Cell biology and technology

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.
The course requires knowledge of plant Botany and Physiology acquired in the three-year degree in Biology. The course includes lectures.

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 molecular mechanisms in plant plasticity and development.
- Knowledge and understanding of experimental systems used as model systems to study the biology of plant development

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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)

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

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.
The course requires knowledge of plant Botany and Physiology acquired in the three-year degree in Biology. The course includes lectures.

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 molecular mechanisms in plant plasticity and development.
- Knowledge and understanding of experimental systems used as model systems to study the biology of plant development

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Educational objectives

Main Objectives
The course will address the role played by the main nutrients, proteins, lipids,
carbohydrates, and minerals, as well as the interaction between food and drugs in human
nutrition. It will also examine the effects that major food processing methods have on
food products.
Various food safety factors will be discussed, particularly bacterial growth and the role of
water activity, pH, temperature, and so on. These concepts will be applied to explain how
food is processed and preserved throughout the entire food supply chain.
The main types of food and the transformations they undergo to become final products
will be described, and the main analytical techniques for determining the nutrient content
in foods and processed products will be illustrated.
Topics will also include shelf-life, nutritional value loss, and an overview of food
legislation especially HACCP, legal definitions of food, how to assess quality, and how to
read food labels. Additionally, regulatory aspects related to certifications such as
geographical indications and designations of origin for foods will be briefly discussed.
Specific Objectives
A) Knowledge and Understanding
• Understanding of the chemical composition of food.
• Knowledge and comprehension of food legislation.
• Knowledgeof the main food processing methods.
B) Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding
• Ability to use specific terminology.
• Ability to identify appropriate procedures to address contamination-related issues.
• Ability to recognize the nutritional value of proteins, fats, sugars, and minerals.
• Ability to identify the type of processing applied to a food product.
C) Independent Judgment
• Development of critical thinking skills regarding various aspects of human
nutrition.
• Learning to formulate questions for deeper understanding and further exploration
of the knowledge that has been acquired.
D) Communication Skills
• Ability to effectively communicate, during the oral examination, the knowledge
acquired.
E) Learning Skills
• Acquisition of subject-specific terminology.
• Ability to logically connect acquired knowledge.
• Identification of key topics within the subjects covered.