OVERVIEW

The primary aim of this course is to present the fundamental concepts of animal research based on the design and use of preclinical experimental models in biotechnology.

To this end, the course will provide students with: (i) an in-depth understanding of the anatomical organization and functional characteristics of animal models, (ii) a focus on the use of the most advanced experimental technologies in cell and molecular biology for their design, and (iii) the analysis of their physiological profiles in translational research and for biotechnological applications.

Students will develop the necessary skills to critically evaluate the most appropriate animal model for research purposes and to understand its scientific relevance. Moreover, the course will also provide specific insights into current national and international regulations, as well as the fundamental principles for the protection and enhancement of animal welfare

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with the essential informations necessaries to carry out experiments on laboratory animals. Particularly, wide information on different animal models and their usefulness are given. Additionally, all necessary indications on law dispositions about animal research and on animal welfare are specified. Furthermore, the students will learn all methodologies currently in use to create mutant animals, including new scientific approaches. Specific examples are illustrated.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will provide students with a solid knowledge base on animal models used in translational experimental research within the field of biotechnology.
The course will achieve the following learning objectives:

1. Students will develop a critical understanding of the selection and use of animal models in scientific research via the analysis of the organism, the concept of animal models, and the functional anatomy of major systems and organs.
2. Students will explore the molecular and functional mechanisms of the various models presented, assessing their usefulness and the phenotypic and functional expression for translational research and biotechnological applications.
3. Students will acquire foundational knowledge in behavioral physiology and in the main techniques used for behavioural analysis, with applications in experimental models for studying sensory, motor, emotional, social, and cognitive domains, as well as their alterations under pathological conditions.

By the end of the course, Students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse the different animal models dicussed in class and their potential applications;
2. Develop decision-making skills regarding the methodologies and techniques currently available for animal research;
3. Compare and evaluate the different models studied in class and identify the most appropriate models for dedicated applications (including preclinical translational research, biotechnology, and neuroscience);
4. Confidently use specific scientific terminology;
5. Understand and apply current regulations concerning the protection and use of animal models in preclinical research and biotechnology.

PREREQUISITES

Students are expected to have an adequate background in cell and molecular biology and in developmental biology.
They should be familiar with the cellular, molecular, and physiological mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression and phenotypic maturation.
A good command of the English language, both in comprehension and communication, is also required.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be delivered in English by means of in-person classroom activities on the topics indicated in the course content. Attendance is mandatory for at least 70% of the classes. Lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations and the Lecturer will promote critical discussion in class, encouraging dialogue and deeper understanding of more complex concepts.

Depending on institutional directives (as for emergency situations, such as a weather alert), teaching may also be conducted remotely via online connections by means of remote sessions on Microsoft Teams, the platform provided by the university. If that may be the case, students will be promptly notified through the messaging system sent by  the course's AulaWeb page.

Students will have access to teaching materials on the AulaWeb platform. Additionally, the Lecturer is available by appointment for office hours, offering clarifications and further insights based on Students’ needs.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program is divided into the following modules:

Module 1: Anatomy of Animal Models – Functional and Evolutionary Aspects

Concept of organism and animal model: definitions and general principles. Functional anatomy of the main systems and organs in animal models. Animal models in biomedical and biological research: anatomical organization and functional characteristics. Comparative approaches for  the study of animal models. Body plans and anatomical structures: analogies, homologies, and differences. Relationship between anatomy, phylogeny, and functional adaptation.

Module 2: Cellular and Molecular Engineering of Experimental Animal Models for Translational Research

Description of experimental models in small and large animals and comprehensive overview of the most relevant experimental techniques used to induce specific functional alterations in vivo. Use of advanced cellular and molecular biological technologies, including recombinant technologies, for the development of transgenic experimental rodent models. Design and creation of preclinical models for the analysis and the therapeutic approaches to specific diseases. Biotechnological applications of experimental animal models in mammals. Explanation of the Italian and international legislation on animal reserach: the 3Rs Principles and the authorization process to get a research project approval.

Module 3: Behavioural Physiology of Experimental Animal Models for Biomedical Research

Fundamentals of behavioural physiology, including ethological and physiological characteristics. Behavioural tests for the assessment of sensory, motor, anxiety-related, social, and cognitive domains across different models and their use in biomedical research. Experimental approaches and advanced techniques for the study of behaviour.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The ppt slides of the lectures are provided as pdf files  and made available on the dedicated course page on AulaWeb.
This material is strictly for personal consultation by the student and must not be printed, photocopied into handouts, or shared with third parties on online sharing platforms and/or social media channels.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA AMAROLI (President)

SVEVA BOLLINI (President)

CATERINA MICHETTI (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will start according to the calendar as communicated to students by the secretary of the Master Degree in Medical-Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam consists of an oral interview with the Lecturer(s). Questions will cover all parts of the course program. Each Lecturer will begin the discussion by asking the candidate 2-3 questions on fundamental topics explained in class, in order  to assess the Student’s knowledge and their critical analysis skills on the course content.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam is designed to verify the Student’s understanding of the different animal models (both mammalian and non-mammalian) used in experimental research and the techniques required to generate them. It aims to assess whether Students have learnt the main advantages and applications of the presented models, as well as the relevant legislation.

Students’ ability to accurately recall the meaning of specific terms and to relate these terms and concepts will be evaluated through correlation questions.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Registration for the exam is strictly mandatory via the online booking system; Students registered in any other way or not registered will not be accepted.
If any issues arise with exam registration on the portal, Students must contact the online student services support before the registration deadline.
The topics covered during lectures are presented in the slides available on AulaWeb. Any supplementary material is indicated at the end of the in-person lecture and included in the AulaWeb slides.