Learning objectives
The course allows the student to focus on some problems and solutions needed to acquire the knowledge to understand the main phenomena involved in the biological processes of bacteria.
It aims to provide a multidisciplinary (genomic, ecological) approach for an effective understanding of biological and evolutionary processes in the field of applied microbial ecology.
At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
i) Know the logic and microbiological aspects of human health and welfare.
ii) Be able to analyze and critically interpret data and statistical products / reports (microbiota studies using 16S rRNA microbial profiling as well as shotgun metagenomics approaches).
iii) Knowing how to communicate the results of a research (in the field and empirical) through the preparation of a research report.
iv) Be able to build and manage relationships with people or groups (aimed at achieving the objectives of the planned work.
v) Knowing how to improve their performance (in terms of resources and results) based on a reference standard that respects well-being, biodiversity and sustainability.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The course aims to make the student familiar with concepts, techniques and specifications related to the understanding of the main characteristics of prokaryotic cells. The course aims to provide up-to-date knowledge, derived from the teacher's research, about the role played by microbial, microbiota communities, which colonize the human body, with a focus on the gastro-intestinal sector, with regard to the state of the host's health. Particular attention will be given to the role played by microbial communities in food metabolism and how they are able to modulate/modify the composition of the microbiota. Examples and applications of new functional foods based on both next-generation probiotics as well as prebiotics will be provided. The course also aims to provide an understanding of the main molecular techniques used to study the composition and functionality of complex microbial communities and to appreciate the phenomena that occur in the world of microorganisms in the interaction with food and with humans.
Full programme
-Structure and function of prokaryote cells
-Microbial metabolism and microbial ecosystems
-Microbial evolution and microbial diversity
-Interaction between microorganisms and other organisms
-Interaction of microorganisms with foods in the human gut.
-The microbiota and man: diversity of microbial communities that colonize the human body.
-Complex microbial community biodiversity analysis techniques: metagenomic approaches.
-Food and nutrition of the human gut microbiota: new functional foods
-Interventions with probiotic foods to modulate the composition of the human gut microbiota.
Bibliography
Biologia dei Microrganismi, Deho', Galli, CEA
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures with the screening of educational material.
Assessment methods and criteria
The student will be assessed through an oral interview in which the basic concepts (microbial cell structure, microbial determinants responsible for interaction with the host / environment and other microorganisms) will be verified. Once the first phase of the interview has been completed, the student's logical and critical ability in dealing with an animal microbiota study will be verified, evaluating its ability to integrate innovative interventions (on the front of used technologies and biological bases) that go to protect well-being and sustainability.
At the same time terminological correctness, consistency between the student's answer and the question posed, rigor and attention to the logic of the supply chain, demonstration of a multiomics and multidisciplinary systemic approach, demonstration of having acquired those transversal skills so decisive and incisive in professional life.
In exceptional cases and, at the express request of the student himself, the verification in written form is foreseen. With regard to female students and students with specific learning disabilities (with reference to the ministerial decree 12th July 2011) dispensatory measures and compensatory tools will be applied, ie oral tests, use of PCs with spell check and speech synthesis, but above all, will be granted an extra time up to a maximum of 30% more or a quantitative reduction will be provided. In any case, the evaluation logic followed, in these circumstances, will evaluate the contents rather than the form.
Other information
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