to provide the knowledge and technological tools to increase the professionalism of the biologist in sectors that use plant cell systems for industrial applications (eg functional cosmetics and supplements, germplasm banks).
The course requires knowledge of plant Botany and Physiology acquired in the three-year degree in Biology. The course includes lectures and some theoretical-practical lessons held in the laboratory.

Specific skills
A) Knowledge and understanding
- Knowledge and understanding of the structural and functional organization of the different cellular compartments, peculiar of the plant cell.
- Knowledge and understanding of the main study methods in cell biology: optical,fluorescence, confocal microscopies, scanning and transmission electronic microscopy.
- Knowledge and understanding of the new "omics" technologies
- Knowledge and understanding of experimental systems used as model systems to study the biology of plant development
- Knowledge and understanding of biotechnological methodologies in the plant field for the production of bioactive molecules to be used in the cosmetic and nutraceutical field or in the conservation of biodiversity (Germplasm Banks)
B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use the specific terminology of the subject
- be able to identify the right procedures to solve the questions of cell biology and plant development
- be able to use biotechnological techniques for different application purposes

C) Making judgements
- to acquire critical judgment skills in the reading of experimental procedures and results reported in the literature on specific research issues
- to learn to ask questions for the elaboration and deepening of the knowledge learned
D) Communication skills
- be able to communicate during the oral exam what has been learned during the lectures and the laboratory experiences
E) Learning skills
- learning specific terminology of the matter
- be able to logically connect the acquired knowledge
- be able to identify the most relevant topics of the matter
• acquired during the course

Learning skills
• Learning the specific scientific language
• Being able to consult databases
• Being able to integrate the notions acquired with the those learnt in the other courses

1038169 | MOLECULAR GENETICS OF MICROORGANISMS1st6BIO/19ITA

Educational objectives

General objectives -
The main objective of the course is to allow the student to acquire advanced knowledge of microbial genetics, including the molecular aspects, which underlie the development of many of the current techniques of molecular biology and recombinant DNA.

The educational objectives of the course are the understanding of some of the historical experiments of microbial genetics and the study of today's advances in the fields of bacterial genetics, phage and eukaryotic microbes such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutation and evolution of microbial genomes, mechanisms for regulating copy control of plasmids and chromosomes, transposons and control of transposition, mechanisms of microbial differentiation will also be topics of the course.
Specific objectives -
Knowledge and ability to understand. The specific objectives of the course include:
• Know and understand some of the historical experiments of microbial genetics, the advances in the fields of bacterial genetics, phage and eukaryotic microbes such as yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae;
• To know and understand the role of mutations in the evolution of microbial genomes, the mechanisms of regulation of mobile elements such as plasmids and transposons and control of transposition;
General objectives -
The main objective of the course is to allow the student to acquire advanced knowledge of microbial genetics, including the molecular aspects, which underlie the development of many of the current techniques of molecular biology and recombinant DNA.

The educational objectives of the course are the understanding of some of the historical experiments of microbial genetics and the study of today's advances in the fields of bacterial genetics, phage and eukaryotic microbes such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutation and evolution of microbial genomes, mechanisms for regulating copy control of plasmids and chromosomes, transposons and control of transposition, mechanisms of microbial differentiation will also be topics of the course.
Specific objectives -
Knowledge and ability to understand. The specific objectives of the course include:
• Know and understand some of the historical experiments of microbial genetics, the advances in the fields of bacterial genetics, phage and eukaryotic microbes such as yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae;
• To know and understand the role of mutations in the evolution of microbial genomes, the mechanisms of regulation of mobile elements such as plasmids and transposons and control of transposition;

1038171 | Molecular and cellular bases of plant biotechnologies1st6BIO/04ITA

Educational objectives

Specific skills Part I
A) Knowledge and understanding

To acquire detailed knowledge on the methods of transient and stable transformation of the nuclear and plastidic genome of plants; on direct and reverse genetic approaches to study the function of plant genes; on the identification and use of molecular markers in plant genetics; on the use of plant biotechnologies for the production of crop varieties with improved agronomic traits. In particular, students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand:

- the main systems of stable and transient expression in plants, including plastid transformation systems;
- methods of analyzing gene function in plants through direct and reverse genetics;
- silencing and "genome editing" mechanisms in plant organisms;
- the use of natural genetic variability as a source of biotechnological and agronomic traits.

B) Applying knowledge and understanding

- design experiments aimed at defining the function of a gene through reverse genetic approaches;
- design genetic screening in plant model systems and outline the main lines of identification of a mutation;
- understand and critically discuss the different approaches used to alter the expression of a gene in a plant and choose the most appropriate one according to the needs and the experimental model;
- designing the engineering of new traits in plant organisms.

C) Making judgements

- Critical judgment skills, through the study of reviews and scientific articles on key aspects of the field and in-depth discussions;
- Ability to evaluate the correctness and scientific rigor in the topics related to the topics covered by the course.

D) Communication skills

- Acquisition of adequate skills and useful tools for communication in Italian and in foreign languages (English), through the use of graphic and formal languages, with particular regard to the scientific language.

E) Learning skills
- Ability to interpret and deepen knowledge;
- Ability to use cognitive tools for continuous updating of knowledge;
- Ability to compare for the consolidation and improvement of knowledge.

Specific skills Part. II

A) Knowledge and understanding

Acquire detailed knowledge on primary and secondary metabolism of plants, with particular reference to biosynthesis and compartmentalization of metabolites; on vesicular trafficking and secretion; on the conceptual and methodological bases of the analysis of the plant proteome and metabolome. Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand:

- the main biosynthetic pathways in primary and secondary metabolism of plants;
- the mechanisms of regulation, channeling and compartmentalization of plant metabolism;
- the various technologies available today for the large-scale analysis of plant proteomes and metabolomes.

B) Applying knowledge and understanding

- understand and critically evaluate the methodologies to be used in a proteomics or metabolomics experiment;
- understand a plant metabolic pathway and plan its modification in plant systems or heterologous systems.

C) Making judgements

- Critical judgment skills, through the study of reviews and scientific articles on key aspects of the field and in-depth discussions;
- Ability to evaluate the correctness and scientific rigor in the topics related to the topics covered by the course.

D) Communication skills

- Acquisition of adequate skills and useful tools for communication in Italian and in foreign languages (English), through the use of graphic and formal languages, with particular regard to the scientific language.

E) Learning skills
- Ability to interpret and deepen knowledge;
- Ability to use cognitive tools for continuous updating of knowledge;
- Ability to compare for the consolidation and improvement of knowledge.

1038162 | Biogenesis of cellular compartments and signaling between cells2nd6BIO/06ITA

Educational objectives

General skills
This course is designed to deepen the knowledge on Cell biology assumed during the Bachelor. The main goal is for learners to deepen the knowledge on eukaryotic animal cell structure and the mechanisms underlying fundamental cell biological processes (in physiology and disease), updated with yearly published new researches.
The course includes classroom lectures, and involve the discussion on the experimental approaches used in recent highest quality researches.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding
-knowing and understanding the molecular mechanisms that rule cellular processes in eukaryotic cells;
-knowing and understanding cellular activities that allow the maintenance of functional integrity of membranes and organelles in the eukaryotic animal cells;
-knowing and understanding cell signaling, different class of receptor involved, and their effects on enzymatic activities, structures and cell processes (e.g. cytoskeleton organization, endocytosis, etc.)

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use the specific terminology
- be able to analyze and interpret scientific papers concerning cell biology topics and identify the appropriate experimental procedures to clarify a specific cell biology process.

C) Making judgements
- critical thinking through the study of the experimental procedures used for the identification of key molecules in some cell processes
- learning by questioning

D) Communication skills
-be able to communicate what has been learned during the oral exam

E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics

1014522 | Cellular Microbiology and vaccinology2nd6BIO/19ITA

Educational objectives

General aims

The course of Cellular Microbiology and Vaccinology aims at providing the notions that allow students to understand the complexity of the interactions of the microbial world with eukaryotic organisms. This knowledge will form the basis for a rational path that will lead them to understand the strategies underlining the formulation of vaccines. The objectives will be finalized at sequentially integrating in this schema the issues concerning the recognition of microorganisms by the innate immune system, the characteristics of the microbiota and the molecular basis of the interaction of microbiota with eukaryotic organisms. We will then proceed to the analysis of genetic and phenotypic factors that characterize the differences between commensals and pathogens and the transitional forms between these two classes. Finally, we will face the fundamentals of vaccines, their typology and composition, and the scientific and institutional process leading to their development. The prospective of the new generation vaccines and of the new vaccine targets will complete the knowledge acquired by the student. The achievement of this network of issues will provide the student with the skills to evaluate the role of microorganisms in the process of interaction with humans and the actual value of vaccines.

Specific objectives

Knowledge and understanding
• the mechanisms underlining the recognition of microorganisms by the immune system and adaptive immune responses.
• fundamental role of the microbiota in the physiological and pathological processes of eukaryotic organisms.
• the molecular bases that underlie the difference between commensals microorganism and pathogens.
• evolution of vaccines and the rationalization of the scientific and experimental path that has led to the formulation of these drugs.
• the vaccine types, the components of the vaccines and the functional roles of these.
• the key phases of vaccine development and the scientific and legislative process leading from the "bench to field"
• goals for vaccines in the near future.

Applying knowledge and understanding

• understanding the biological phenomena of complex organisms on the basis of the knowledge about microorganisms;
• interpreting the phenomena associated with microorganisms on a personal and social scale;
• perceiving the environment by integrating the key role played by microorganisms,
• feeling about themselves as a biological ecosystem and understanding the rules that govern it.

Making judgments
• Sieving information about the world of microorganisms in a conscious and reasoned way
• Making reasoned decisions about the use of products derived from bacteria and argiung about relevance of vaccines

Comunication skills
• Spreading the information acquired in the course
Communicating the issues about the vaccines on the basis of the knowledge

Elective course2nd6ITA
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

2nd year

LessonSemesterCFUSSDLanguage
Elective course1st6ITA
AAF1041 | STAGE1st3ITA

Educational objectives

The internship activities (art.10, paragraph 5, letter d - Ministerial Decree 270/04), equal to 3 credits, are dedicated to the acquisition of useful knowledge for entering the world of work. Consistent with the objectives of the degree course, these activities are aimed at applying the knowledge acquired in the fields of microbial, plant and animal cell technologies.
The internship activities include the attendance of specific working realities such as e.g. public and private research laboratories, laboratories and industries operating in the medical/health field, biotechnological industries, etc. Seminars on the development and application of innovative methodologies can also contribute to training useful for entering the world of work.

AAF1037 | FINAL EXAM2nd39ITA

Educational objectives

General objectives
The bibliographic study, the experimental work and the elaboration of the results for the writing of the degree thesis represent one of the most important moments of the study course of the master's degree acquisition of advanced theoretical-practical knowledge and of the correct scientific methods of investigation.
Specific objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge and advanced scientific methodologies in specific areas of animal, plant and microbial cell biology and its applications, scientific methods of investigation, methods of collection, analysis and processing of experimental data will be acquired during the process and preparation of the final elaborate of the thesis. The thesis preparation will be carried out in university laboratories both in Italy and abroad as well as in accredited research centers and national institutes.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The knowledge acquired during the preparation and discussion of the thesis allow the graduate to:
Apply knowledge for experimental design
Apply the acquired knowledge to propose advanced technologies to solve specific sector problems.

Autonomy of judgment
The development of the thesis will develop the skills of the graduates:
The autonomy of judgment in the critical evaluation of experimental data
Autonomy in the documentation and evaluation of the most appropriate experimental approaches for the solution of specific problems.

Communication skills
The preparation and discussion of the elaborate file will allow the graduate master to acquire:
-Communication skills of the research carried out and of its own global preparation.
-Ability to communicate the scientific results obtained with the thesis activity in national and international conferences
Learning ability
During the preparation and discussion of the thesis the graduate acquires the ability to learn the most advanced knowledge and methodologies and their continuous updating.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

Optional groups

The student must acquire 18 CFU from the following exams
LessonYearSemesterCFUSSDLanguage
1056104 | Stems cells biology and applications1st1st6BIO/11, BIO/18ITA

Educational objectives

Knowledge on the basic molecular and cell properties of mammalian stem cells and of their use in biomedical applications and knowledge about the role of stem cells in embryonic and post-embryonic development in plants. Moreover, the class aims to give information about plant stem cell manipulation techniques for agricultural purposes.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding
-knowing and understanding the nature of stem cells
-knowing and understanding the use of stem cells in biomedicine
-knowing and understanding the use of plant stem cells for agricultural purposes

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use the specific terminology
- practicing problem solving in stem cell biology

C) Making judgements
- critical thinking through the historical survey of the main discoveries in stem cell biology with the detailed analysis of the fundamental experiments
- learning by questioning

D) Communication skills
-be able to communicate what has been learned during the simulation of a project research discussion

E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics

Module I1st1st3BIO/11ITA

Educational objectives

The course Cell biology of stem cells and applications includes two modules:
: Module I Animal stem cells and applications and module II Plant cell stems and applications

General skills Module II

Knowledge on the basic molecular and cell properties of plant stem cells. Their genetic manipulation and use in Agricultural purpose.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding
-knowing and understanding the nature of plant stem cells
-knowing and understanding the use of stem cells in Agricultural purpose

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use the specific terminology
- practicing problem solving in stem cell biology

C) Making judgements
- critical thinking through the analysis of the main discoveries in plant stem cell biology and how it can complement reaserch in the animal stem cell field.
- learning by questioning

D) Communication skills
-be able to communicate what has been learned during the simulation of a project research discussion

E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics

Module II1st1st3BIO/18ITA

Educational objectives

The course Biology of sem cells and applications includes two modules :
module I Animal stem cells and applications and Module II Plant stem cells and applications

Module I
General skills
Knowledge on the basic molecular and cell properties of mammalian stem cells including embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Their genetic manipulation and use in biomedical applications will be also critically discussed.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding
-knowing and understanding the nature of mammalian stem cells
-knowing and understanding the use of stem cells in biomedicine

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use the specific terminology
- practicing problem solving in stem cell biology

C) Making judgements
- critical thinking through the historical survey of the main discoveries in stem cell biology with the detailed analysis of the fundamental experiments
- learning by questioning

D) Communication skills
-be able to communicate what has been learned during the simulation of a project research discussion

E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics

10593023 | Cellular imaging and dynamic cytometry: principles and applications1st1st6BIO/18, BIO/19ITA

Educational objectives

Specific objectives –Module 2

Knowledge and ability to understand. Specific objectives include:

• Learning basic principles of flow-cytometry;
• Getting acquainted with flow-cytometry instrumentation commonly used in research and biomedical laboratories;
• Learning basic techniques on viable and fixed samples for the study of cell cycle and of cell death and differentiation;
• Acquiring basic knowledge for the use of result analysis softwares.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. The course aims at making students acquainted with the general concepts governing the functioning of a flow cytometer and at giving them insight into the main optical parameters measurable by means of flow cytometry. At the end of the course students will be able to understand the general concepts of flow cytometry and of its possible fields of application. They will also have acquired a basic knowledge of the main sample preparation techniques employed in the study of cell cycle and cell proliferation, death and differentiation. Moreover, by means of practical exercises, students will be introduced to planning, execution and analysis of experiments based on the studied techniques.

Making judgments: Students, through the study of examples of applications reported in literature, acquire an autonomous ability to interpret experimental data and to place them, critically, within the framework of the knowledge already acquired.

Communication skills: Students learn to use an appropriate scientific terminology for the presentation of the results of flow cytometry experiments to both a lay public and to experts.

Learning skills: The ability to learn is stimulated by continuous reference to the knowledge acquired and to the methodologies used for its enhancement as well as by constant cross talk between the two modules. At the end of the course students will be able to identify the most appropriate methods and equipments for the investigation of significant cellular phenomena, such as cell proliferation, death and differentiation in the field of flow cytometry.

Mod.I1st1st3BIO/18ITA

Educational objectives

Specific objectives –Module 2

Knowledge and ability to understand. Specific objectives include:

• Learning basic principles of flow-cytometry;
• Getting acquainted with flow-cytometry instrumentation commonly used in research and biomedical laboratories;
• Learning basic techniques on viable and fixed samples for the study of cell cycle and of cell death and differentiation;
• Acquiring basic knowledge for the use of result analysis softwares.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. The course aims at making students acquainted with the general concepts governing the functioning of a flow cytometer and at giving them insight into the main optical parameters measurable by means of flow cytometry. At the end of the course students will be able to understand the general concepts of flow cytometry and of its possible fields of application. They will also have acquired a basic knowledge of the main sample preparation techniques employed in the study of cell cycle and cell proliferation, death and differentiation. Moreover, by means of practical exercises, students will be introduced to planning, execution and analysis of experiments based on the studied techniques.

Making judgments: Students, through the study of examples of applications reported in literature, acquire an autonomous ability to interpret experimental data and to place them, critically, within the framework of the knowledge already acquired.

Communication skills: Students learn to use an appropriate scientific terminology for the presentation of the results of flow cytometry experiments to both a lay public and to experts.

Learning skills: The ability to learn is stimulated by continuous reference to the knowledge acquired and to the methodologies used for its enhancement as well as by constant cross talk between the two modules. At the end of the course students will be able to identify the most appropriate methods and equipments for the investigation of significant cellular phenomena, such as cell proliferation, death and differentiation in the field of flow cytometry.

Mod.II1st1st3BIO/19ITA

Educational objectives

Specific objectives –Module 1

Knowledge and ability to understand. Specific objectives include:

• Learning and understanding the basic principles of bright-field and fluorescence microscopy in their biological applications.
• Acquiring knowledge about imaging methodologies and equipment.

• Getting acquainted with the theoretical and practical significance of imaging methodologies for the understanding of the mechanisms governing cell cycle and cell death and differentiation.
• Acquiring basic knowledge for the use of image analysis softwares.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. To make students familiar with the basic principles and modern instrumentations of bright-field, fluorescence and time-lapse video microscopy techniques applied to the study of cell dynamics. Moreover, by means of practical exercises, students will be introduced to planning, execution and analysis of experiments based on the studied techniques.

Making judgments: Students, through the study of sector literature and of examples of applications of imaging in the biomedical field, acquire an autonomous ability to interpret experimental data and to place them, critically, within the framework of the knowledge already acquired.

Communication skills: Students learn to use appropriate scientific terminology for the presentation of the results of cell imaging experiments to both a lay public and to experts.

Learning skills: The ability to learn is stimulated by continuous reference to the knowledge acquired and to the methodologies used for its enhancement as well as by constant cross talk between the two modules. At the end of the course students will be able to identify the most appropriate methods and equipments for the investigation of cellular phenomena, such as cell proliferation and death in the field of cell imaging.

1020774 | Microbial vectors and applications in gene and cell therapy1st2nd6BIO/19ITA

Educational objectives

General objectives -
The main objective of the course is to provide students with the tools to understand the main approaches of gene and cell therapy through a thorough study of microbial vectors in use both in basic research and in clinical trials. Particular attention is devoted to the development process of first-second- and third-generation vectors and to the methodological aspects for the production of a therapeutic vector. Finally, the ethical issues that derive from the use of genetic material for therapeutic purposes will be considered.

Specific objectives -

Knowledge and ability to understand.
The specific objectives of the course include:
• Understand and understand the process that from the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the functionality of specific genetic elements (viruses, chromosomes, plasmids, transposons) leads to the development of vectors for the transfer of genes / sequences in mammalian cells.
• Know and understand the methods and models used to test the safety of the carriers and the related production processes.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
The course provides the tools that allow the student to select specific microbial elements, such as plasmids, transposons and viruses, for the transfer of genetic material in vitro and in vivo, even considering the specific experimental / therapeutic needs; select the most appropriate engineering techniques for gene transfer elements; to evaluate host responses to gene transfer; apply the different methods of molecular and cellular investigation for the study of the different production phases of gene transfer systems.

Making judgments: The student, through the study of the sector literature, the analysis of experimental data present in public databases, the carrying out of practical laboratory tests, acquires an autonomous ability to interpret experimental data and to place them in the framework of knowledge already acquired. It will also be able to evaluate ethical issues.

Communication skills: the student acquires the use of appropriate scientific terminology to communicate the concepts underlying gene therapy, the use of means of investigation, production and the real issues of ethical nature, both to a lay public and experts .

Learning skills: the ability to learn is stimulated by the continuous reference, in all the activities of the course, to the knowledge acquired and to the methodologies used for their progress. At the end of the course the students will have learned the genetic mechanisms underlying the most commonly treated pathologies with medicaments of genetic origin, the construction, production and use of genetic medications

1035089 | FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS1st2nd6BIO/11ITA

Educational objectives

General aims:
The course aims to introduce the students to the main approaches to functional genomics. Students will learn to apply the high-throughput techniques based on DNA microarrays and next generation sequencing NGS, measuring their potentials and their problems and limits. Focus will be placed on data mining methodologies, from image analysis to data normalization and statistical filtering to gene clustering and gene ontology. The availability of functional database and their use for improving biomedical research will also be explained.

Specific Skills
1. Knowledge and comprehension: the student will have to know the basic principles, the potentiality and the possible weak points of the most utilized methodologies in functional genomics
2. Ability to apply knowledge and comprehension: the student will have to apply this knowledge to the critical interpretation of scientific literature in the specific field.
3. Judgment ability: the student will have to show ability in evaluating the solidity and the impact of recent work from the scientific literature and to present his conclusion to teacher and colleagues.
4. The student will have to show ability to extend the application of the analytical tools learned in the course (specific softwares freely available in the web) to his future experimental work.

1038172 | APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY1st2nd6BIO/10ITA

Educational objectives

General skills
The course aims to provide students with the biochemical bases to understand the most advanced biotechnological applications of enzymes, proteins and complex multienzymatic systems. The biochemical principles of methods for the study of protein-protein interactions will also be illustrated. Furthermore, aspects of metal metabolism in procaryotes and eukaryotes will be illustrated.
Specific skills
A) knowledge and understanding
- knowledge of the main biotechnological applications of enzymes,proteinsandcomplex multienzymatic systems;
- knowledge of the main biochemical techniques for the study of protein-protein interactions
- knowledge of the strategies required for protein and enzyme production and engineering
B) ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- exploiting the knowledge of biochemical techniques to investigate the applications of enzymes and proteins in the field of biotechnology
- understanding and evaluating the impact of structural modifications of biological macromolecules on their biological function;
C) Making judgements
- critical thinking through the study of examples of biotechnological applications of proteins and enzymes taken from the scientific literature
- learning by questioning
D) Communication skills
-ability to communicate what has been learned during the oral exam
E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- ability to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- ability to identify the most relevant topics

1038307 | Molecular mechanisms of mitosis1st2nd6BIO/18ITA

Educational objectives

General skills

The course is aimed at providing students with an integrated view of the different molecular and cellular components involved in mitosis, highlighting their evolutionary conservation and their role in tumorigenesis and diverse human pathologies; making students familiar with the model systems and the experimental approaches employed to study cell division; providing students with basic notions about the mechanisms of stem cell asymmetric divisions.

Specific skills
A) Knowledge and understanding
- Knowing the main structural and regulatory components of cell division and understanding the molecural interactions controlling its progression.
- Knowing the main model systems and experimental approaches to be employed for elucidating specific aspects of mitosis.
- Knowing the pathological consequences of alterations in the mitotic process

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- To acquire and correctly use the terminology required to describe the main mitotic players and their interactions.
- Ability to design suitable experimental approaches for studying specific aspects of cell division.

C) Making judgements
- To be able to critically evaluate criticamente experimental hypotheses, anche attraverso lo studio e l’approfondimento di esperimenti che hanno portato al chiarimento di particolari aspetti della mitosi.
- To be able to correctly interpret the experimental data and to evaluate their statistical significance.

D) Communication skills
- Ability to perform clear and well-structured oral presentations concerning the course topics, eventually exploiting multimedial supports.

E) Learning skills
- Acquiring a comprehensive view of the mitotic process and of the high level of evolutionary conservation of its components and regulatory networks.
- Learning the suitable terminology to describe components and sub-processes involved in cell division.

10600071 | Molecular dynamics in plant-microbe interactions: the study of plant-microbe interactions to develop biotechnological approaches for crop improvement1st2nd6BIO/04ENG

Educational objectives

General outcome
The main objective of this course is to provide the student knowledge on the molecular, cellular and evolutionary aspects of plant immunity, and on similarities and differences with the immune mechanisms of animals. The student will also acquire knowledge on the molecular basis of communication (recognition, elicitation, responses) between plants and microorganisms, both pathogenic and beneficial, and the mechanisms of control of the immune response that are the basis of pathogenicity and symbiosis. Finally, during the course the student will understand how the knowledge acquired in the study of plant-microorganism interactions is the foundation for the development of biotechnological approaches. The course also aims to provide students with the ability to use bibliographic resources and to clearly present complex scientific contents related to the aspects covered by the program.

Specific outcomes

A. Knowledge and understanding
- Specific language and terminology.
- The mechanisms that form the innate immune system of plants
- Similarities and differences between the plant and animal immune systems.
- The elements, processes and mechanisms of molecular and cellular regulation relevant in the interactions between plants and microbes (pathogenic and beneficial).
- The dynamics of coevolution between plants and microbes.
- The main methods of study adopted in these subjects.
- The socio-economic problems related to issues in this specific field and object of classical and innovative biotechnological strategies.

B. Applying knowledge and understanding
- Ability to use specific terminology
- Ability to outline the appropriate conceptual and methodological paths to address problems and questions in the field of plant-microbe interactions.
- Ability to use bibliographic resources, software and biological resources available through the Web to address and interpret specific problems related to the aspects object of this course.

C. Making judgements
- Critical judgment skills, through the study of reviews and scientific articles on key aspects and through in-depth collective discussions;
- Ability to evaluate correctness and scientific rigor through analysis and collective discussion of the experimental and methodological part of recent high quality scientific articles.

D. Communication skills
- Acquisition of adequate skills and tools useful for communication, through the use of graphic and formal languages, with particular regard to scientific language, through discussions and seminars that are an integral part of the oral exam.
E. Learning skills
The student will possess:
- the ability to set up an independent and flexible study method, which allows to conduct personal research and analysis and to continue effectively the advancement of knowledge.
- the ability to identify problematic, unresolved and innovative aspects in biological issues
- the ability to find and use cognitive tools for the continuous updating of knowledge
- the ability to compare oneself for the progress, consolidation and improvement of one's own knowledge.

Results
Possession of the fundamental contents of the specific discipline, and the ability to master the procedures and methods of their own investigation, also to orientate and operate in the field of applied sciences.

The student must acquire 12 CFU from the following exams
LessonYearSemesterCFUSSDLanguage
1038173 | MOLECULAR AND APPLIED IMMUNOLOGY1st1st6MED/04ITA

Educational objectives

Specific aims of module I
Understanding the molecular mechanisms crucial for the induction, effector phase and contraction of the immune responses towards infectious agents. Knowledge of the evasion strategies of innate and adaptive immunity by pathogens. Knowledge of factors and mechanisms inducing pathological responses against self-antigens and new immunological approaches for treatments of autoimmune disorders.
Students who have passed module I of this teaching will acquire:

Knowledge and understanding skills
-of the processes underlying the physiological and pathological activation of the innate and adaptive immune response;
- of the differences and features of immune responses to the most frequent pathogens;
- of the factors involved in immune-mediated diseases;
- of the mechanisms regulating the homeostasis of immune responses;
- of the criteria for designing biological drugs for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- to use specific terminology;
- to identify the proper methods of scientific investigation;
- to use analytical tools.

Autonomy of judgment
- to acquire critical judgment skills, through the detailed analysis of fundamental techniques and experiments deriving from the scientific literature;
- to learn asking questions for the elaboration and deepening of the learned knowledge.

Communication skills
- ability to communicate during the oral examination what has been learned.

Learning skills
-ability to use specific terminology;
- ability to logically connect the acquired knowledge;
- ability to identify the most relevant topics

THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING1st1st3MED/04ITA

Educational objectives

Specific aims module II
Advanced knowledge of the cellular and molecular interactions regulating the development of adaptive immune responses. Knowledge of the immune responses against intracellular pathogens. Knowledge of the immune response to cancer and its passive and active immunotherapy. Students will improve their competence in understanding host immune responses in microbial and cancer pathologies and in the immune modulating strategies.

Knowledge and understanding skills

Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and cellular interactions characterizing the immune response against intracellular pathogens and tumors.
Knowledge of the different approaches in immunotherapy. Knowledge of the scientific investigation methods and of the specific scientific terminology.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to understand the literature in the field of immunology and immunotherapy and in other integrated scientific fields. He will be able to use the specific terminology and to understand the rationale and the development of immuno-therapy.

Autonomy of judgment.

Autonomy of judgment is stimulated through the evaluation, critical analysis and interpretation of data and experiments from the literature.
Communication skills Acquisition of competences and communication tools with adequate technical language.
Learning skills This will be stimulated through class discussion; providing teaching materials (reference books and relevant review) on informatics support.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING1st1st3MED/04ITA

Educational objectives

Specific aims of module I
Understanding the molecular mechanisms crucial for the induction, effector phase and contraction of the immune responses towards infectious agents. Knowledge of the evasion strategies of innate and adaptive immunity by pathogens. Knowledge of factors and mechanisms inducing pathological responses against self-antigens and new immunological approaches for treatments of autoimmune disorders.
Students who have passed module I of this teaching will acquire:

Knowledge and understanding skills
-of the processes underlying the physiological and pathological activation of the innate and adaptive immune response;
- of the differences and features of immune responses to the most frequent pathogens;
- of the factors involved in immune-mediated diseases;
- of the mechanisms regulating the homeostasis of immune responses;
- of the criteria for designing biological drugs for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- to use specific terminology;
- to identify the proper methods of scientific investigation;
- to use analytical tools.

Autonomy of judgment
- to acquire critical judgment skills, through the detailed analysis of fundamental techniques and experiments deriving from the scientific literature;
- to learn asking questions for the elaboration and deepening of the learned knowledge.

Communication skills
- ability to communicate during the oral examination what has been learned.

Learning skills
-ability to use specific terminology;
- ability to logically connect the acquired knowledge;
- ability to identify the most relevant topics

10600068 | Molecular plant pathology: the main strategies of Integrated Pest Management1st1st6AGR/12ENG

Educational objectives

General skills
Knowledge of the molecular bases of the cross talk between plant and pathogens. Knowledge of the molecular and physiological basis for the regulation of the biosynthesis of phytotoxins and mycotoxins in the pathogen and their effect in the host. Studying the genome of phytopathogens by bioinformatic tools. Study of the main strategies of Integrated Pest Management. Provide advanced knowledge of food analysis in terms of definition of the nutritional value and food safety. To analyze the Italian and Community current regulations regarding Food safety and quality.
Specific skills
A) Knowledge and understanding
The concept of plant disease
The different types of phytopathogens: viruses, bacteria and fungi
The diagnosis of plant pathogens
The molecular and biochemical basis of defensive innate strategies of plants
the biochemical molecular basis of virulence strategies of pathogens
integrated disease control strategies in the main crops
the concept of food safety linked to the contamination of the main Crops
B) Applying knowledge and understanding
how using specific terminology
Identify the main factors causing disease in the main crops
Identify important activities and genes in plant resistance
Identify the important activities and genes in the virulence of pathogens
Outline integrated strategies for controlling plant diseases and generally improving food safety
C) Making judgements
critical thinking through the historical survey of the main discoveries in cell biology with the detailed analysis of the fundamental experiments
learning by questioning
D) Communication skills
Identification of new perspectives/development strategies to guarantee the main crops from a yield, safety and quality point of view
Evaluation, interpretation and re-elaboration of literature data in the field of molecular plant pathology

E) Learning skills
Learn the specific terminology of plant pathologists
Logically connect the acquired knowledge in the field of plant-pathogen interaction
Identify the most relevant topics of the subjects dealt with
how consulting specialist databases (eg pubmed, kegg)

10606402 | THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGY 1st1st6BIO/18ENG

Educational objectives

General skills
The course focuses on the scientific method and its applications in biology. Epistemological foundations of science, conceptual and experimental approaches in biology. The aim is to prepare the students to scientific research, providing them with the conceptual tools to comprehend practical research experiences in the laboratory or field. The course focuses on scientific reasoning and its countless shapes and applications, rather than the transmission of notions. The students will be introduced to select scientific papers and requested to comment and discuss them, with the goal of fostering their scientific reasoning capabilities. Classroom discussions are key teaching instruments in this course. Audiovisual records of the classes will be provided.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding
- Rudiments of epistemology
- logical bases of scientific observation and experimentation
- Designing research projects
- Some knowledge of the practice of scientific research

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- Using proper specific language
- Application of theoretical bases to scientific research

C) Making judgements
- Critical evaluation of scientific experiments, observations, and results

D) Communication skills
- Oral communication of the acquired knowledge during the oral examination

E) Learning skills
- Ability to logically design and comprehend scientific experiments, observations, and results
- Improvement of the ability to profit from practical experiences in scientific research

1020771 | Metabolic engineering and plant improvement1st2nd6BIO/04ITA

Educational objectives

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

The student must acquire 6 CFU from the following exams
LessonYearSemesterCFUSSDLanguage
1047697 | Food safety and legislation1st2nd6AGR/15ITA

Educational objectives

General skills
The course is divided in three parts. The first is about the safety, in particular, the bacterial growth and the role played by water activity, pH, temperature etc.. These concepts will be apply for explain how to processes and storage the food along the whole chain food and the principal contamination such as salmonella, E. Coli O157, Clostridium Botulinum and Micotoxins.
The second part will regard the role played by, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antinutrients and the interaction between foods and drugs in the human nutrition. In this part will be also explain the questions linked to the shelf-life, the loss of nutritional value and the arise of dangerous compounds such as peroxides, polar compounds amines etc., xenobiotics and the role of P450. The end of this part will regard the consume perception, about the quality and how it is possible measure the food quality by a Functional Mathematical Index (FMI).
The third part will be regard the U.E regulations and Italian laws, concerning the food quality and safety, and in particular the good manufacturing practice, the HACCP, the definition of quality for PAC, for GDO, for consumers, how to read the quality and the label.
This course will be integrated with seminars, regarding The U.E. Hygiene regulation, traceability along the whole chain food, the certification of products not GMO. Use and application of FMI software.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding
- Knowledge of the chemical composition of foods.
- Knowledge and understanding of the activities of microorganisms on food.
- Knowledge and understanding of European food law.
B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use the specific terminology
- to recognize the nutritional value of proteins, fats, sugars and minerals.- knowing how to interpret European Community food legislation
C) Making judgements
- acquire critical judgment skills on the various aspects of human nutrition.
- learn to ask questions for the elaboration and deepening of the knowledge learned
D) Communication skills
-be able to communicate what has been learned during the oral exam

E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics

1038164 | Model Systems and Industrial Applications1st2nd6CHIM/11ITA

Educational objectives

General skills
This course aims to illustrate the characteristics of different model organisms and their use in industrial platforms, also analyzing the various improvement strategies. The course aims to identify and evaluate the appropriate choice of the model organism based on the type of biotechnological application addressed, depending on the different industrial sectors (eg food, pharmaceutical and chemical). The course includes lectures and laboratory sessions, dedicated to learning the ability to cultivate and manipulate some of the model systems treated.

Specific objectives
A) Knowledge and understanding
- Knowledge of the main organisms used in industrial platforms
- Knowledge and understanding of the main production processes based on the different cellular systems
- Knowledge and understanding of improvement strategies for obtaining products on an industrial level

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use specific terminology
- to identify the right procedures to solve the basic questions of the use of different model systems
-practicing the strategies for the improvement of the model organisms studied
-be able to cultivate and handle the different model systems treated during the course

C) Making judgements
- acquire critical judgment skills, through the study of model systems and their use in various industrial platforms
- learning by questioning

D) Communication skills
-be able to communicate what has been learned during the oral exam

E) Learning skills
- learning the specific terminology
- be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered
- be able to identify the most relevant topics