Unit BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

BASIC BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ANIMAL MODELS

Code	A000404
CFU	6
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Discipline biotecnologiche con finalità specifiche: biologiche e industriali
Academic discipline	BIO/05
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)

Canale A

CFU

6

Teacher

Manuela Rebora

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

The organizational levels and diversification of the models (acoelomates, pseudocoelomates, coelomates). System functionality and complexity. Reproductive strategies. Organism/environment interactions. Particular attention to the species used as animal models, to the organisms relevant for the biotechnology field, to biomimetics and synthesis of bioactive compounds.

Reference texts

Hickman, Roberts, Larson, L'Anson Fondamenti di Zoologia, Diversità Animale Ed. McGraw, Hill

Educational objectives

The student will acquire the basic notions of animal biology.
The main knowledge gained will be:
- Main animal vital functions
- Body plan of the main animal Phyla
The main skills (the ability to apply the knowledge) will be:

- To understaqnd the evolution of the main animal vital functions

- To be able to assign an animal model to the right Phylum on the basis of its body plan
-To learn how to use the light microscope and the stereomicroscope for the observation of specimens on slide and samples in toto of invertebrates
- To learn how to use a dichotomous key for the determination of a zoological preparation
-To learn the techniques of breeding, maintenance and manipulation of an insect model, Drosophila melanogaster
-To learn the dissection techniques under the stereomicroscope
- To provide theoretical and practical skills related to deparaffining and subsequent staining of histological sections on the slide for subsequent assembly and observation under an optical microscope
-To provide theoretical and practical skills related to the correct use of the optical microscope for the observation of colored histological slides and the related tissue recognition

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of cellular biology

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons and practical training

Other information

Frequency is optional but strongly adviced

Learning verification modality

oral exam (two-three questions, half an hour) at the end of the course to verify the acquisition of learning outcomes

Extended program

Organizational models: phylum and bauplan, levels of organization, diblastica and triblastica organisation, radial and bilateral symmetry, cephalization, the coelom, the functions of the body cavity, animals acelomati, pseudocoelomates, eucelomati differences protostomes and deuterostomes, the metamerism.The vital functions: integumentary system in invertebrates and vertebrates, colors, skeletal systems, hydrostatic skeleton, rigid skeleton, animal movement, amoeboid movement, ciliary and flagellar movement, pedal locomotion, locomotion with with ambulacral pedicels, with arts, nutrition, types of nutrition, intracellular and extracellular digestion, evolution of the digestive system, circulation, circulatory system, closed and open, evolution of the circulatory system in invertebrates and in vertebrates, respiration, tracheal system of insects, osmoregulation, excretion in aquatic and subaerial animals, evolution of 'excretory system (protonefridi and metanefridi), nervous system, major trends, asexual and sexual reproduction, gametes, sexual dimorphism, determinism of sex, hermaphroditism, parthenogenesis, types of fertilization, oviparous species, ovoviviparous, viviparous.
Porifera: organizational models, metabolism, choanocytes, spicules, reproduction, gemmules, in commercial use, role and use of intermediate metabolites.
Cnidaria: morphological diversification, polyp and medusa, nematocysts, metabolism, reproduction, class Anthozoa (Octocorals, Hexacorallia, corals), class Scifozoa (life cycles), cubozoans class, class Hydrozoa, the Green Fluorescein Protein (GFP) extracted from jellyfish. Platyhelminthes: metabolism, reproduction, free forms (class Turbellaria) and parasitic forms, class trematodes , class Tapeworms. Aschelminti: pseudocoelom, Eutelia, cryptobiosis, the Nematodes, features, free forms and parasitic forms , Caenorhabditis elegans, the plant parasitic nematodes, nematodes and the biological control. Annelids: the conquest of a true coelom, Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, general characteristics, the ecological role of the earthworm reproduction in the earthworm. Mollusks: general characteristics, the structure of the shell, class Gastropoda, Bivalvia class, class Cephalopoda.
Arthropods: General, Class Arachnids, Crustaceans class, class Diplopoda, Chilopoda class, class Insects, the great evolutionary success of insects, insects and chemical communication, insects and bioluminescence, the societies of insects, and the insects' man, pollinators, pests, biological control, genetic manipulation, the male sterile technique (SIT) and genetically modified organisms, plants BT, insects commercially exploited by man. Echinoderms: general characteristics, class Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea class, class Echinoidea Class Holothuroidea, Crinoidea class. Chordata: subphylum Urochordata, subphylum Cephalochordata, subphylum vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals.

Practical lessons: dissection of an insect. Observation of specimens belonging to the different Animal Phyla, the optical microscope and the stereomicroscope will be used for the observation of specimens on slide and samples of invertebrates, a dichotomous key will be used for the determination of a zoological preparation, the techniques of breeding, maintenance and manipulation of a model insect (Drosophila melanogaster) will be learned, , the techniques of dissection of an invertebrate under the stereomicroscope will be learned, theoretical and practical skills related to the deparaffination and subsequent staining of histological sections on the slide for observation under an optical microscope will be provided, theoretical and practical skills related to the correct use of the optical microscope for the observation of colored histological slides and the related tissue recognition will be provided

Canale B

CFU

6

Teacher

Silvana Piersanti

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

The organizational levels and diversification of the models (acoelomates, pseudocoelomates, coelomates). System functionality and complexity. Reproductive strategies. Organism/environment interactions.

Use of the light microscope. Use of histological, histochemical and immuno-cytochemical techniques for preparing and staining histological specimens. Examine and recognize tissue specimens under light microscopy.

Reference texts

Hickman, Roberts, Larson, L'Anson Fondamenti di Zoologia, Diversità Animale Ed. McGraw, Hill

Slides provided by the teacher

Educational objectives

The student will acquire the basic notions of animal biology.
The main knowledge gained will be:
- Main animal vital functions
- Body plan of the main animal Phyla
The main skills (the ability to apply the knowledge) will be:
- To understaqnd the evolution of the main animal vital functions
- To be able to assign an animal model to the right Phylum on the basis of its body plan
- Knowledge and understanding of structural and biologic properties of animal and vegetal cells and tissues - Ability to recognize tissues by examinating histological images of tissues specimens
- Ability to use independently the light microscope.
The acquired competences will be in the field of biotechnology.

Prerequisites

In order to be able to understand the arguments treated in the biotechnology lab, students have studied and preferably passed the exam of General Biology.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons and practical training

Other information

Frequency is optional but strongly adviced

Learning verification modality

Oral exam

Extended program

Organizational models: phylum and bauplan, levels of organization, diblastica and triblastica organisation, radial and bilateral symmetry, cephalization, the coelom, the functions of the body cavity, animals acelomati, pseudocoelomates, eucelomati differences protostomes and deuterostomes, the metamerism.The vital functions: integumentary system in invertebrates and vertebrates, colors, skeletal systems, hydrostatic skeleton, rigid skeleton, animal movement, amoeboid movement, ciliary and flagellar movement, pedal locomotion, locomotion with with ambulacral pedicels, with arts, nutrition, types of nutrition, intracellular and extracellular digestion, evolution of the digestive system, circulation, circulatory system, closed and open, evolution of the circulatory system in invertebrates and in vertebrates, respiration, tracheal system of insects, osmoregulation, excretion in aquatic and subaerial animals, evolution of 'excretory system (protonefridi and metanefridi), nervous system, major trends, asexual and sexual reproduction, gametes, sexual dimorphism, determinism of sex, hermaphroditism, parthenogenesis, types of fertilization, oviparous species, ovoviviparous, viviparous.
Porifera: organizational models, metabolism, choanocytes, spicules, reproduction, gemmules, in commercial use, role and use of intermediate metabolites.
Cnidaria: morphological diversification, polyp and medusa, nematocysts, metabolism, reproduction, class Anthozoa (Octocorals, Hexacorallia, corals), class Scifozoa (life cycles), cubozoans class, class Hydrozoa, the Green Fluorescein Protein (GFP) extracted from jellyfish. Platyhelminthes: metabolism, reproduction, free forms (class Turbellaria) and parasitic forms, class trematodes , class Tapeworms. Aschelminti: pseudocoelom, Eutelia, cryptobiosis, the Nematodes, features, free forms and parasitic forms , Caenorhabditis elegans, the plant parasitic nematodes, nematodes and the biological control. Annelids: the conquest of a true coelom, Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, general characteristics, the ecological role of the earthworm reproduction in the earthworm. Mollusks: general characteristics, the structure of the shell, class Gastropoda, Bivalvia class, class Cephalopoda.
Arthropods: General, Class Arachnids, Crustaceans class, class Diplopoda, Chilopoda class, class Insects, the great evolutionary success of insects, insects and chemical communication, insects and bioluminescence, the societies of insects, and the insects' man, pollinators, pests, biological control, genetic manipulation, the male sterile technique (SIT) and genetically modified organisms, plants BT, insects commercially exploited by man. Echinoderms: general characteristics, class Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea class, class Echinoidea Class Holothuroidea, Crinoidea class. Chordata: subphylum Urochordata, subphylum Cephalochordata, subphylum vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals.

Practical lessons: dissection of an insect. Observation of specimens belonging to the different Animal Phyla, the optical microscope and the stereomicroscope will be used for the observation of specimens on slide and samples of invertebrates, a dichotomous key will be used for the determination of a zoological preparation, the techniques of breeding, maintenance and manipulation of a model insect (Drosophila melanogaster) will be learned, , the techniques of dissection of an invertebrate under the stereomicroscope will be learned, theoretical and practical skills related to the deparaffination and subsequent staining of histological sections on the slide for observation under an optical microscope will be provided, theoretical and practical skills related to the correct use of the optical microscope for the observation of colored histological slides and the related tissue recognition will be provided

EXPERIMENTAL MODELS OF MICROBIOLOGY AND CELLULAR CROPS

Code	A000405
CFU	6
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Discipline biotecnologiche con finalità specifiche:agrarie
Academic discipline	AGR/16
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)

Canale A

CFU

6

Teacher

Laura Corte

Teachers

• Laura Corte

Hours

• 57 ore - Laura Corte

Language of instruction

Italian

Contents

This laboratory course aimed at acquiring basic theoretical and practical knowledge for the formation of a biotechnologist. Specifically, during lectures the conceptual issues related to the use of microbiological models will be addressed and a qualitative-quantitative examination of the microbiological techniques routinely used in a laboratory will be done. Practicals will consist of a series of laboratory experiences, during which students will produce data, followed by bioinformatic exercises with basic tools for the analysis of biological data.

Reference texts

BROCK. BIOLOGIA DEI MICRORGANISMI. MICROBIOLOGIA GENERALE, AMBIENTALE E INDUSTRIALE. Michael T. Madigan, John M. Martinko

Educational objectives

Understanding the structural and functional properties of biological macromolecules, nutrient metabolism and metabolic integrations, regulatory mechanisms operating in biological systems; understanding the structure and biological properties of fungi and bacteria; of the biological structure and properties of cells and animal tissues and methodologies of the molecular analyses. Use and understanding of the animal and microbial models.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of mathematical and statistical basic methods for quantitative analysis and understanding of biological systems and processes; Understanding of general principles of physics and basic chemistry for the molecular understanding of biological systems and processes. Understanding of the safety standards for the various types of laboratory. Scientific communication in English.

Teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
- Frontal lectures on all the topics of the course;
- Periodic reviews of the topics covered;
- Exercises in the Biotechnology laboratory for laboratory experiences related to the courses held in the first year (I and II semester). Students will be divided into two groups and will follow two-hour guided exercises, preceded by a presentation lesson in the classroom.
- Computer exercises in the classroom for the acquisition of basic tools for the analysis of biological data. The exercises will be performed on the computer.
- Virtual laboratories (if activated) with experiences related to the specific contents of the course.

Other information

Intermediate test

Learning verification modality

The exam include both a written and an oral test.
The oral test consists of a discussion lasting about twenty minutes aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge and understanding achieved by the student on the theoretical and methodological contents indicated in the program. The oral exam will also allow to verify the student's communication skills with language properties and autonomous organization of the exposition on the same topics with theoretical content.
The written test consists of a multiple choice test and of the resolution of a series of computational problems.
The test as a whole makes it possible to ascertain the capacity for knowledge and understanding, the ability to apply the skills acquired and the ability to learn and develop solutions in independent judgment.
For information on support services for students with disabilities and / or DSA visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Extended program

THEORETICAL PART:
1. Sampling and storing techniques
2. Media
3. Sterilization techniques
4. Isolation techniques
5. Microbial micro- and macro-morphologies
6. Selection and enrichment
7. Microbial counting techniques
8. Growth curves modeling

PRACTICALS:
PART I: LABORATORY
1. Microbial counts
2. Growth curve
3. Basic techniques for in vitro animal cells cultures
4. Cell counts from in vitro animal cell cultures
5. Microscopy of tissues and cells from cells cultures

PART II: COMPUTER CLASSROOM
Computerized Analysis Tools:
1. Template in MS EXCEL
2. Dynamic Template
3. Elements of macro programming in VBA
4. Template for the microbial counting
5. Template for the growth curve
6. Excel Macro

Canale B

CFU

6

Teacher

Gianluigi Cardinali

Teachers

• Gianluigi Cardinali

Hours

• 57 ore - Gianluigi Cardinali

Language of instruction

ITALIAN

Contents

THEORETICAL PART: Microbiological Techniques

PRACTICALS:
PART I Laboratory experience
PART II Computerized Analysis Tools

Reference texts

BROCK. BIOLOGIA DEI MICRORGANISMI. MICROBIOLOGIA GENERALE, AMBIENTALE E INDUSTRIALE. Michael T. Madigan, John M. Martinko

Educational objectives

Understanding the structural and functional properties of biological macromolecules, nutrient metabolism and metabolic integrations, regulatory mechanisms operating in biological systems; understanding the structure and biological properties of fungi and bacteria; of the biological structure and properties of cells and animal tissues and methodologies of the molecular analyses. Use and understanding of the animal and microbial models.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of mathematical, statistical and bioinformatic methods for quantitative analysis and understanding of biological systems and processes; Understanding of general principles of physics and basic chemistry for the molecular understanding of biological systems and processes. Understanding of the safety standards for the various types of laboratory. Scientific communication in English.

Teaching methods

Lectures, written and oral review. Virtual and practical exercises.

Other information

Intermediate test

Learning verification modality

Written and oral exam.

Extended program

THEORETICAL PART:
1. Sampling and storing techniques
2. Media
3. Sterilization techniques
4. Isolation techniques
5. Microbial micro- and macro-morphologies
6. Selection and enrichment
7. Microbial counting techniques
8. Growth curves modeling

PRACTICALS:
PART I: LABORATORY
1. Microbial counts
2. Growth curve
3. Basic techniques for in vitro animal cells cultures
4. Cell counts from in vitro animal cell cultures
5. Microscopy of tissues and cells from cells cultures

PART II: COMPUTER CLASSROOM
Computerized Analysis Tools:
1. Template in MS EXCEL
2. Dynamic Template
3. Elements of macro programming in VBA
4. Template for the microbial counting
5. Template for the growth curve
6. Excel Macro