TE0016A - MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGIES AND GMOs

courses

ID:

TE0016A

Duration (hours):

68

CFU:

SSD:

BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE

Located in:

CHIETI

Url:

Course Details:

SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY/CORSO GENERICO Year: 3

Year:

2025

Course Catalogue:

https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2024 - 31/01/2025)

Course Objectives

The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of genetic information, molecular processes, and genetic manipulation technologies. Students will acquire both theoretical and practical skills related to DNA, RNA, proteins, genetically modified organisms, and biotechnological applications, developing critical analysis, experimental design, and risk assessment abilities related to biosafety and environmental impacts.
Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of the course, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding

Describe the structure and function of nucleic acids, genome organization, and fundamental processes of replication, transcription, RNA maturation, translation, and gene regulation, including epigenetic mechanisms and non-coding RNAs.
Understand environmentally induced genetic alterations, DNA repair systems, and gene and chromosomal mutations.
Know the main molecular biology technologies, such as PCR, cloning, sequencing, and genotoxicity testing.
Understand the principles of genetic modification in cells, animals, and plants, including overexpression, gene silencing, and gene editing, as well as their applications in research, industry, and agriculture.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Design and perform experiments using molecular biology techniques and genetic manipulation methods.
Analyze and interpret experimental data related to gene expression and genetic modifications.
Apply concepts of biosafety and risk assessment in the use of genetically modified organisms.

Making Judgments

Critically evaluate experimental methodologies and scientific data.
Formulate hypotheses and experimental strategies based on molecular and genetic knowledge.
Identify the limitations and potential of genetic technologies and biotechnological applications.

Communication Skills

Communicate scientific concepts, methods, and results clearly, both in written and oral form.
Prepare laboratory reports, scientific presentations, or posters using appropriate technical terminology.

Learning Skills

Independently keep up to date with new discoveries and techniques in molecular biology and applied genetics.
Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge to develop independent experimental strategies.

Course Prerequisites

To take the Molecular Biotechnology and GMOs exam you must have passed the Biochemistry exam

Teaching Methods

Teaching activities will be divided into lectures and laboratory exercises.

The lectures last 2 hours each and include a 10-15 minute break at the end of

the first hour. Students are warmly invited to ask questions both during and at the end of the lectures.

The final part of the course will be devoted to laboratory exercises on

molecular biology methods covered in the lectures.

The exercises will be explained in detail and carried out by the students

divided into small groups. All activities will be supervised step-by-step by the

professor assisted by experts in the subject.

Assessment Methods

Learning assessment will take place at the end of the course, during the scheduled exam sessions, through an oral examination in the form of an interview, covering multiple topics from the program.
The outcome of the exam is expressed on a scale of thirty points. Assessment takes into account the level of knowledge demonstrated, the appropriateness of the scientific language used, as well as the clarity, coherence, and logical rigor of the exposition.

Assessment Criteria
The exam is graded on a thirty-point scale according to the following levels:

18–22/30: sufficient basic knowledge, though with gaps;

23–25/30: fair knowledge accompanied by clear exposition;
26–28/30: good command of the subject and ability to present topics using appropriate language;

28–30/30: very thorough knowledge, excellent exposition skills, and critical reasoning.

Honors (cum laude) are awarded to students who demonstrate particularly advanced knowledge, outstanding presentation skills, and strong critical thinking abilities.

Texts

BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE; Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Francesco Amaldi Piero Benedetti Graziano Pesole Paolo Plevani

FONDAMENTI DI BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE

Lizabeth A. Allison

BIOTECNOLOGIE MOLECOLARI
Terry A. Brown

Structure of nucleic acids, organisation and maintenance of genomes, transcription and translation, regulation of gene expression. Main genome editing techniques. Use of GMOs in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of recombinant proteins, in agricultural production and breeding to improve production and resistance to pathogens. Genetic and epigenetic damage induced by mutagenic agents and techniques for their monitoring. Use of microorganisms for waste treatment and/or remediation of contaminated environments.