Research Strategies and Methodologies Applied to Disease Study and Control

The course 'Research Strategies and Methodologies for the Study and Control of Diseases' aims to provide students with a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular approaches—both classical and next-generation—used to analyze parasite circulation in vectors, animals, and humans. Students will also acquire specific skills related to the generation, use, and management of transgenic mouse models, as well as to the genetic manipulation of primary and continuous cell cultures.

1. Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired an in-depth understanding of major molecular techniques, with a particular focus on their application in parasitology. They should be able to critically and appropriately identify and apply the most suitable molecular tools for parasitological diagnosis, in both industrial settings and research institutions. The student must also demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the main molecular techniques used for gene editing in mouse lines (transgenesis, gene targeting, CRISPR/Cas9), for the genotyping of genetically modified mouse colonies, and for gene-editing procedures in cell lines.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students must demonstrate fundamental theoretical and conceptual knowledge of parasite circulation in vectors, animals, and humans. Additionally, they are expected to show the ability to apply both classical and innovative molecular tools in epidemiological and diagnostic investigations within parasitology. The student must show the ability to apply the most appropriate techniques for the creation of constructs for transgenesis, gene targeting, and conditional gene targeting; techniques for the collection of oocytes and embryos from donor mice; in vitro maintenance of embryonic stem cells; and gene-editing techniques for cell lines.
3. Making judgments: Students must demonstrate the ability to critically and thoughtfully discuss the knowledge they have acquired. To this end, specific classroom exercises and individual laboratory activities are planned. Furthermore, through the presentation and discussion of a scientific article, students will be required to show that they have developed the necessary skills to engage with the teacher regarding the selection and application of the most appropriate molecular techniques for accurate parasite identification; for the creation of constructs for transgenesis, gene targeting, and conditional gene targeting; for the collection of oocytes and embryos from donor mice; for the in vitro maintenance of embryonic stem cells; and for gene-editing techniques in cell lines.
4. Communication: Students must demonstrate the ability to communicate using scientifically appropriate terminology, particularly when describing and discussing key molecular biology techniques such as PCR, real-time PCR, gene sequencing, and the use of bioinformatics databases. Practical exercises are designed to foster independent laboratory skills while promoting the development of critical competencies in the scientific discussion of experimental results.
5. Lifelong learning skills: The student's ability to pursue independent study will be supported through continuous interaction with the teacher, who will enhance the learning experience by referencing scientific publications, online resources, audiovisual content, and other digital materials. These tools aim to provide an integrated perspective on the opportunities offered by both industrial contexts and research institutions, guiding the student toward a conscious application of the knowledge acquired.