AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Lessons aim to introduce Students to the basic and most relevant aspects of preclinical and experimental murine models in translational and biotechnology research. Furthermore, the Students will learn all methodologies currently in use to create transgenic mice, including new scientific approaches. 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 mouse models for experimental research in regenretaive medicine and in oncology. Students must also know, comprehend and be able to compare the different models 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.

TEACHING METHODS

Classes will be managed as frontal lectures with Power Point presentations; during classes, Students will be engaged in active discussion, via examples and specific exercises. If necessary, lessons may be provided on-line, through specific platforms and pre-arrangements made between the teacher, the students and the different Schools in the region.

Students can take advantage of online material (lectures power point notes) available on the AulaWeb website; the Lecturer can be reached via email to arrange specific one-to-one meeting for further assistance/explanation as needed.

Students with valid certification for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact both the course instructor and the School/Department Disability Coordinator at the beginning of the course to discuss any appropriate accommodations. Such arrangements will be designed to support individual learning needs while ensuring that the intended learning outcomes and academic standards of the course are fully maintained.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to the use of rodent models in basic and preclinical experimental research; methodologies for the generation of transgenic models through gene overexpression and gene-targeting approaches; characterization and applications of reporter gene systems; lineage-tracing and fate-mapping models; murine preclinical models in oncology research; mouse models in translational research; Italian and international legislation governing animal experimentation, including the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) and the procedures for obtaining authorization for research projects involving animal use.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

PDF files of power point slides of the topics discussed in class will be made available for Students to be downloaded from AulaWeb. Files are strictly for personal use only; files must not be shared on social media, posted on any internet website or put on any sharing platform; files must not be printed out for sale or photocopied.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA AMAROLI (President)

CATERINA MICHETTI (President)

SVEVA BOLLINI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is an interview with the Lecturer in charge of the class. Questions will span through all main items/topics presented during the course. Different types of questions will be used, such as correlation questions. The Lecturer 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

FURTHER INFORMATION

Registration for the exams is strictly limited to the on-line registration system. No Students will be allowed to take the exam if not enrolled or if enrolled by any other means. In case Students experience troubles/inconveniences while enrolling, they are strongly encouraged to contact the on-line student service IN ADVANCE to the enrolment deadline.

Topics covered during lessons are summarized by the PDF file  available on the AulaWeb page. Additional material can be presented at the end of the front lesson and made available through AulaWeb.