Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The aim of this course is to provide an in-depth knowledge on new genomic methodologies that have been developed and their applications in different field of scientific research.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course, the student should be able to perform genomic studies using different methods learned during the course. The student will also be able to analyse "case studies" taken from the scientific literature.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
At the end of the course, the student will be able to evaluate the reliability of the genomic studies analyzed. The student will be also able to identify the most suitable approaches and the most effective experimental strategies to solve complex scientific problems.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
At the end of the course, the student should be able to expose complex scientific topics using a clear and appropriate scientific language.
LEARNING SKILLS
The course provides the methodological tools needed to study in an autonomous way, and connect the information learned during the course with those learned in other disciplines.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Course unit content
The course will provide in-depth knowledge on the methodologies and strategies to study the structure and functions of the genomes of simple and complex organisms.
The following topics will be covered during the course:
- genome sequencing strategies and "Next Generation Sequencing" (NGS) approaches.
- Genome annotation.
- Study of the most relevant genome projects.
- Transcriptome analysis: "single gene" and "high-throughput" methodologies.
- Quantification of expression levels using "single gene" methodologies: Northern blot, semi-quantitative PCR, Real Time PCR, digital PCR.
- From the DNA microarray to NGS-based approaches (RNA-seq).
- Analysis of miRNA expression profiles.
- Exome sequencing.
- "Genome-wide association study" (GWAS) and other genomic approaches for biomedical and environmental applications.
- Epigenomics.
- Genome editing.
- "Case studies" taken from literature: interpretation of results using functional analysis.
Full programme
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Bibliography
“Genomi (IV edizione)”. Brown T.A. EdiSES.
“Fondamenti di bioinformatica”. Citterich M.H. et al. Zanichelli.
“Genetica & genomica nelle scienze mediche”. Strachan T et al. Zanichelli.
Additional material provided by the lecturer: slides and scientific articles for further information.
Teaching methods
The course is organized in frontal lectures and seminars on specific topics, but also includes hands-on training on genomic data
analysis in computer lab.
Assessment methods and criteria
Evaluation of the expected learning achievements will be based on an oral examination that will include the preparation of a slide presentation on a topic agreed upon with the lecturer. The student must also prepare a brief report on hands-on training in informatic laboratory that will be evaluated during the examination.
This will also allow an evaluation of the knowledge acquired by the student during the course as well as an evaluation of the ability to apply such knowledge to address and solve specific experimental problems.
Knowledge, application of knowledge, making judgements and learning ability are verified during the article presentation and laboratory report discussion.
Communication ability is verified through the presentation and replies to questions.
Other information
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