Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Module 1 - Microbial biotechnology General expected learning outcomes The course is aimed at deepening microbiological knowledge and the main microbiological techniques useful for the preparation of new pharmaceutical formulations and the screening of molecules with potential antimicrobial activity. The course also aims to provide the skills necessary for the conception and design of scientific research aimed at the development of drugs and vaccines against human pathogens. Specific objectives 1. Knowledge and understanding At the end of the course, the student will acquire skills on the main infectious processes and the development of targeted antimicrobial strategies. Furthermore, the student will acquire specific skills to perform cytotoxicity tests, microbial counting, in order to test molecules with potential antimicrobial activity, using microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology techniques. 2. Applying knowledge and understanding At the end of the course, the student will acquire skills on the main microbiological, cellular and molecular biology techniques functional for the development of new potential drugs and vaccines with antimicrobial activity. 3. Making judgements Lessons will be interactive. During the lessons the teacher will pursue an effective question strategy in order to stimulate the students’ ability to use a scientific methodological approach to research activities and study. The student will be stimulated to analyse experimental data related to course topics. 4. Communication At the end of the course the student will be able to use an appropriate technical-scientific language to communicate correctly on the topics covered, even with non-specialists or professionals from other disciplines. 5. Learning skills The course is aimed at facilitating a critical and autonomous in-depth study of the topics covered in specialized texts and through consultation of databases and sector-specific platforms.