Please visit the instructions regarding how to fill in your study plan

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

Curriculum(s) for 2024 - Biotechnology and Genomic for Industry and Environment (32383)

Single curriculum

1st year

LessonSemesterCFULanguage
1017325 | BIOINFORMATICS1st6ITA

Educational objectives

The complexity and huge quantity of genomics and biomolecular data accumulated so far, require computational techniques for management and, more important, for data mining and extraction of biological and functional information. Bioinformatics is the science able to achieve these goals and represents an essential tool for those involved in biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedicine and biotechnology. The aim of the Bioinformatics course is to introduce the Biotechnology students to the logical, mathematical and algorithmic bases of the most common computational tools available for the structural and functional bioinformatics research and to provide the practical skills to use them effectively.

After passing the final exam, student will have acquired the competences and skills in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to use the specific terminology
- practicing problem solving in Cell Biology
- be able of identifying cells and tissue types in the histological preparations.

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
-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
1017413 | Statistics1st6ITA

Educational objectives

Learning goals:
The learning goal of the course is to acquire a basic knowledge of statistical inference.

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students have a basic knowledge of the theory of point and interval estimation, and of some specific cases of parametric hypotheses testing

Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are able to use the main statistical inference techniques for samples drawn from a normal population

Making judgments
Students ability is stimulated using empirical cases, and the comparison between different approaches to statistical inference

Communication skills
The students' communication skills are enhanced by the critical discussion of the theory of statstical inference

Learning skills
Students with a positive mark have the ability to deal with real empirical cases of limited complexity
1035083 | INDUSTRIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIAL MICROBIOLOGY1st12ITA

Educational objectives

The Industrial, Environmental and Microbial Biotechnologies course aims to provide the basic principles of biodiversity in the world of microorganisms, highlighting the aspects of interaction and interdependence of the components of microbial communities. Specific training objectives are the knowledge of the different methods for the isolation and characterization of microorganisms from environmental samples of different origins, and the capability to search for microorganisms having specific physiological characteristics. Specific training objectives also are the knowledge of the main molecular and genomics methods for the characterization of complex microbial communities, aimed also at the search for specific functional genes for subsequent biotechnological applications. Specific training objectives include the knowledge of the main molecular approaches for the characterization and study of unculturable microbial communities. The knowledge and skills acquired will result in a reference framework for the design of genomic analysis applied also in unconventional contexts and for the understanding of potential biotechnological applications.

Students will be able to know and understand (acquired knowledge)

- the origins and scale of complexity of microbial biodiversity
- the interactions and problems related to the functioning of microbial communities;
- the problems related to the use of a novel as well as a recombinant microbial biocatalyst with improved properties in the process;
- the strategies to be used to identify the main physiological and molecular limits that can prevent or suggest the use of a microorganism in a biotechnological process;

Students will be able to (acquired skills):
- know how to design industrial production processes or environmental applications using microbial biocatalysts;
- know how to select methodologies for process performances evaluation, and how to propose new solutions to overcome any physiological or molecular limits highlighted during the process evaluation;
- know how to explain to non-expert people the basic notions of the methodologies, the principles and the applicative possibilities of the industrial microbiology;
- know how to present a paper or summarize in a complete but concise way the results achieved by correctly using the technical language;
- be able to update or expand their knowledge by using autonomously texts, scientific articles, by consulting the main databases available on the web.

The Industrial, Environmental and Microbial Biotechnologies course aims at providing the basic principles that are required to develop and analyze first principles mathematical models of biological industrial processes. For this purpose, the elementary methodologies of the chemical reactor engineering are illustrated during the initial lectures and successively discussed through the analysis of selected biotechnological industrial processes. Specific training objectives are the knowledge of the methodology to derive mathematical models of bioreactors by the formulation of mass balance equations; the knowledge of the elementary methodologies implemented to model the growth kinetics of microorganisms; the knowledge of the elementary modeling approaches implemented to describe enzyme kinetics; the knowledge of the approaches that can be adopted to identify mathematical models of industrial processes by the analysis of experimental data. The achievement of such training objectives will represent the basis for the analysis and control of biotechnological processes aimed at the synthesis of industrial products and/or at the solution of environmental problems.

Students will know and understand (acquired knowledge)

- The main problems related to the design and control of biotechnological industrial plants.
- The complex interaction between the transport and reaction mechanisms governing the dynamics of biological processes.
- The strategies that can be implemented to develop mathematical models of industrial processes relying on the application of microorganisms.
- The strategies that can be implemented to optimize and control biological industrial processes.

Students will be able to (acquired skills):
- Illustrate how the development of mathematical models can drive the identification of the physical mechanisms governing the dynamics of industrial processes, and the formulation of process optimization and control strategies.
- Develop first principles mathematical models of industrial biological processes.
- Employ the formulated mathematical models to analyze how the process system dynamics changes as the design and operating parameters are varied.
- Qualitatively describe the methodologies that can be implemented to identify mathematical models of biological process systems based on the analysis of experimental data.
- Explain to non-experts individuals the basic methodologies implemented to develop mathematical models of industrial processes, and the potential applications of the developed mathematical models;
- Know how to present a paper or summarize in a complete but concise way the results achieved by correctly using the technical language;
- Update or expand their knowledge by using, autonomously, texts, scientific articles, and by consulting the main databases available on the web.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING1st6ITA

Educational objectives

The Industrial, Environmental and Microbial Biotechnologies course aims to provide the basic principles of biodiversity in the world of microorganisms, highlighting the aspects of interaction and interdependence of the components of microbial communities. Specific training objectives are the knowledge of the different methods for the isolation and characterization of microorganisms from environmental samples of different origins, and the capability to search for microorganisms having specific physiological characteristics. Specific training objectives also are the knowledge of the main molecular and genomics methods for the characterization of complex microbial communities, aimed also at the search for specific functional genes for subsequent biotechnological applications. Specific training objectives include the knowledge of the main molecular approaches for the characterization and study of unculturable microbial communities. The knowledge and skills acquired will result in a reference framework for the design of genomic analysis applied also in unconventional contexts and for the understanding of potential biotechnological applications.

Students will be able to know and understand (acquired knowledge)

- the origins and scale of complexity of microbial biodiversity
- the interactions and problems related to the functioning of microbial communities;
- the problems related to the use of a novel as well as a recombinant microbial biocatalyst with improved properties in the process;
- the strategies to be used to identify the main physiological and molecular limits that can prevent or suggest the use of a microorganism in a biotechnological process;

Students will be able to (acquired skills):
- know how to design industrial production processes or environmental applications using microbial biocatalysts;
- know how to select methodologies for process performances evaluation, and how to propose new solutions to overcome any physiological or molecular limits highlighted during the process evaluation;
- know how to explain to non-expert people the basic notions of the methodologies, the principles and the applicative possibilities of the industrial microbiology;
- know how to present a paper or summarize in a complete but concise way the results achieved by correctly using the technical language;
- be able to update or expand their knowledge by using autonomously texts, scientific articles, by consulting the main databases available on the web,
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING1st6ITA

Educational objectives

Students know and understand (knowledge acquired):
- The problems related to the design and control of plants of interest to industrial
biotechnologies, and how these problems can be solved by applying mathematical
models.
- The interaction between the different mechanisms (cellular metabolism, transport,
reactions in solution) that govern the dynamics of process systems based on the
application of microbial communities
- the basic elements of the procedures that can be followed for the formulation of first
principles mathematical models of industrial biochemical processes;
- the basic elements of the procedures that can be adopted for the validation of
mathematical models of process systems.
- how a mathematical model can be used to optimize and control processes based
on the application of microbial communities.
B – Application capabilities
Students will be able to:
- Develop, through the application of the first principles of conservation, mathematical
models with lumped parameters of process systems based on the application of
communities of microorganisms.
- Plan experiments and use the experimental data obtained for the identification of
models of process systems.
- Evaluate, through analysis of the formulated mathematical models, how the
dynamics of a process system changes as the operating and design parameters
vary.
- Use mathematical models for choosing the operating and design parameters of a
process system.
C – Making judgments

- Be able to formulate own evaluation and/or judgment based on the interpretation of
the information available in the context of the analysis and control of biochemical
processes.
- Be able to identify and collect additional information to achieve greater awareness.
- Have the ability to know how, to know how to take initiatives and decisions taking
into account the various aspects of interest in the analysis and control of processes
of interest in industrial biotechnologies.
D – Communication skills
- Qualitatively describe the methodologies that can be adopted to verify the validity,
through experimental data analysis, of mathematical models of process systems.

- Knowing how to qualitatively illustrate the different mechanisms that govern the
dynamics of biochemical processes based on the application of communities of
microorganisms.
- being able to explain to non-experts the basic notions of development
methodologies, the principles and the application possibilities of mathematical
process models;
E – Ability to learn
- Have the learning skills that are necessary for continuous updating in the
development of industrial biochemical processes.
- Update or expand their knowledge by using, autonomously, texts, scientific articles,
and by consulting the main databases available on the web.
10596046 | Applied Biotechnology and Evolution1st6ITA

Educational objectives

Objectives

The aim of the Molecular Ecology is to study the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the organisms' responses to the environment. The teaching intends to provide: an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of genetic diversity; - a knowledge of the importance of adaptive mechanisms in biotechnology; - an understanding of the fate of biotechs in natural systems, the last receptors of these products; - a critical view on the costs and benefits of the application of biotechnology.

The students who have passed the exam will know and understand (acquired knowledge):

- the basic principles of ecological genetics;
- the molecular methods used in molecular ecology and their appropriate application in the resolution of ecological and evolutionary issues;
- the genetic structure of natural populations;
- the role of evolutionary forces in modifying diversity patterns;
- the genetic basis of adaptation;
. the principles of biodiversity: measures, threats, value and importance of its conservation.

The students who have passed the exam will be able to (acquired skills):
- recognize and measure the genetic diversity
- use the genetic diversity as a tool in biotechnologies.
- develop, through scientific analysis, an independent, critical view regarding the main global aspects of biodiversity;
- apply principles of ecological genetics to biotechnological research.

1035089 | FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS2nd6ITA

Educational objectives

General skills:

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:

The course aims to introduce the students to the main approaches to functional genomics, using the most
advanced model systems currently available.
Students will learn the principles and the perspectives of application of 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 analysis. The perspectives of
next generation sequencing in extending the limits of DNA microarray technology will also be illustrated.

At the end of the course students should be able to critically read papers from scientific literature and
research projects in the functional genomics field and understand methodological choices, perspectives,
eventual problems and week points.
Elective course2nd6ITA
Chemistry
Integrative activities
Biology

2nd year

LessonSemesterCFULanguage
1017327 | ADVANCED ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGIES1st6ITA

Educational objectives

The teaching of Advanced Analytical Methodologies has the main objective of providing fundamental
knowledge and basic principles of separative techniques and spectroscopic methods.
As regards the separative techniques, in addition to the theoretical principles, the operating principles and
methods of application, in real systems, of the main separative techniques, mass spectrometry and coupling
techniques are illustrated. Furthermore, the principles and main fields of application of atomic and molecular
spectroscopy will be addressed: atomic absorption by flame and graphite furnace; plasma spectroscopy; UV-Vis
spectrophotometry and notes of X-ray fluorescence.
The main objective of the course is therefore to make the students able to acquire, after the study of the main
characteristics of separation and spectroscopic techniques, critical skills, in relation to the analytical problem,
in the choice of a suitable sample analysis technique real, together with aspects related to sampling, sample
preparation and data processing.
The lessons related to separative techniques, starting from the theory of extraction and chromatography,
deepen the study and description of the different types of separative techniques (gas chromatography, liquid
chromatography and capillary electrophoresis) coupled with different detectors, including the mass
spectrometer. As for atomic spectroscopy, the general theory principles will be faced up to the description of
atomic absorption by flame and graphite furnace; plasma spectroscopy. For both analytical techniques specific
applications will be addressed on the analysis of different classes of compounds of biotechnological and
environmental interest, etc.
The knowledge acquired in this teaching, will be a point of reference and starting point, but also a means to
acquire successive and interdisciplinary skills
Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand (acquired knowledge)
- the main techniques, separative and spectroscopic and their evolution
- the main working methods, with practical examples of application in different fields
- the most recent literature in this area
- aspects related to the current applications of separation techniques to biotechnological, environmental,
industrial, food, toxicological, metabolomic, proteomic and clinical problems
Students who have passed the exam will be able to (skills and skills acquired):
- studying in deep critically and autonomously the purposes of separative methodologies and the relative
applicative potentiality.
- understand the connection with other cultural areas of the CdS
-develop the ability to communicate what has been learned, through oral interviews and tests.
- develop self-study using accessible sources of updating.
1035085 | BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ENERGY1st6ITA

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide an overview on the application of biotechnological processes in the field of
environmental protection, with particular reference to the main processes involved in waste and
wastewater treatment, including their valorization, both as secondary resources and for energy purposes.
In this context, the course also intends to provide the key elements of the analysis and description of the
aforementioned processes, also based on chemical engineering methods (kinetic analysis, mass and energy
balances, thermodynamic relationships), providing specific examples for the studied cases.
Students who have passed the examination will have known and understood (descriptor 1 - acquired
knowledge):
- Fundamentals of the main biological processes for the treatment of waste and wastewater and for energy
and materials recovery
- Methods of quantitative representation of processes and preliminary sizing of the related equipment
- Use of specific techniques for measurement, monitoring, and control of relevance in the studied
processes
Students who have passed the examination will be able to (descriptor 2 - acquired skills):

- Apply methodologies for the analysis of processes of environmental relevance in the field of treatment
and valorization of waste and wastewater, and for the production of energy from renewable resources
(up to the preliminary design of the main process units)
- Frame the contents learned in the more general context of environmental protection, also with reference
to the regulatory framework
- Frame the contents learned in the more general context of environmental sustainability.
Along with lectures, the participation to laboratory activities and the individual study, will allow to get the
acquisition of above-described knowledge and to increase and evaluate the critical skills and judgment
(descriptor 3) and the ability to communicate what has been learned (descriptor 4).
Elective course1st6ITA
AAF1162 | OTHER LANGUAGE SKILLS1st4ITA

Educational objectives

Graduate students will be able to read and discuss scientific papers covering specific arguments; they wll also be able to present, explain and discuss original scientific results obtained in the specific sector of interest by using the appropriate phrasing.
AAF1136 | COMPUTER SKILLS 2nd2ITA

Educational objectives

Use the computer and related devices Use software for word processing, for the production of spreadsheets, for presentations, for archiving. Use tools, specifically suited for the “Bio-“ environment, for storing and sharing data (file sharing), for data analyses. Use the rules of web 2.0 for the use, research and analysis of the contents related to the activities carried out during the study of the courses included in the training course
AAF1034 | FINAL EXAM2nd36ITA

Educational objectives

The discussion of the experimental data obtained during the participation in a reserch project witnesses the student capabilities to be engaged in a team work and to collaborate on a specific scientific project by applying the principles of the scientific method.
Biology
Chemistry
Integrative activities

Optional groups

The student must acquire 6 CFU from the following exams
LessonYearSemesterCFULanguage
10592908 | Bio and Nanomaterials for technological applications1st1st6ITA

Educational objectives

Educational Goals

The teaching of Biomaterials aims to provide fundamental knowledge and basic principles for the study of materials, both polymeric and non-polymeric, of natural and synthetic origin, highlighting the correlations between chemical structure and properties and the most current problems in the study and technological application. The main objective of the course is to provide the tools to understand the relationship between structure and activity of the main classes of biomaterials, in particular deepening the study of the main chemical-physical characteristics, of the polymerization reactions, of the characterization techniques, together with the aspects related to the preparation, study and applications of biomaterials through nanostructuring approaches.
Lectures are developed starting from the classification of the various types of biomaterials, the concepts of biocompatibility and biodegradability, the description of the general characteristics of polymeric materials, the polymerization methods up to the analysis of the various classes of polymers of natural origin, their extraction , purification and chemical-physical characterization. In particular, the main biopolymer classes from renewable sources will be examined for applications in industrial biotechnologies: polysaccharides, proteins and polyesters.
The knowledge acquired in this teaching constitutes a framework of reference for subsequent competences, understood in their broadest meaning.

Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand (acquired knowledge)
- the nature of polymeric biomaterials and their main structural characteristics.
- the main methods of polymerization, by polycondensation and polyaddition, with examples taken from both synthetic and natural polymers derived from them.
- the main characterization techniques for defining the structure of macromolecules.
- the most recent literature developments in the field of nanostructured biopolymer formation.
- aspects related to the study of the main and current applications of amorphous and nanostructured biopolymer materials.

Students who have passed the exam will be able to (skills and skills acquired):
- critically interpret the structure of technological biopolymers, interpreting their reactivity and potential applications
- understand the connection with the other cultural areas of the CdS, in particular the aspects of analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.
- develop the ability to communicate what has been learned, through oral examination tests.
- ability to develop independent study through the indication of accessible sources of updating.
1014520 | SPECTROSCOPIC METHODS AND MODELS FOR Metabolomics: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS2nd1st6ITA

Educational objectives

To acquire: 1) fundamental concepts of NMR spectroscopy and of the statistical models for the metabolomics; 2) methodologies to characterize the metabolic phenotypes and to evaluate the effects of biotic, a-biotic and genetic perturbations on different biological systems.

The student must acquire 6 CFU from the following exams
LessonYearSemesterCFULanguage
10611995 | FOOD SYSTEM RE-THINKING1st1st6ENG

Educational objectives

Understanding and engaging with the complexity of sustainable food production systems require training in different disciplines (primary production, ingredient and food processing, logistics, consumer science and food policy) and a strategic approach that can address this complexity at the system level. This food system study enables students to apply the principles of a systemic approach to food production systems with a focus on environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The course analyses production systems at both ends of the spectrum: highly productive systems with relatively high inputs and emissions to the environment, and low productive systems with low input use and depletion of soil fertility.

General objectives:
After completing this course students will be able to:

Use a systemic approach in the context of food production systems;
Understand evaluation methods used to assess the environmental impact of food production systems in different agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts and at different levels (e.g. farm, regional and global);
Understand present and future strong and weak points of different food production systems in terms of economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Specific objectives
Overview of the complexity of food production systems
Key knowledge on systems thinking approach
Analysis and comparison of the performance of food production systems and the environmental issues
The assessment of environmental sustainability using key indicators
Assess the complexity and diversity of food production systems;
Understand the principles of system analysis and how it can be applied in the context of food production systems;
10606479 | ANIMAL MODELS FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH: BIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS1st2nd6ITA

Educational objectives

Knowledge of theoretical, methodological and experimental tools to understand, treat and plan in vivo experiments using the animal model systems for biotechnological research.
Analysis and evolution of genomes of C.elegans and Mus musculus, description of genetic systems of high throughput mutagenesis and transgenesis. Forward and reverse genetics approaches: site-directed mutagenesis, RNA inteference and their applications.
Study of technologies based on DNA microarrays, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and qRT-PCR to analyze gene expression profiles and interaction between nucleic acids and chromatin proteins. Experimental strategies for Epigenome analysis and methods to analyze the expression patterns of proteins by using specific
antibodies or in vivo "protein trap" with GFP.
The course will illustrate the potential of animal model systems (transgenic or knockout) in the biomedical, translational and environmental research.
10611947 | NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY1st2nd6ENG

Educational objectives

At the end of the course the student will be able to describe:

-the techniques used for the characterization of nanomaterials, using specific examples to illustrate them
- the main techniques for the bio production of nanomaterials
- the most recent advances in nanobiotechnology for the safety of human health and the environment

Specific objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the essential concepts, experimental approaches and techniques used in nanobiotechnology in the biomedical, agri-food and environmental fields, using specific examples.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the ability to interpret and discuss current research in nanobiotechnology in the biomedical, agri-food and environmental fields
3. Critical and judgment skills - The student will learn to design experiments in the field of nanobiotechnology and to critically evaluate their results and ethical implications
4. Ability to communicate what has been learned – The student will learn to discuss and present experimental data
5. Ability to continue studying autonomously throughout life - The student will acquire not only the scientific foundations, but also the methodologies and specific vocabulary of the sector. This knowledge will allow the student to continue their studies independently, even after the end of the course and the passing of the exam.
1038164 | Model Systems and Industrial Applications1st2nd6ITA

Educational objectives

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
10600076 | Biotechnological improvement of plants for renewable resources and environmental sustainability 1st2nd6ITA

Educational objectives

General skills

The course aims to provide advanced knowledge on the methodological approaches used for the improvement of plant and algae crops, aimed at the development of new varieties or strains to be used for the sustainable production of biofuels and value-added products for the industry, for sustainable crop protection against stresses and biomonitoring.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding

To acquire detailed knowledge of:

- types and use of waste plant biomasses of agroforestry origin and dedicated crops for the production of biofuels and other products of industrial interest;
- traits of crops that affect the efficiency of use of the biomass derived from them, with particular attention to the composition of the cell wall;
- advanced methodologies for the study of the plant cell wall;
- conventional and advanced methods of genetic improvement of plant crops;
- characteristics and methods of analysis of nuclear and plastid genomes of plants and microalgae;
- methods of transferring genetic information from model species to species of agro-industrial interest;
- methods of integrating genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics data for the identification of genes that influence the exploitation of plant biomass and algal and the response to biotic and abiotic environmental stresses.
- biological characteristics and cultivation methods of microalgae;
- approaches used to identify algae strains with characteristics useful for industry and the environment;
- applications of microalgae for the production of biodiesel and products for industrial use;
- methods of genetic improvement of microalgae (mutagenesis and selection, genetic transformation and genome editing);
- sustainable strategies for the defense of plants against abiotic and biotic stresses;
- biomonitoring of pollution through biosensors;

B) Applying knowledge and understanding

- design of experiments aimed at developing new plant varieties or microalgal strains with improved characteristics for their industrial and environmental exploitation;
- design of a genetic screening in microalgae and outline of the main ways of identifying mutations;
- understand and critically discuss the different approaches used to improve the efficiency of use of plant biomass through genetic and biotechnological methods.

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), using graphic and formal languages, with 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.
10611980 | AGRICULTURAL GENETIC AND PLANT BREEDING1st2nd6ENG

Educational objectives

At the end of the course the student will be able to describe:

- understand agricultural genetics and the differences with animal genetics, using specific examples to illustrate them
- the main discoveries in the sector and methods of genetic improvement
- the biotechnological methodologies applied to the selection of plants and the various methods of genetic improvement applied to the various species of agricultural and non-agricultural interest

Specific objectives:
1. Knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the essential concepts, experimental approaches and techniques used in breeding, using specific examples.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the ability to set up a genetic improvement program by applying all the most modern conventional and non-conventional techniques
3. Critical and judgment skills - The student will learn to determine which breeding scheme is the most suitable based on the characteristics of the genome of the plant of interest
4. Ability to communicate what has been learned – The student will learn to discuss and present experimental data
5. Ability to continue studying autonomously throughout life - The student will acquire not only the scientific foundations, but also the methodologies and specific vocabulary of the sector. This knowledge will allow the student to continue their studies independently, even after the end of the course and the passing of the exam.
10611979 | PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY1st2nd6ENG

Educational objectives

General objectives:
At the end of the course the student will be able to describe:

the techniques used in plant pathological biotechnology, using specific examples to illustrate them
the main discoveries in the sector, including recent ones
the most recent advances in biotechnology or the use of biotech approaches to prevent or limit diseases and damages (both quantitative and qualitative) caused by them in plants and their products

Specific objectives:
Knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the essential concepts, experimental approaches and techniques used in plant pathological biotechnology to deal with plant diseases caused by viroids, viruses and microorganisms also in the light of ongoing climate change, using specific examples.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the ability to interpret and discuss current research in plant pathological biotechnology
Critical and judgment skills - The student will learn to design experiments in the field of phytopathological biotechnology and to critically evaluate the results and legal implications
Ability to communicate what has been learned – The student will learn to discuss and present experimental data
Ability to continue studying autonomously throughout life - The student will acquire not only the scientific foundations, but also the methodologies and specific vocabulary of the sector. This knowledge will allow the student to continue their studies independently, even after the end of the course and the passing of the exam.
10616539 | SENSORS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS1st2nd6ITA

Educational objectives

General Skills
Provide students with knowledge regarding the use of sensory devices in environmental and food industry contexts for monitoring industrial processes, authenticity, quality, and food safety.

Specific Skills
a) Knowledge and understanding skills
-Knowledge and understanding of various types of sensory devices and the different analytical techniques applied;
-Knowledge and understanding of the biochemical and technological basics for their use;
-Knowledge and understanding of methods for sensor development;

b) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
-Ability to use specific terminology;
-Ability to identify the targets to be identified through the sensors and the use of suitable receptors for the analysis to be performed;
-Ability to recognize the best analytical techniques to use for the development of a specific sensor;

c) Autonomy of judgment
-Acquiring critical judgment skills on the use of these analytical devices based on the different analytical techniques learned;
-Learning to ask questions for the elaboration and deepening of the knowledge acquired;

d) Communication skills
Ability to communicate what has been learned during the oral examination;

e) Learning ability
-Learning specific terminology
-Logical connection of acquired knowledge
-Identifying the most relevant themes of the topics covered.
1035094 | MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY AND MICROBIAL GENOMIC2nd1st6ITA

Educational objectives

The rapid and continuous sequencing of the genomes of microorganisms has opened interesting perspectives in the study of Microbiology and has allowed us to understand globally the various and relevant role played by microorganisms in interactions with their hosts (animal and plant) and/or with the environment. The Course on Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Genomics aims to provide students with the knowledge necessary to understand the structural and functional organization of prokaryotic genomes. In particular, the course aims to integrate in a logical path the knowledge related to the study of prokaryotic genomes (Bacteria and Archea), starting from the minimal genomes up to the analysis of multipartite genomes highlighting the main strategies adopted by prokaryotic cells to respond in an efficient and rapid way to the continuous changes in environmental parameters.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding: After completing the course students will be able to know and understand:
- Evolution of prokaryotic genome;
- Molecular strategies used for genomic and metagenomics analysis;
- Role of CRISPR-CAS loci in Bacteria and Archea and in potential application in genome editing;
- Novel antibacterial strategies;
- Principles and potential application of synthetic biology
- Epigenetic regulation in Bacteria

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
- Understand at molecular level the evolution of microrganims and the potentiality of the genomic approach;
- Contribute to solving problems in the medical or environmental field arising from interactions between microorganisms and host or environment

C) Making judgments
- Being able to integrate the knowledge acquired on the microbial genomes to the development of innovative antibacterial therapies in order to be able to formulate a rigorous opinion on major ethical and social issues such as vaccinations or genomic editing ;

D) Communication skills
- Being able to communicate with a scientific and rigorous language the potentiality of the new technologies based on products of microbial origin both in the development of new vaccines and in the manipulation of eukaryotic cells;

E) Learning skills
-Being able to critically study at a genomic and functional level the microbiota and their interactions with the host and the environment.
- Create logical connections between the knowledge acquired in bacterial and eukaryotic models
1035093 | PHARMACOGENOMICS2nd1st6ITA

Educational objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge of Pharmacogenomics from a cellular point of view and to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the responses to drugs and therapies. Personalized medicine has become famous and it is applied for the choice of the right therapy for diseases. The examples provided highlight the developments obtained by this discipline and all its biotechnological applications.
Specific training objectives are: in the introductory part: learn the fundamental concepts concerning the metabolism of molecules of pharmaceutical interest and of xenobiotic compounds. Understanding how the genetic variability of individuals influences the response to drugs, from the point of view of cellular-molecular mechanisms. Subsequently, the biotechnological aspects are presented in the fields of synthetic biology, production and research of biological drugs, the study of bacterial genomes for the discovery of new vaccines and the study of host-bacterium interaction. It is also presented the concepts of Biosafety and Biosecurity.

Students will be able to know and understand:

• the basic knowledge of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics.
• The study of the human genome.
• how the human genome affects the adverse drug response.
• Cellular mechanisms of response to anticancer drugs.
• Biotechnology in the field of medical oncology.
• the study of bacterial and viral genomes for the discovery of new vaccines.
• Synthetic biology methodologies: synthetic genomes and molecule production.

Students who take the exam will be able to:

• critically analyze biotechnologies in the medical field.
• Interpreting the cellular response to anticancer drugs in a general way based on genetic variability.
• Interpret and evaluate the importance of bacterial and viral genomic sequences for biotechnology applications.
• Identify new technologies that will reduce the use of animal models in clinical trials.
• Evaluate the importance of biosafety and biosecurity.
10600110 | Ethics of the environment and sustainability2nd1st6ITA

Educational objectives

Competenze specifiche

A) Conoscenza e comprensione

Acquisire una conoscenza dettagliata di:
storia delle idee ecologiche
etica
etica dell’ambiente
concetto di natura
concetto di sostenibilità
principio di precauzione
diritti di cittadinanza
diritti delle generazioni future

B) Applicazione di conoscenza e comprensione
comprendere e discutere criticamente testi specifici sui vari argomenti

C) Esprimere giudizi
Capacità di giudizio critico, attraverso lo studio di recensioni e articoli scientifici su aspetti chiave del campo e discussioni approfondite.

D) Abilità comunicative
Acquisizione di competenze adeguate e strumenti utili per la comunicazione in italiano e nelle lingue straniere (inglese), attraverso l'uso di linguaggi specialistici

E) Capacità di apprendimento
Capacità di interpretare e approfondire la conoscenza;
Capacità di utilizzare strumenti cognitivi per l'aggiornamento continuo della conoscenza;
Capacità di confrontare per il consolidamento e il miglioramento della conoscenza.
The student must acquire 6 CFU from the following exams
LessonYearSemesterCFULanguage
10616073 | PLANT SOLUTIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE1st2nd6ENG
1017329 | GENETIC INGENEERING AND GENIC THERAPY1st2nd6ITA

Educational objectives

Biotechnological research plays a major role in responding to the environmental and development challenges facing living being today. Genetic engineering and the consequent possibility of Gene Therapy in a targeted and specific way represent one of the most exciting and promising advances in science.
The teaching of Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy aims to give the student a knowledge of the main techniques of Molecular Biology and recombinant DNA applied to the resolution of real scientific problems. The knowledge and skills acquired in this teaching, also through the performance of experiments and practical exercises, will constitute a reference framework for the study of biotechnological applications and for the analysis of their impact on human health.

Specific skills
The students who have passed the exam will be able to know and to understand (acquired knowledge)

- the problems concerning the molecular resolution of a scientific problem;
- the mechanisms of regulation of gene expression and the technological methods available to intervene on it;
- the influence of the new sequencing technologies for the extended description and for the study of the dynamics of the transcriptomes;
- the complex interactions between biological macromolecules.

The students who have passed the exam will be able to (acquired expertise):
- use the specific terminology;
- perform DNA isolation and manipulation experiments
- construct cloning and expression vectors;
- interpret DNA and RNA sequencing data;
- apply the nucleic acid modification methodologies in eukaryotic cells.
1035095 | EPIGENETICS AND EPIGENOMICS ELEMENTS2nd1st6ITA

Educational objectives

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.