OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of modern biotechnologies and their applications in the biomedical and industrial fields.

It is mainly carried out through lectures and practical laboratories

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

In teaching biomedical biotechnologies, students will learn more about the main production techniques of microorganisms (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) and genetically modified organisms (invertebrates and mammals) for basic research, for the creation of animal disease models and for the production of recombinant proteins for industrial or therapeutic purposes. The principles of gene therapy and modern cellular therapies as well as the principles of 3R applied to animal experimentation and new methods of research to replace animal experimentation will also be explored.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In the Biomedical Technologies course, students will acquire knowledge of the main techniques used for the production of microorganisms and genetically modified organisms, with an in-depth focus on the scientific principles underlying genetic transformation techniques in eukaryotic cells (gene targeting), including applications aimed at gene silencing at the cellular and animal level (e.g., knockout mice).

They will develop skills in the principal methods for producing recombinant proteins in prokaryotes (bacteria) and eukaryotes (yeast, insect cells, and mammalian cells), and will learn how to choose appropriate host systems depending on the type of protein and the purpose of its production.

Additionally, part of the course will focus on providing biomedical knowledge related to the use of stem cells in cell therapies, with particular attention to how these cells are used in modern clinical protocols.

Special emphasis will also be placed on raising students’ awareness of the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), which guide animal experimentation—given its importance in biomedical research—and on respecting these principles in designing experiments involving sentient animals. In line with these principles, students will also explore cutting-edge alternative methods to animal experimentation, such as organoids, 3D cultures, and micro- and milli-fluidic systems.

Students will deepen their understanding of these topics by preparing oral presentations at the end of the course on a topic of their choice—based on the lectures—through the discussion of international research articles or review papers.

Finally, the educational laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience with experimental techniques frequently used in biomedical research, as well as training in the proper design of experiments to address scientific questions.

The course is designed to equip future biologists enrolled in the Master’s Degree in Applied and Health Biology with the tools necessary to apply appropriate research methods to solve experimental problems and to develop new models to study human diseases.

PREREQUISITES

To address the contents of the course, knowledge of the basic concepts of genetics and molecular biology is necessary.

TEACHING METHODS

The topics of the course are explored through lectures that include in-depth discussions with the students. To promote active student participation, part of each class is dedicated to further investigating the day’s topics through bibliographic research conducted in databases by small working groups. Each session concludes with a summary of the findings presented by a spokesperson chosen on a rotating basis.

Additionally, the course requires each student to prepare a presentation on one of the topics covered during the lessons. This must then be presented to the class using a PowerPoint presentation.

The course also includes mandatory attendance at educational laboratory sessions. During these labs, students must complete protocols necessary for conducting the experimental component. In these sessions, students acquire advanced molecular biology skills commonly used in biomedical research (e.g., quantitative PCR, gene expression analysis, molecular analysis of biochemical processes using specific probes, manipulation of cell cultures) and develop experimental design capabilities to address scientific questions using the experimental method.

Furthermore, a guided visit to a laboratory, research center, or biotechnology company is organized annually, accompanied by the teacher.

Students who have a valid certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding classes, assignments, and exams should speak with both the instructor and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

the following topics will be addressed in detail:

Production of genetically modified unicellular organisms, techniques and uses.

Production of recombinant proteins in bacteria, yeasts, insect and mammalian cells.

Transgenic animals, biotechnological production techniques from invertebrates (C. Elegans, D. melanogaster) to mammals (M. musculus).

Cellular therapies with adult stem cells: HSC and MSC

The discovery of iPSCs and their possible uses in the biomedical field

Gene therapy: introduction to the technique, viral and non-viral transfer methods, gene therapy protocols from 1990 to today

Modern genome editing techniques: meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, TALE nucleases and the CRISPR/CAS9 system

The principles of the 3Rs: the limits of animal testing and the development of new alternative technologies more predictive than the animal model, the production of organoids, dynamic 3D cellular systems, micro-fluidics and milli-fluidics.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- T. STRACHAN, J. GOODSHIP. P. CHINNERT, Genetica & genomica, Zanichelli, 2016

- T. STRACHAN, A. P. READ, Genetica molecolare umana, Zanichelli, 2012

Selected articles and presentations, used during the lessons, will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each cycle of lessons dedicated to a topic of the program.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester, first week of March

For details consult the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination consists of an oral interview with the student lasting approximately 20–30 minutes, during which the acquired knowledge will be assessed. Additionally, during the course, the student will be required to prepare a 10–15 minute oral presentation (PowerPoint or PDF) to present to the class and the teacher. The presentation should offer an in-depth exploration of one of the topics covered in class, through the explanation of a scientific article or a review chosen by the student. The oral presentation will be evaluated, and the grade awarded will be added to the final oral exam grade.

Finally, students are required to attend the educational laboratory sessions, complete the experimental protocols, carry out experimental procedures in groups, and analyze the resulting data using calculation software introduced during the lab sessions. Each group will receive a grade based on their results, which will also be added to the final oral exam grade.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment of the acquired knowledge will involve asking the student to discuss and explore in depth with the instructor at least three topics covered during the course, demonstrating an understanding of the subject matter, its purpose, and the biotechnological techniques involved.

Furthermore, the student must demonstrate the ability to navigate the subject area, use appropriate language, and apply the correct terminology to discuss the course topics, including through an oral presentation supported by a PowerPoint on a topic of their choice among those addressed during the course.

Finally, the acquisition of technical skills from the laboratory sessions will be assessed through the evaluation of the data analysis that each student group must submit at the end of the lab. Particular attention will be paid to the quality of the data collected and the success of the proposed experiments.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Constant attendance at lessons is highly recommended.

Students who have a valid certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding classes, assignments, and exams should speak with both the instructor and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.