Learning objectives
The educational objectives of the course are:
- A thorough understanding of model systems for the study of complex processes such as development, differentiation, and cell division.
- The acquisition of genetic concepts and methodologies, with emphasis on those used in the genetic dissection of complex processes.
- The ability to understand and develop genetics and molecular genetics methodologies that can find useful applications in biological, biomedical, and biotechnological research.
- The ability to frame scientific problems and experimental strategies suitable for the achievement of stated objectives.
- The ability to apply knowledge to solving specific problems in research contexts related to the field of study.
- The achievement of communication skills and independent judgment.
Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to:
- Possess in-depth knowledge and ability to understand genetic and epigenetic phenomena, related to the development of morphological or behavioral characteristics.
- Be able to apply the acquired knowledge in the biomedical field.
- Has the ability to integrate the knowledge of genetics and epigenetics.
- Knows how to communicate acquired knowledge clearly and unambiguously.
- Can critically and independently analyze controversial issues and knowledge gaps in epigenetics.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Genetics, Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
Course unit content
Part 1
This course aims to address the basics of developmental biology. It will review general aspects of evolution, adaptation, and natural selection underlying the processes that regulate animal development. The genetic basis of the developmental regulation of phenotypes, from an evolutionary point of view (adaptation and natural selection), will be discussed. Examples of model and non-model organisms will be used. Aspects of genomics and techniques currently used in research will be addressed.
Part 2
The course will focus on studying genetic and epigenetic processes in the context of developmental biology (gene regulation) incorporating aspects related to cell differentiation and proliferation. Factors related to the characterization of gene regulation and cell differentiation currently used in research will also be covered.
The course will involve reading and discussing scientific articles on topics related to the teaching program as well as in-class exercises with data provided by the instructor.
Full programme
- Fundamentals of genetics.
- Fundamentals of developmental biology.
- Fundamental principles of evolutionary biology.
- Genomic organization.
- The cell cycle and sex chromosomes.
- From genetics to genomics.
- Classical model systems and natural populations for developmental biology studies.
- General description of phylogenetic relationships and their significance, a complex of organisms, phenotypes and genes.
- Importance of evolution in the molecular architecture of animal development.
- Genetic basis for phenotypic evolution.
- Adaptation and natural selection.
- Forward and reverse genetic.
- Evolvability, phenotypic plasticity, canalization.
- Pathways of development, necessity versus sufficiency.
- Concepts of gene regulation and gene regulatory networks.
- Epigenetics: what it is and what it studies.
- Epigenetics, chromatin, and evolution.
- Functional genetics and CRISPR.
- Tools, techniques, and methodologies for the whole-genome analysis of genetic variability.
- Examples of studies aimed at identifying genomic regions associated with phenotypic changes.
- Discussion of articles related to course topics.
Bibliography
Teaching materials will be provided by the lecturer through the Elly platform and consist of PowerPoint slides, videos, and articles to be read and discussed in class.
Teaching methods
Online lectures in which student participation in discussion of the topics covered will be encouraged. Themed guest lectures and classroom exercises with data provided by the lecturer are also planned.
Assessment methods and criteria
Verification of acquired knowledge will be done through three partial tests that will be organized monthly during the semester. Each partial test consists of a series of multiple-choice questions and questions involving a short open answer. The final grade will be obtained by averaging the grades of the three partial tests. For those who do not take the partial tests, examinations on the entire course syllabus are scheduled in examination sessions determined by the degree program. The final examination consists of a written and oral test.
Other information
Additional information and teaching materials are available at the website: https://elly2022.scvsa.unipr.it/enrol/index.php?id=434
