General Info

Learning objectives

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The course introduces the concepts and the experimental approaches of organic chemistry, working on the consolidation of principles acquired in the field of physics and general and inorganic chemistry to advance the knowledge of carbon chemistry. In the first part of the course, the cultural and practical bases for understanding the structure of organic molecules will be provided, paying particular attention to the existing relationships between the chemical structure and the chemical-physical and biological properties associated with them. The different physical hybridization states of the carbon will allow the three-dimensional vision of the molecules, facilitating the understanding of their role in the cell. The second part of the course is dedicated to the application of properties in the context of chemical reactivity. The student will have the opportunity to have answers to some of the key questions in his study: why do molecules react? What are the experimental factors that control the kinetics of the reactions? When is a reaction under thermodynamic control rather than kinetic? How is it possible to synthesize complex molecules from simple reagents? What is the impact of organic chemistry on the environment and how can it be reduced? This knowledge will allow the student to undertake subsequent study courses with strong structural and molecular expertise.

EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS

Knowledge of the principles governing the formation of the chemical bond, using traditional theories (valence bond theory) and advanced theories (theory of molecular orbital and quantum mechanics ). Knowledge of nomenclature and classification (theory of functional groups) of organic molecules, with particular attention to the association between the family of organic molecules and biological and chemical-physical properties. Knowledge of the reactivity of organic molecules and experimental parameters capable of controlling thermodynamics and kinetics of organic transformations. Knowledge of the relationship between organic molecules and the origin of life.

In addition to the knowledge gained through the study of organic chemistry, students will be able to apply the acquired concepts for the resolution of practical exercises related to the identification and classification of substances based on Their activity on the body, the effect of chirality on pharmacological activity, the possibility of separating organic isomers and the general methodologies for their analysis and their recognition.

Making judgments: The course offers links to other disciplines (Physics, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Computational Chemistry and Genetics) by providing an integrated knowledge. The student's critical judgment will be stimulated by constantly referring to the reading of recent studies published in scientific journals, questioning the current issues related to some of the core concepts of the discipline. Thanks to the multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of organic chemistry, it will be also possible to link the acquired concepts to other disciplines, allowing the student to form his own autonomy of judgment about the effectiveness of an integrated scientific approach.

Communication skills: At the end of each part of the course, the students will be invited to form working groups to develop solutions and compete with others in solving practical exercises. The educational gain is aimed at increasing the communication skills and the ability to know how to work in a group, all aimed at consolidating the acquired concepts.

Learning Skills: Students' learning abilities will be evaluated during the course of the course by exonerary tests that will allow you to individually monitor the maturation state of the knowledge, highlighting the student's ability to return.

• Roberta BERNINI

Learning objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the necessary information to understand the theoretical foundations of classical and molecular genetics and the experimental approaches that have allowed its definition. Students will be expected to learn the logic of formal genetic analysis and the methodologies of genetic dissection of biological phenomena. Concepts for understanding the paradigm shift that has occurred in the post-genomic era will be provided, and an understanding of the importance of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic model systems will be stimulated.
The course is intended to provide the basis for further in-depth study in all areas of genetics.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
1) Knowledge and understanding: At the end of the training activities, students will be able to manage in a project-oriented way the complementary methods derived from the knowledge of recombinant DNA techniques.
2) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding : Students will be stimulated to select the most appropriate and relevant methodological/experimental approaches to achieve specific objectives (e.g. biotechnological production of drugs, recombinant proteins, etc.).
3) Making judgements: The teaching will provide the student with the ability to work independently by providing appropriate types of teaching materials (lectures in the form of presentations, specific monographs, relevant scientific literature, computer platforms) and the performance of congruent laboratory activities synchronized with the theoretical part of the course.
4) Communication skills: students will be encouraged to actively participate in the lessons and will be stimulated to design and solve specific scenarios related to the different evolutionary phases of the course.
5) Learning skills: The students' learning skills will be assessed in itinere and verified through the individual ability to solve relevant and specific scenarios of interest, different from those envisaged during the course.

Learning objectives

1) applying knowledge and
2) understanding
3) knowledge and understanding
4) making judgements
5) learning skills

• Maurizio PETRUCCIOLI

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the student with the bioinformatics tools for the study of the genome

Furthermore, programming languages, molecular biology techniques and technologies, analysis programs and computer resources will be considered as part of the course

EXPECTED RESULTS

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge of:
- Nucleotide sequencing technologies;
- Programming languages and programs for data analysis;
- To access databases and databases;
- To know the main algorithms used in the field of genomics.

APPLIED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand how data analysis through the most widely used bioinformatics tools facilitates the understanding of complex biological processes. The use of programming languages facilitates and capables these analyses.
AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT:
The course will give the student the ability to autonomously judge data and situations, and the ability to solve problems related to different biological contexts, using different bioinformatics tools.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
During the course, the skills and information will be provided to communicate correctly and to interact constructively with all the actors belonging to the bioinformatics sector, both in the context of university research and in the work context.

LEARNING SKILLS:
The course will give the ability to deepen, update and expand the student's knowledge related to bioinformatics

• Daniele Pietrucci

Learning objectives

The course will be focused on the relation between structure and function of different biomolecules (amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) and on their behaviour in an aqueous environment.
Moreover, the fundamental aspects of the enzyme kinetic and of the cellular metabolism will be discussed.
The main objective to be reached are:
1. knowledge and understanding of general informations on the chemical and biological aspects related to amino acids, peptides and proteins;
2. applying knowledge and understanding of different biological phenomenoms like the protein denaturation and folding;
3. to understand the behaviour of allosteric enzymes;
4. to acquire the concepts related to enzyme kinetics and bioenergetics;
5. general aspects of the metabolism;
6. making judgements;
7. communication skills;
8. learning skills.
This knowledge will be applied in the biotechnology field. Communication skills and attitude to learn will be evaluated.

• Francesco BUONOCORE

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide a solid basic knowledge of Molecular Biology. Alongside the treatment of the processes of transcription, translation, replication and DNA repair, a part of the course will be dedicated to examples of molecular mechanisms of regulation of transcription and translation. Another objective of the course is the acquisition of general knowledge of the main methodologies of molecular biology, of some advanced techniques of DNA sequencing, of genomic and post-genomic analysis in order to provide the basis for subsequent specialized studies required for inclusion in professional contexts related to advanced biotechnology.
At the end of the course, the student will acquire: - ability to understand the complexity of the flow of information from gene to protein. - ability to understand and interpret data related to biomolecular processes studied with large-scale approaches. - ability to deal, during subsequent studies, with the continuous developments of molecular biology, a discipline in continuous expansion - ability to transfer the knowledge of molecular biology to similar problems in the context of the countless biotechnological applications.
The student knows the principles underlying the main molecular biology techniques such as DNA cloning, PCR and DNA sequencing for practical applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, industrial and plant domains.
The student is able to understand and discuss the structure of nucleic acids, genome and chromatin; the molecular mechanisms of replication, transcription, gene regulation and protein synthesis.

Learning objectives

a) FORMATIVE OBJECTIVES Understanding the basic elements of the body and in particular be able to describe: the fundamental principles of cellular physiology and electrophysiology; the elemental interactions of cells; the organization and general functionality of the nervous system; the mechanisms of sensory transduction and muscle contractility; the key vegetative systems supporting body homeostasis. b) EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS (Dublin Descriptors) KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING CAPACITY: To pass the exam, the student will have to demonstrate that she/he has gained a knowledge and ability to understand the issues related to the functioning of the body and nervous or non excitable cells that will allow her/him to set the discussion of theoretical issues in logical and complete way. CAPACITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND COMPREHENSION: The student will have to demonstrate how to set up applicative problems in the field of general and integrative Physiology. AUTONOMY OF JUDGEMENT: The student must have acquired such knowledge as to enable her/him to describe the mechanisms underlying the cell and body functions and to independently and reasonably evaluate possible different opinions on possible issues. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: At the end of the course, the student must have reached an appropriate organization of one's own thinking concerning the various subjects of the course, allowing her/him to expose the topics in an organic and appropriate scientific language. LEARNING CAPACITIES: The student must be able to examine and understand texts and scientific material, so that they can be used in daily contexts for the profession and for the research.

• Davide CERVIA

Learning objectives

The biophysical chemistry course is designed to provide basic knowledge of the experimental approaches of physical chemistry to the biological sciences. The program seeks to provide students with an understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry and a primer of quantum chemistry to understand spectroscopy.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY OF COMPREHENSION: Basics of physical chemistry (thermodynamic, kinetic and quanto-mechanical treatment) applied to the study of biological systems.

CAPACITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND COMPREHENSION: Starting from the examples discussed during the course, students should be able to apply different theoretical-experimental approaches to solving problems in the biotechnology field.

AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT: Students should be able to understand and analyze experimental and computational data and discuss them logically.

LEARNING CAPACITY: Students should be able to describe scientific issues applied to bio-molecular systems by critically using the methodologies and techniques discussed in the course.

COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS: Students should be able to discuss scientific issues in the field of Biophysical chemistry.

• Fernando PORCELLI

Learning objectives

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This course aims to provide students with the necessary tools for managing bioprocesses on an industrial scale. Topics covered will include issues related to the isolation, preservation, and genetic improvement of microorganisms of industrial interest, the formulation and sterilization of industrial media, the preparation of inocula for industrial fermentations, and product recovery. The course will also cover the operation of biotechnological processes for the production of beer, bioactive molecules, and recombinant proteins.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
“Knowledge and understanding”: Students will develop knowledge of fermentation processes and the technologies used for the cultivation of microorganisms on an industrial scale.
“Applying knowledge and understanding”: Students will be familiar with and able to perform the basic operations for setting up and controlling a fermentation process, including the dosage of nutrients and metabolites.
“Making judgements”: Students will acquire the ability to independently interpret knowledge related to the management of fermentation processes, the isolation and genetic manipulation of microbial strains of industrial interest, the purification of products of interest, and the management of data and information collected during laboratory activities.
“Communication skills”: The written exam, written reports on laboratory activities, and the development of project work will allow students to demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate their knowledge and expertise on the topics covered and the problems addressed.
“Learning skills”: In written tests and in the drafting of project work, students must demonstrate that they possess the learning skills necessary for the continuous development and deepening of skills in the field of fermentation biotechnology.

Learning objectives

1) applying knowledge and
2) understanding
3) knowledge and understanding
4) making judgements
5) learning skills

Learning objectives

1) applying knowledge and
2) understanding
3) knowledge and understanding
4) making judgements
5) learning skills

• Giuseppe SCAPIGLIATI

Learning objectives

The course provides students with basic knowledge on bioethics. Students will have the opportunity to learn the most relevant cases concerning: agro-forestry, agro-environmental, and agro-food biotechnologies, medical biotechnologies, intellectual property, and socio-scientific aspects. The course also aims to lead students to reflect and adjudicate controversies and debates on ethics issues in biotechnology and to help them develop a bioethics decision-making model after critical ethical reasoning.
The course will contribute to the following learning outcomes: (i) The student will acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies to understand, analyze, and describe the practical implications and consequent ethical issues of biotechnology. The student will also acquire theoretical-experimental knowledge of applied ethics. All this knowledge, skills, and competencies will allow the student to understand and analyze both the fundamental elements of bioethics and the interdisciplinary ones.
(ii) The student will be able to translate theoretical knowledge into practice and to argue problems in the field of bioethics in biotechnology. Through case studies, students will acquire the ability to apply theoretical knowledge on a practical level by implementing critical reasoning and developing decision-making models of bioethics.
(iii) The student will also have the ability to interpret both basic and applied knowledge of bioethics independently. This ability will be acquired, in particular, thanks to the attendance of practical activities and interactive exercises in the classroom.
(iv) The student attending the course will be able to communicate in a critical manner and with scientific vigor, the knowledge related to ethics and bioethics. This ability will also be achieved thanks to the extensive use of PowerPoint presentations in the classroom and to the interaction, dialogue, and exchange of opinions between students and between students and the teacher both during lectures and during case studies.
(v) Students will understand and acquire methods of inquiry and critical thinking in the ethical and bioethical fields. They will therefore be able to independently deepen the knowledge and skills acquired. This ability will be developed through the active involvement of students through oral discussions in the classroom on specific topics of the course and in case studies.

• Antoine HARFOUCHE

Learning objectives

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This course aims to provide students with the necessary tools for managing bioprocesses on an industrial scale. Topics covered will include issues related to the isolation, preservation, and genetic improvement of microorganisms of industrial interest, the formulation and sterilization of industrial media, the preparation of inocula for industrial fermentations, and product recovery. The course will also cover the operation of biotechnological processes for the production of beer, bioactive molecules, and recombinant proteins.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
“Knowledge and understanding”: Students will develop knowledge of fermentation processes and the technologies used for the cultivation of microorganisms on an industrial scale.
“Applying knowledge and understanding”: Students will be familiar with and able to perform the basic operations for setting up and controlling a fermentation process, including the dosage of nutrients and metabolites.
“Making judgements”: Students will acquire the ability to independently interpret knowledge related to the management of fermentation processes, the isolation and genetic manipulation of microbial strains of industrial interest, the purification of products of interest, and the management of data and information collected during laboratory activities.
“Communication skills”: The written exam, written reports on laboratory activities, and the development of project work will allow students to demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate their knowledge and expertise on the topics covered and the problems addressed.
“Learning skills”: In written tests and in the drafting of project work, students must demonstrate that they possess the learning skills necessary for the continuous development and deepening of skills in the field of fermentation biotechnology.