Biochemistry, Bacteriology, Virology and Veterinary Immunology

Aims of the module Biochemistry: (1) Knowledge of the molecular design of life, with particular emphasis on the main processes linked to energy production and storage, signal transduction and expression of genetic information, to allow the student to gain the scientific background necessary to understand physiological and pathological processes in animals presented in future courses; (2) Knowledge of the basic theory of colorimetric-based quantitative biological assay and of key topics related to recombinant DNA methodologies;(3) Knowledge of simple bioinformatic tools to allow the student to acquire key up-to-date information from reliable on-line bibliographic and scientific sources; (4) Understanding the contribution of basic and applied research in veterinary science.
Aims of the module Veterinary Bacteriology, Virology and Immunology: (1) To provide a comprehensive overview of the various implications of microbiology (bacteriology and virology) in the fields of biosecurity, animal husbandry, animal welfare, and animal health as a prerequisite to infectious diseases; (2) To describe the functioning of the body's defenses (innate and acquired) against various possible aggressors in different situations (e.g., young, adult, elderly, stressed animals) and to know how to enhance them (e.g., vaccinations); (3) To learn the basics of immunodiagnostics.

1- Knowledge and understanding. For the Biochemistry module, the student will acquire basic knowledge related to the catabolism and anabolism of the main constituents of animal organisms, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleotides, and nucleic acids, and their related metabolic control and coordination mechanisms. The student will also acquire fundamental theoretical and practical notions for performing simple colorimetric assays. For the Veterinary Bacteriology, Virology, and Immunology module, the student will be able to demonstrate to have acquired the knowledge of the basics of microbiology, the characteristics of classical and unconventional microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, prions), and the fundamentals of biosecurity. The student will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the functioning of the immune system, connecting the different topics covered.
2- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. For the Biochemistry module, the acquired basic concepts are integrated to understand the complex biochemical processes occurring in animal organisms, with numerous references to physiological and pathological contexts in which these processes are relevant. The concepts provided on colorimetric techniques are applied to the performance of simple colorimetric assays aimed at measuring biologically important metabolites. For the Veterinary Bacteriology, Virology, and Immunology module, the student will have to demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge acquired on different microorganisms in order to recognize them for beneficial purposes (useful microorganisms) or, conversely, to combat them (pathogenic microorganisms) depending on the situation. The student must also demonstrate having learned the basic principles of biosecurity and knowing how to apply them according to the situation. Finally, the student has to demonstrate the ability to apply the acquired knowledge of both the immune system in various practical contexts (neonatal, young, elderly animals; stress, malnutrition, immunopathological conditions, basic vaccinology) and the fundamentals of immunodiagnostics.
3- Critical thinking and judgment skills. For the Biochemistry module, students' critical thinking skills are fostered both through discussion of quantitative experimental data obtained in the laboratory and by emphasizing the need to properly utilize information obtained online. For the Veterinary Bacteriology, Virology, and Immunology module, the student must demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the characteristics of microorganisms (viruses and bacteria) in order to set up correct diagnostic methods and prevention tools, serving as an introduction to the future study of infectious diseases. This ability will be verified through various forms of assessment, such as collegial discussion, the execution of laboratory tests, and the drafting of a report focused on a case study derived from the practical activities.
4- Ability to communicate what has been learned. Students' communication skills are developed both during the various modules of the course and during the exam. In particular, the Biochemistry module is complemented by activities involving the use of IT tools for proper evaluation and presentation of the results obtained in practical exercises. Regarding the exam, which consists of open-ended questions, the ability to summarize, complete, and use correct terminology are also factors in the assessment. For the Veterinary Bacteriology, Virology, and Immunology module, the student must be able to describe, using correct scientific terminology in written and eventually oral form, the acquired knowledge of microbiology and immunology: in particular, the composition of the different microorganisms, how they replicate, how they cause disease, how they are fought (immune defenses, physical and chemical antibacterial agents) and how they are prevented (basic notions of biosecurity, hygienic and vaccine prophylaxis). For the final evaluation, in addition to synthesis skills, completeness of exposition, and the use of correct terminology, argumentative coherence and the ability for critical elaboration and interdisciplinary connection will also be taken into account.
5- Ability to pursue independent study throughout one's life. In the Biochemistry module, the acquisition of a solid foundational knowledge of the main chemical components present in organisms and foods, and the biological processes occurring in living organisms, along with the ability to retrieve both bibliographical and theoretical-practical information from reliable sources using the tools described during the course, equips students for ongoing professional and scientific development. Likewise, at the end of the Veterinary Bacteriology, Virology, and Immunology module, the student will be able to autonomously and objectively research, using official and valid sources, to broaden their knowledge on the biology of microbial agents of veterinary interest, the role of the immune system in physiological and pathological conditions, direct and indirect diagnostic techniques, infection prevention tools, and biosecurity principles.