#WEUNITUS

General Info

SUBJECTSEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
119928 - PLANT GENOMES AND CHROMOSOME MANIPULATIONS

First Semester 6AGR/07ita

Learning objectives

This course aims to provide the tools to acquire the cultural, theoretical and experimental bases in the field of genomics, also aimed at the application of genome manipulations for the improvement of plant species of agricultural importance. The course will give particular emphasis to acquisition of knowledge in the following areas: 1. how genomes are organized at a structural and functional level; 2. how knowledge from model species can be transferred to species of agricultural interest (e.g. rice, wheat); 3. how knowledge can be used to manipulate genomes for beneficial purposes (genomics-assisted breeding). Through the contents and methods of carrying out the program, also including the analysis of scientific articles, students will acquire and be able to process complex and multidisciplinary information and identify possible breeding strategies assisted by plant genomics. Communication skills will be stimulated through periodic interactive teacher-student summaries and in the final assessment phase (exam), normally based on a presentation concerning a course topic, chosen by the student. Through the information provided and the teaching methodology, the student will be able to gain familiarity with the scientific method and its application to genomics and related disciplines, to be able to proceed with in-depth and specialized studies with an advanced level of autonomy.

119929 - FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY

First Semester 6AGR/15ita

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to deep the student's knowledge about industrial biotechnology for food processing, by providing articulated and systematic skills on the industrial use of microorganisms and enzymes useful in different food sectors. Moreover, the course aims to provide: • the suitable ability to manage the interaction between agro-food raw materials and the related biotechnological processes, both traditional and innovative, in order to implement the quality and sustainability of the finished product; • the tools to control and to regulate the biotechnological process, defining opportunities and constraints, in order to achieve the quality characteristics sought in the food product. Students will acquire knowledge relating to the general aspects of microorganisms and enzymes; as well as to the interconnections of physio-chemical and biochemical phenomena that may occur in their application to food processes. This will allow them to address, by modern and multidisciplinary approaches, the operational tasks of managing the physio-chemical and biochemical phenomena that may occur in the application of microorganisms and enzymes to food processes. By analyzing examples of process critical issues, students will acquire the ability to interpret and understand, which will be useful to formulate judgments for the personal re-elaboration of the most suitable solutions. Students will develop the ability to discuss clearly and briefly the topics of the course, as well as argue with scientific and professional terminology the case
studies addressed in the classroom and in the laboratory. Students will develop the attitude to analyze the subject matter, to study from different sources and to make the appropriate relations between the theoretical aspects of the classroom and the texts with those applied in laboratory.

120023 - SAFETY IN LAB WORKING

First Semester 2ita

Learning objectives

Students will be able to identify potential hazards such as dangerous chemicals, biological agents, and harmful physical situations, and understand risk analysis techniques and methods to eliminate or mitigate these risks. Students will be able to recognize and evaluate chemical, biological, and physical hazards in the laboratory, plus of adopting appropriate preventive measures, such as using PPE, training workers, and creating safe operating procedures. Students will develop the ability to independently assess the likelihood and severity of potential incidents associated with identified hazards. Students will be able to effectively communicate safety practices to their colleagues and supervisors. They will also be capable of drafting and managing safety documentation and conducting training on laboratory-specific risks. Students will develop the ability to continuously update their knowledge on safety practices by following periodic reviews of safety procedures and promote a culture of safety among workers.

MODULE II - -- -
AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL BIOTECHNOLOGIESFirst Semester6AGR/12ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge of phytopathological biotechnology, deepening the new frontier techniques for an eco-sustainable control of the
main agricultural phytopathologies. Students will acquire problem solving skills by approaching the subject in a multidisciplinary manner (plant pathology, physiology,
molecular biology, genetics), to apply these skills in a scientific research context. Students will acquire the ability to integrate their multidisciplinary knowledge, in order to contextualize the possible social and ethical implications of phytopathological biotechnologies. This will be possible because students will be able to formulate scientific judgments/assumptions even on the basis of incomplete or limited information. Students will be able to communicate their knowledge with an appropriate scientific language, with a view to practicing speaking with specialists and non-specialists. This will be possible thanks to the exam format, which includes the presentation of a project by the student. The student will be able to study autonomously and self-managed, thanks to the fact that during the course the key notions are provided to then autonomously develop an exam project, also on the basis of the student's research inclinations.

FOREST BIOTECHNOLOGYFirst Semester6AGR/05ita

Learning objectives

The course will introduce students to the principles and experimental approaches, in continuous evolution, of plant biotechnology. The course aims to strengthen the basic
knowledge on plant biotechnologies applied to forest trees (green biotechnologies, categories of biotechnological processes and products, model plants, plant tissue cultures,
recombinant methods, molecular tools), offering a framework to address current scientific problems (i.e. the use of transgenic trees) and also provide a basis for specialized studies in the field of in vitro clonal propagation, genetic improvement of trees and functional genomics. In the laboratory lessons students will develop some of the techniques currently used to obtain micropropagated plants, cultures of calluses and protoplasts of forest species and to detect genetic variation. The key concepts of the course will be integrated into a series of case studies and students will improve their ability to apply them to new situations in problem solving sessions, in particular dedicated to the Mediterranean region. At the end of the course, students will have an in-depth knowledge of the basic principles of forest biotechnology and modern techniques to obtain technological products (in vitro material characterized by clonal fidelity or somaclonal variants, secondary metabolites, transgenic and cisgenic tree materials, molecular tools for the study of genetic variability). Finally, they will have acquired the ability to understand the potential of using biotech trees to increase the productivity of forest plantations even in disadvantaged environments (biotic and abiotic stresses) or to use biotech trees for the recovery of arid soils (salinity, pollution).
Students will be encouraged to make use of the knowledge acquired during the course and during the laboratory exercises to apply it to specific problems such as, for example, the propagation of improved genotypes or somaclonal variants resistant to stressful biotics or abiotics or characterized by high wood productivity, as well as the conservation of threatened species or origins. Students will be able to interpret and discuss the scientific works presented in class and to identify its highlights and highlights.
During the lessons, students' ability to reflect and discuss the topics covered will be stimulated, as well as the comparison of opinions to develop their communication skills.
These skills will then be tested during the exam. Students will be able to expose and develop scientific topics related to the course. The active involvement of students through oral discussions in the classroom and experiences in laboratory practices will develop this skill.

MODULE II - -- -
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CROP PROTECTIONFirst Semester3AGR/12ita
First Semester3AGR/12ita
119930 - PLANT BREEDING

Second Semester 6AGR/07ita

Learning objectives

Knowledge and understanding: the course aim to provide the student with the basic principles of crop breeding, variety registration and seed production. Applied knowledge and understanding theoretical and practical aspects of reproductive biology of higher plants are addressed including those modifications of the reproductive system that are of practical interest. Additional teaching objectives are the collection, storage and evaluation of genetic resources, the development of plant breeding schemes, the characterization, reproduction, conservative selection of plant varieties, the adoption of advanced strategies for the control of reproductive biology and the co-existence of conventional and genetically modified crops. Making judgements: the advantages and disadvantages of each presented technology are illustrated, to develop the student's critical sense. Communication skills: students are asked questions during the classes, both to keep their attention and to teach them to ask questions and give adequate answers. Being able to communicate their knowledge to competent and generic public in a clear way. Learning skills: the theoretical bases of processes underlying plant reproductive biology, plant breeding schemes and strategies to select improved varieties through conventional breeding, having developed those learning capacities that
allow an autonomous study

119931 - PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS

Second Semester 6BIO/15ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide in-depth cultural knowledge and understanding skills at both theoretical and experimental level on the design, production and application of recombinant molecules with high added value in the pharmaceutical field. Particular importance is given to promoting independent judgment, understanding and communication skills through the presentation and examination of different traditional biological systems for the production of biological drugs. The knowledge acquired during the course will allow students to develop the ability to synthesize and integrate information by formulating solid judgments, through the in-depth analysis of sources that could also be initially partial and incomplete. Students will develop the ability to communicate on issues related to pharmaceutical biotechnology with academic partners, with operators of the private sector and with non-specialist figures. Students will be able to learn and find the correct sources for an independent and autonomous study

119932 - CHEMISTRY OF NATURAL ORGANIC PRODUCTS

Second Semester 6CHIM/06ita

Learning objectives

The course is devoted to the study of natural organic substances; in particular, secondary metabolites found in the plant world. Beginning with their respective biogenetic precursors, structural aspects, biological properties, applications, extraction techniques, purification and chemical characterization are explored. The objective of the course is to provide students with a thorough knowledge of natural organic substances, which is to be described, during the examination, with propriety of language, clarity of exposition, critical analysis and synthesis skills.

120024 - PROJECT WRITING AND MANAGEMENT

Second Semester 2ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to teach basic principles about project writing and presentation techniques. Students will acquire knowledge on grant writing and principles, as well as on poster and oral presentation structure and preparation. During the course students will acquire skills on understanding research topics, writing a grand proposal autonomously, preparing posters and oral presentations. At the end of the course, students should be able to lead the reader into the topic and scope of the research proposal, describe the theoretical or practical research problem intended to address, state the specific question(s) to answer, explain how the project idea will solve or alleviate the problem or the social need as well as, to explain how the idea, if successful, will result in breakthrough innovation.

MODULE II - -- -
BIOINFORMATICSFirst Semester6BIO/11ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to consolidate basic knowledge regarding genomic databases and new sequencing technologies. Additionally, it will provide basic knowledge of programming languages necessary for the bioinformatics analyses addressed during the course. At the end of the course, students will be able to apply their skills to tackle and solve complex problems in the field of bioinformatics, such as the analysis and interpretation of large genomic datasets. They will also be capable of planning a genomic sequencing experiment and utilizing bioinformatics pipelines applicable in various scientific research contexts. Students will acquire the ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge from bioinformatics, genetics, and molecular biology to manage and solve multidimensional and complex problems. They will be able to tackle the complexity of biological data and information technologies, adapting and optimizing methodologies to address new and intricate challenges. Students will be able to communicate their chosen methodologies, results, and conclusions using technical and scientific language to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, through scientific documentation, academic articles, and oral presentations. The course will include theoretical lectures and practical exercises during which students will acquire the necessary skills for an autonomous learning in the field of bioinformatics. They will need to identify their own educational needs, address any gaps in their knowledge, and stay updated on emerging technologies and methodologies.

ADVANCED TISSUE CULTUREFirst Semester6AGR/03ita

Learning objectives

Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire advanced knowledge of plant tissue culture techniques, the use of PGRs, micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis,
organogenesis, genetic transformation and genome editing (CRISPR/Cas and VIGS), virosis, thermotherapy, and cryotherapy. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will apply advanced techniques to solve problems in plant tissue culture, improve protocols and in vitro culture techniques, including those aimed at plant breeding.
Making judgment: Students will develop the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of techniques and protocols used, solve specific problems, and adapt techniques to different
plant species. Communication skills: Students will improve their communication skills to present their research results clearly and efficiently. Learning skills: The course encourages continuous learning, preparing students to constantly update themselves on new techniques and discoveries in the field of plant tissue culture and genetic transformation, also through the use of common search engines (Scopus, WoS, Google Scholar).

120498 - RESEARCH LABORATORY TRAINING

Second Semester 2ita

Learning objectives

The main learning objectives of the course is to equip students with all the necessary practical and safety skills in order to autonomously manage and execute a scientific
research project, carried out mainly in biomolecular-related scientific fields. The training objectives emphasize different aspects related to correct laboratory procedures, work ethics and practical skills necessary to carry out the subsequent thesis project. The student will acquire expertise in the autonomous handling of laboratory instruments to correctly carry out scientific experiments. Planning and organization of an experimental biomolecular research project and problem-solving skills will be acquired. Furthermore, the student will master the appropriate tools necessary for the critical evaluation of scientific literature and for accurate data interpretation and analysis.

SUBJECTSEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
119934 - BIO-ECONOMY

First Semester 6AGR/01ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide students with theoretical and operational knowledge about the bioeconomy. Specifically, the course aims to provide the ability to use and analyze economic and political information and data, to understand the logic and the present and future scenarios of the bioeconomy, with reference to the agri-food sector. The theoretical knowledge will be consolidated by practical exercises on case studies and by the reading, understanding and critical analysis, based on the knowledge gradually acquired, of scientific literature of particular relevance for the aims of the course, both suggested by the teacher and found independently by the students. At the end of the course, students should have acquired critical and judgment skills, as well as being able to find, critically analyze and use economic and political information and data regarding the present and future scenarios of the bioeconomy, with reference to the agri-food sector. During the numerous opportunities for discussion with the teacher and colleagues in the classroom, students will refine their skills in communicating and transmitting what they have learned, using appropriate economic terminology, also in order to acquire full knowledge and mastery of the topics covered in the program. Students will acquire the necessary autonomy to delve deeper, in particular, into the economic aspects addressed and will be able to independently analyze, from an economic perspective, economic and political information and data.

119935 - PLANT GENOMICS AND STRESS RESPONSES - 12- -

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge of structural and functional genomics, with a particular focus on the agricultural context, serving as a preparatory step for the future
acquisition of knowledge and skills in plant production management. Additional objectives include enhancing the ability to learn and communication skills, specifically the ability to discuss topics related to genetic improvement and the genomics of agricultural species using appropriate terminology.

MODULE IISecond Semester6AGR/07ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge of structural and functional genomics, with a particular focus on the agricultural context, serving as a preparatory step for the future
acquisition of knowledge and skills in plant production management. Additional objectives include enhancing the ability to learn and communication skills, specifically the ability to discuss topics related to genetic improvement and the genomics of agricultural species using appropriate terminology.

MODULE IISecond Semester6BIO/04ita

Learning objectives

Module I - Genome sequencing and biotechnological Applications
The course aims to provide knowledge of structural and functional genomics, with a particular focus on the agricultural context, serving as a preparatory step for the future
acquisition of knowledge and skills in plant production management. Additional objectives include enhancing the ability to learn and communication skills, specifically the ability to discuss topics related to genetic improvement and the genomics of agricultural species using appropriate terminology.

Module II - Engineering crop response to stresses
The course aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that plants put in place to adapt to unfavorable environmental
conditions and to defend themselves from pathogens. Students will acquire the ability to critically analyze and independently solve problems related to crop resilience, in the
classroom, with originality, and through multidisciplinary approaches more related to genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and plant physiology. In addition, students will
develop the ability to synthesize and integrate knowledge by formulating solid judgments even on the basis of incomplete or restricted information. Such conclusions and
recommendations will be communicated through the argumentation of the knowledge gained during the course and the motivations behind it, both to a specialized and nonspecialist audience, in a clear and unambiguous way. The notions and concepts acquired during the course will provide students with greater responsibility for further professional development.

119936 - WOODY FRUIT CROP BIOTECHNOLOGY

First Semester 6AGR/03ita

Learning objectives

Student will acquire knowledge on molecular physiology and applied biology (genetics and epigenetics) related to the vegetative and productive behavior of fruit tree species, on their adaptation to different environmental conditions and cultural practices. Students will also learn knowledge on the evolution of the synthesis and accumulation pathways of metabolites in fruits, usable in genetic improvement for obtaining functional foods, using innovative technologies. The knowledge acquired and the experience carried out attending the lectures and the lab exercises will enable students to penetrate the topics, through analysis, and by using critical methodology to understand the problems and to put forward hypotheses for overcoming them, as well as to formulate innovative application hypotheses, with originality and with multidisciplinary approaches (genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, plant physiology, ecophysiology and cultivation of tree plants), in applied tree plant biology. The understanding of the issues, their framing in biological and agronomical processes, and the generation of hypotheses for biotechnological applications will strengthen the student's ability to synthesize and integrate knowledge and enable him/her to generate judgements anchored in reality and advance hypotheses to acquire new information with scientific rigor. The set of experiences conducted will enable the student to expose his knowledge, reflections and conjectures to a wide audience, enriched by extensive knowledge of cultivation, scientific literature and methodologies, and with the necessary robustness due to a solid training that will enable him to generate original conclusions. The student will thus be able to address a specialized audience and clearly disseminate knowledge to a broad public. Attending classroom lectures, exercises and study visits, the student will acquire the tools for in-depth independent knowledge and independent thinking.

119942 - INTERNSHIP

First Semester 6ita
119941 - ELECTIVE COURSES

First Semester 12ita
119933 - QUALITY OF PLANT-BASED FOODS

Second Semester 6AGR/07ita

Learning objectives

After acquiring basic knowledge about the constitution of plant varieties, the methodologies and issues related to the control and traceability of raw materials of plant origin are further explored, with particular focus on wheat Acquisition of research methods and development of critical thinking regarding issues related to the quality of plant-based raw materials and their traceability. The knowledge acquired during the course and the experience in critically reading scientific articles will provide students with critical skills, not only regarding technical and scientific aspects but also the ethical and social issues related to the topics covered. Both during classes and exams, great importance is placed on the ability to adequately communicate the topics covered, requiring different approaches depending on the type of audience. Lectures, study visits, and practical exercises are designed to provide students with all the elements needed for independent study.

119943 - THESIS

Second Semester 24ita

Learning objectives

The course aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge of phytopathological biotechnology, deepening the new frontier techniques for an eco-sustainable control of the
main agricultural phytopathologies. Students will acquire problem solving skills by approaching the subject in a multidisciplinary manner (plant pathology, physiology,
molecular biology, genetics), to apply these skills in a scientific research context. Students will acquire the ability to integrate their multidisciplinary knowledge, in order to contextualize the possible social and ethical implications of phytopathological biotechnologies. This will be possible because students will be able to formulate scientific judgments/assumptions even on the basis of incomplete or limited information. Students will be able to communicate their knowledge with an appropriate scientific language, with a view to practicing speaking with specialists and non-specialists. This will be possible thanks to the exam format, which includes the presentation of a project by the student. The student will be able to study autonomously and self-managed, thanks to the fact that during the course the key notions are provided to then autonomously develop an exam project, also on the basis of the student's research inclinations.

Learning objectives

The course will introduce students to the principles and experimental approaches, in continuous evolution, of plant biotechnology. The course aims to strengthen the basic
knowledge on plant biotechnologies applied to forest trees (green biotechnologies, categories of biotechnological processes and products, model plants, plant tissue cultures,
recombinant methods, molecular tools), offering a framework to address current scientific problems (i.e. the use of transgenic trees) and also provide a basis for specialized studies in the field of in vitro clonal propagation, genetic improvement of trees and functional genomics. In the laboratory lessons students will develop some of the techniques currently used to obtain micropropagated plants, cultures of calluses and protoplasts of forest species and to detect genetic variation. The key concepts of the course will be integrated into a series of case studies and students will improve their ability to apply them to new situations in problem solving sessions, in particular dedicated to the Mediterranean region. At the end of the course, students will have an in-depth knowledge of the basic principles of forest biotechnology and modern techniques to obtain technological products (in vitro material characterized by clonal fidelity or somaclonal variants, secondary metabolites, transgenic and cisgenic tree materials, molecular tools for the study of genetic variability). Finally, they will have acquired the ability to understand the potential of using biotech trees to increase the productivity of forest plantations even in disadvantaged environments (biotic and abiotic stresses) or to use biotech trees for the recovery of arid soils (salinity, pollution).
Students will be encouraged to make use of the knowledge acquired during the course and during the laboratory exercises to apply it to specific problems such as, for example, the propagation of improved genotypes or somaclonal variants resistant to stressful biotics or abiotics or characterized by high wood productivity, as well as the conservation of threatened species or origins. Students will be able to interpret and discuss the scientific works presented in class and to identify its highlights and highlights.
During the lessons, students' ability to reflect and discuss the topics covered will be stimulated, as well as the comparison of opinions to develop their communication skills.
These skills will then be tested during the exam. Students will be able to expose and develop scientific topics related to the course. The active involvement of students through oral discussions in the classroom and experiences in laboratory practices will develop this skill.

Learning objectives

The course aims to consolidate basic knowledge regarding genomic databases and new sequencing technologies. Additionally, it will provide basic knowledge of programming languages necessary for the bioinformatics analyses addressed during the course. At the end of the course, students will be able to apply their skills to tackle and solve complex problems in the field of bioinformatics, such as the analysis and interpretation of large genomic datasets. They will also be capable of planning a genomic sequencing experiment and utilizing bioinformatics pipelines applicable in various scientific research contexts. Students will acquire the ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge from bioinformatics, genetics, and molecular biology to manage and solve multidimensional and complex problems. They will be able to tackle the complexity of biological data and information technologies, adapting and optimizing methodologies to address new and intricate challenges. Students will be able to communicate their chosen methodologies, results, and conclusions using technical and scientific language to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, through scientific documentation, academic articles, and oral presentations. The course will include theoretical lectures and practical exercises during which students will acquire the necessary skills for an autonomous learning in the field of bioinformatics. They will need to identify their own educational needs, address any gaps in their knowledge, and stay updated on emerging technologies and methodologies.

Learning objectives

Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire advanced knowledge of plant tissue culture techniques, the use of PGRs, micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis,
organogenesis, genetic transformation and genome editing (CRISPR/Cas and VIGS), virosis, thermotherapy, and cryotherapy. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will apply advanced techniques to solve problems in plant tissue culture, improve protocols and in vitro culture techniques, including those aimed at plant breeding.
Making judgment: Students will develop the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of techniques and protocols used, solve specific problems, and adapt techniques to different
plant species. Communication skills: Students will improve their communication skills to present their research results clearly and efficiently. Learning skills: The course encourages continuous learning, preparing students to constantly update themselves on new techniques and discoveries in the field of plant tissue culture and genetic transformation, also through the use of common search engines (Scopus, WoS, Google Scholar).

CHOICE GROUPSYEAR/SEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
MODULE II -12 - -
119937 - AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL BIOTECHNOLOGIESFirst Year / First Semester 6AGR/12ita
119938 - FOREST BIOTECHNOLOGYFirst Year / First Semester 6AGR/05ita
119939 - BIOINFORMATICSFirst Year / Second Semester 6BIO/11ita
119940 - ADVANCED TISSUE CULTUREFirst Year / Second Semester 6AGR/03ita
MODULE II - - -
119340 - NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CROP PROTECTIONFirst Year / First Semester 3AGR/12ita
118339 - First Year / First Semester 3AGR/12ita