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 microbial ecology applied to animals.
At the end of the course students are expected to be able to:
i) Know the logic and microbiological aspects of animal health and welfare.
ii) Knowing how to plan and manage microbiological intervention plans aimed at sustainable management of the livestock farm;
iii) Knowing how to build new zootechnical realities that respect and guarantee microbial biodiversity through a strong and decisive impact on public health;
iv) Be able to propose new strategies to control infectious diseases through new therapeutic strategies based on the relationship between microbiota and host;
v) 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).
vi) Knowing how to communicate the results of a research (in the field and empirical) through the preparation of a research report.
vii) Be able to build and manage relationships with people or groups (each actor in the entire livestock supply chain) aimed at achieving the objectives of the planned work.
viii) 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
This course familiarizes students with concepts, techniques and issues related to applied microbiology. It provides students an understanding of main phenomena occurring in the complex microbial communities with respect their interaction with farm and pet animals.
Full programme
Introduction to bacteriology
Interaction of bacteria with the environment
Biodiversity study of complex microbial communities
Metagenomic approaches to assess microbiota functionality
Microbiota and dysbiosis
The ruminal microbiota of cattle
The cecal microbiota of poultry
The canine intestinal microbiota
Probiotic bacteria
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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