Laboratory Methods for Biodiversity
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide: a) theoretical and practical knowledge about biodiversity; b) evidence of how this knowledge could be acquired through the interdisciplinary scientific approach; c) the ability to identify organisms and biological specimens.
Expected learning outcomes
Acquisition of methods to study biodiversity in animal and plant kingdoms, using cell and molecular biology techniques.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Extraction and analysis of proteins from plant tissues. Electrophoresis techniques under denaturing conditions for protein analysis and analysis by western blotting. Methods of DNA extraction and analysis from animal and plant organisms. Basic principles on the use of molecular markers for the measurement of genetic variability in animals and plants. Principles of Bioinformatics: extraction of nucleic acid sequences from public databases, sequence comparison, multi-alignment and reconstruction of phylogenetic trees. Overview of basic software for the above-mentioned analyses and protein sequence analysis. An introduction to genome-scale methods and computational tools for population genomics. Analysis of the cell: highlighting the nucleus and nucleolus.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of general biology, genetics, cytology and animal and plant histology. Knowledge of the systematics and development of plants and animals.
Teaching methods
Lectures/seminars are accompanied by practical lessons in the laboratory, where students work together in small groups.
Teaching Resources
Files used for lectures/seminars, scientific articles and protocols used during laboratory experiences will be shared with students during the course and/or later via the ARIEL website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The course is interdisciplinary, but the final examination will be unique. To take the exam, students must have attended at least 80% of the teaching hours.
The examination consists of a presentation in English on a topic chosen by the candidate. The student must select a scientific article in which at least some of the experimental methods overlap with those covered in the lectures. The scientific article must be submitted to the responsible lecturer for approval at least two weeks before the examination. The presentation should last a maximum of 15 minutes and include the use of slides. It should focus mainly on the materials and methods part of the chosen article, although it must include a general introduction to the scope of the work and a critical discussion of the results. Review articles are not appropriate.
The presentation will be followed by a discussion with the board of examiners.
The examination consists of a presentation in English on a topic chosen by the candidate. The student must select a scientific article in which at least some of the experimental methods overlap with those covered in the lectures. The scientific article must be submitted to the responsible lecturer for approval at least two weeks before the examination. The presentation should last a maximum of 15 minutes and include the use of slides. It should focus mainly on the materials and methods part of the chosen article, although it must include a general introduction to the scope of the work and a critical discussion of the results. Review articles are not appropriate.
The presentation will be followed by a discussion with the board of examiners.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 2
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 2
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 2
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 2
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Biffo Stefano, Gianfranceschi Luca Enrico Angelo, Horner David Stephen, Moscatelli Alessandra, Sherpa Stephanie
Shifts:
Turno
Professors:
Biffo Stefano, Gianfranceschi Luca Enrico Angelo, Horner David Stephen, Moscatelli Alessandra, Sherpa StephanieProfessor(s)
Reception:
Upon email request
2nd floor, C building, Dept. of Biosciences
Reception:
Thursday 14.00 - 17.00
Via Celoria 26, Tower B, 2nd floor