ID:
508322
Duration (hours):
144
CFU:
12
SSD:
BIOLOGIA APPLICATA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Semestre (24/09/2025 - 16/01/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the students with the basic theoretical and practical tools required to work in a laboratory. The course is divided in 4 modules that encompass the main arguments of the molecular biotecnologies: : module 1 molecular biology, module 2 genetics, module 3 microbiology and module 4 biochemistry.
During the laboratory activities, the basic knowledge of the main techniques to carry out: DNA manipulation and analysis of human genetic variation (modules 1 and 2), microbiological experiments (module 3), functional and structural studies of proteins (modules 4 and 1).
During the laboratory activities, the basic knowledge of the main techniques to carry out: DNA manipulation and analysis of human genetic variation (modules 1 and 2), microbiological experiments (module 3), functional and structural studies of proteins (modules 4 and 1).
Course Prerequisites
The course consists of a series of laboratory activities, which cover the main fields of molecular biotechnology. To better attend the course the student must therefore have acquired the basic knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, general microbiology and biochemistry.
Teaching Methods
The course consists in a series of experiments conducted in educational laboratories, accompanied by short theoretical lessons on applied techniques.
Assessment Methods
Written tests, that will be carried out at the end of each modules, consisting of multiple choice and open questions. For each module, attendance of at least 75% of the hours is required.
Final mark: pass/fail
Final mark: pass/fail
Texts
Books used for the courses of Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Material provided by the teacher.
Contents
Module 1. In this module the main techniques of DNA manipulation will be addressed, such as: PCR (Polimerase Chain Rection), bacterial genomic DNA extraction; restriction digestion of genomic and plasmid DNA; DNA gel electrophoresis; restriction analysis- generation of restriction map. Moreover in this module the structural biology of proteins will be addressed, through: crystallization experiments of lysozime by different techniques; analysis of the results and phase diagram determination; computational structural biology, computer practicals using softwares for determination and analysis of three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules.
Module 2. This module acts as a bridge between module 1 and module 4 since on the one hand it applies DNA analysis techniques learned in the module of Molecular Biology to the analysis of human genetic variation, and on the other hand it deals with the construction of a recombinant expression vector for the production of a protein that will be studied in the module of Biochemistry. In particular, practical experience includes: isolation of human DNA and genetic tests to determine bitter taste sensitivity (PROP tasting included) associated with polymorphic variants of the TAS2R38 gene; cloning in a pET expression vector of the nitroreductase gene, whose purification and characterization will be the objectives of the module of Biochemistry; identification of recombinant clones by PCR and plasmid DNA extraction.
Module 3. To teach microbiology techniques such as: bacterial cultures in different media (solid and liquid media, rich and minimum media, selective and differential media), bacterial staining and microscopy observation; isolation of microorganisms from different environments onto selective media; antibiotic activity evaluation, phage infection, bacterial virulence factor assays.
Module 4. The module deals with the method of extraction, purification and characterization of proteins, both from naturale source and produced in recombinant form. The main technique approached are: preparation of buffers and solution; chromatographic techniques for protein purification, centrifugation, electrophoresis, protein and activity assays. The different biochemical techniques will be approached both theoretically and practically .
Module 2. This module acts as a bridge between module 1 and module 4 since on the one hand it applies DNA analysis techniques learned in the module of Molecular Biology to the analysis of human genetic variation, and on the other hand it deals with the construction of a recombinant expression vector for the production of a protein that will be studied in the module of Biochemistry. In particular, practical experience includes: isolation of human DNA and genetic tests to determine bitter taste sensitivity (PROP tasting included) associated with polymorphic variants of the TAS2R38 gene; cloning in a pET expression vector of the nitroreductase gene, whose purification and characterization will be the objectives of the module of Biochemistry; identification of recombinant clones by PCR and plasmid DNA extraction.
Module 3. To teach microbiology techniques such as: bacterial cultures in different media (solid and liquid media, rich and minimum media, selective and differential media), bacterial staining and microscopy observation; isolation of microorganisms from different environments onto selective media; antibiotic activity evaluation, phage infection, bacterial virulence factor assays.
Module 4. The module deals with the method of extraction, purification and characterization of proteins, both from naturale source and produced in recombinant form. The main technique approached are: preparation of buffers and solution; chromatographic techniques for protein purification, centrifugation, electrophoresis, protein and activity assays. The different biochemical techniques will be approached both theoretically and practically .
Course Language
Italian
More information
Students are required to bring a lab coat to wear during the experiments.
For the categories of students identified by Senato Accademico in the session of 23 March 2023, the inclusive methods, among those indicated, will be provided and established ad hoc for each student who should need them.
For the categories of students identified by Senato Accademico in the session of 23 March 2023, the inclusive methods, among those indicated, will be provided and established ad hoc for each student who should need them.
Degrees
Degrees
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Bachelor’s Degree
3 years
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