Research Strategies and Methodologies Applied to Disease Study and Control

A.Y. 2024/2025
8
Max ECTS
66
Overall hours
SSD
VET/05 VET/06
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The main objectives of the course are to provide student with information on the main traditional and advanced bio-molecular techniques to be applied both in the diagnostic (for the evaluation of the presence of a parasite) and in the epidemiological (for the study of the circulation of parasites in vectors, animals and in humans) fields. It is therefore planned to illustrate the qualitative and quantitative PCRs techniques to be applied in a parasitological context. The practical lessons will allow students to work in a molecular biology laboratory using molecular tools for parasitological diagnosis applicable both in the industrial field and in research institutes.
Students will also acquire knowledge relating to the generation, use and management of transgenic mice. It is also expected to provide the student with knowledge relating to the transformation of primary cells or cell lines. The course will provide students with information on the main molecular techniques for gene editing of mouse lines (transgenesis, gene targeting, Crispr/Cas9). The practical lessons will allow students to learn how to manage genetically modified mouse colonies using molecular tools for genotyping applicable both in the industrial field and in research institutes.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have acquired in-depth knowledge on how to plan a parasitological diagnostic experiment using a molecular approach. Furthermore, students will have acquired the skills to design a research project, have the critical ability to the results obtained and resolve any technical problems arising from the analyses carried out.
Furthermore, at the end of the course, students will have acquired in-depth knowledge on how to plan in vivo and in vitro experiments with genetically modified mouse and cell models. This knowledge can be applied to the use of laboratory animals, in particular in the management of animal facilities, in the planning of experiments both in vivo and in vitro with mice or genetically modified cells, in the generation of new mouse or genetically modified cell lines, in the drafting of projects for ministerial authorization for the use of laboratory animals.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Course syllabus
"Biotecnologie avanzate in parassitologia"
How to read a scientific article: interpretation and triting of materials and methods.
How to plan a research project.
How to handle and store biological material.
Research strategies and fundamental discoveries in molecular biology and parasitology.
Main molecular biology techniques and their applications (qualitative PCR and quantitative PCR).
Recombinant proteins and their use in serology and vaccine production.

"Modelli murini e cellulari geneticamente modificati"
Introduction to animal experimentation and animal models.
Legislation relating to in vivo testing.
Mouse immunobiology.
Transgenesis methods.
Gene targeting and conditional gene targeting methods.
Application of the Crispr/Cas9 technique for gene editing of mouse lines.
Management of genetically modified mouse colonies.
In vivo imaging systems.
Genetically modified cell models.
Prerequisites for admission
"Biotecnologie avanzate in parassitologia"
Knowledge required for the access to the Degree Course.

"Modelli murini e cellulari geneticamente modificati"
The prerequisites necessary to fully understand this course are the following:
Inorganic and organic chemistry
Cellular biology
Physics
Molecular biology
Genetics
Teaching methods
"Biotecnologie avanzate in parassitologia"
Lectures, practical laboratory activities, group work.

"Modelli murini e cellulari geneticamente modificati"
The course is divided into lectures and practical lessons.
The lectures are organised with teacher presentations, videos and conferences of experts in some of the topics covered in the course.
The practical exercises include laboratory experiences and visits to structures of significant interest for the course.
Teaching Resources
"Biotecnologie avanzate in parassitologia"
Lectures, practical laboratory activities, group work.

"Modelli murini e cellulari geneticamente modificati"
The course is divided into lectures and practical lessons.
The lectures are organised with teacher presentations, videos and conferences of experts in some of the topics covered in the course.
The practical exercises include laboratory experiences and visits to structures of significant interest for the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
"Biotecnologie avanzate in parassitologia"
The final examination will be an oral test. It will consist in a presentation of a scientific article followed by some questions to verify the level of learning of the principal topics of the course.


"Modelli murini e cellulari geneticamente modificati"
The learning assessment methods consist of an oral exam through oral questioning, during which students will be asked to explain in appropriate and correct language some topics covered during the course. The evaluation criteria include: presentation ability, verification of learning of the course topics, ability to plan simple experiments related to the course topics.
VET/05 - INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS - University credits: 3
VET/06 - PARASITOLOGY AND ANIMAL PARASITIC DISEASES - University credits: 5
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 30 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every day by appointment
Department of veterinary Medicine and Animal Science