Biotechnology and Genomic for Industry and Environment

General objectives The course aims to introduce the student to the topic of interactions between the eukaryotic genome and the environment. These interactions are carried out by a multiplicity of molecular mechanisms that allow the organism to respond to environmental stimuli that go, as a whole, under the name of Epigenetics. The student will acquire knowledge regarding: - the various ways in which the eukaryotic genome becomes dynamic to respond to environmental stimuli, thus modulating the levels of gene expression; - the main modifications of DNA and chromatin that are involved in this regulation; - involvement in the epigenetic mechanisms of non-coding RNA; - the main methods of study of epigenetic mechanisms at the level of the single gene and at the genomic level (epigenomics); - specific examples through which the notion of "environment" is detailed (intra- and extra-cellular microenvironment, external environment, behavioral influences). Specific Objectives Knowledge and understanding. The student will acquire the essential concepts and methodologies used for the study of epigenetics and epigenomics. It will also have the opportunity to explore the many different areas in which epigenetic regulation comes into play in the life of all eukaryotic organisms (metabolism, external environment, behavior). Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Being the course mainly theoretical, the student will acquire the ability to understand and interpret the results of research related to the field of epigenetics and epigenomics. Critical and judgmental skills. The student will acquire the ability to critically evaluate and discuss application aspects, deepening technical articles in the international scientific literature. Ability to communicate what has been learned. The students, in the classroom, will be encouraged to present, in front of their colleagues, a short presentation in powerpoint format concerning an experimental work proposed by the teacher. Ability to continue the study independently in the course of life. The course will provide the scientific and technical knowledge (theoretical level) that constitute a detailed reference framework to be able to independently tackle an experimental learning path within a research laboratory.