OVERVIEW

The course will introduce Students to the fundamental principles of animal experimentation, with a particular focus on the design and application of preclinical experimental models in translational research. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the various animal models used in biomedical research, their anatomy, and key aspects of developmental biology. The course will also provide comprehensive information on current national and international regulatory frameworks governing animal research, as well as on the principles aimed at safeguarding and optimizing animal welfare. Furthermore, students will explore the characteristics of different animal models and their relevance in the fields of regenerative medicine, oncology research, and neuroscience.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Lessons aim to introduce Students to the basic and most relevant aspects of preclinical and experimental research by means of specific animal models in biotechnology. Furthermore, the Students will learn about anatomy and developmental aspects of animal models, along with the methodologies currently in use to create transgenic models for genetic targeting and disease modeling. Specific examples will be illustrated and discussed.

Students are required to retain knowledge of molecular and functional mechanisms that allow the design and creation of animal models for experimental research. Students must also know, comprehend and be able to compare the different models, their phenotypic expression and main anatomic features and the relevance  thst such models may offer; they will also be required to critically evaluate the possible effects of alterations of main cellular functions and their biological consequences. Students will also be expected to retain and use the proper scientific terminology and to be aware of all the necessary requirements and national and international law dispositions to perform animal research in biotech research.

PREREQUISITES

Students are required to retain knowledge of molecular and functional mechanisms that allow the design and creation of animal models for experimental research. Students must also know, comprehend and be able to compare the different models, their phenotypic expression and the relevance such models may offer; they will also be required to critically evaluate the possible effects of alterations of main cellular functions and their biological consequences. Students will also be expected to retain and use the proper scientific terminology and to be aware of all the necessary requirements and national and international law dispositions to perform animal research in biotech research.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA AMAROLI (President)

CATERINA MICHETTI (President)

SVEVA BOLLINI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is an interview with all the Lecturers. Questions will span through all main items/topics presented during the course. Different types of questions will be used, such as correlation questions. The Lecturers will start critical discussion with the Student by asking 2-3 questions related to the main relevant topics discussed in class in order to evaluate the student knowledge and their capacity to master the most important aspects presented.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims to verify the Students’ comprehension on the different animal models and the specific techniques used to generate them as discussed during class. The exam aims to assess the student’s knowledge of the main relevance of such models, along the current law dispositions on animal research. The students’ ability to memorize and discuss specific terms/statements shall be evaluated, primarily, by correlation questions.