APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY TO THE CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBIOTA
cod. 1010235

Academic year 2024/25
1° year of course - First semester
Professors
Academic discipline
Microbiologia generale (BIO/19)
Field
A scelta dello studente
Type of training activity
Student's choice
28 hours
of face-to-face activities
4 credits
hub: PARMA
course unit
in ITALIAN

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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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development

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Contacts

Toll-free number

800 904 084

Student registry office

+39 0521 902604
segreteria.medicinaveterinaria@unipr.it

Quality assurance office

Education manager:
Giulia Branca

+39 0521 902601
Office mail didvet@unipr.it
Manager mail giulia.branca@unipr.it

President of the degree course

Prof. Massimo Malacarne
massimo.malacarne@unipr.it

Faculty advisor

Prof. Mariacristina Ossiprandi
mariacristina.ossiprandi@unipr.it

Career guidance delegate

Prof. Giorgio Morini
giorgio.morini@unipr.it

Erasmus delegates

Prof. Federico Righi
federico.righi@unipr.it

Quality assurance manager

Prof. Giorgio Morini
giorgio.morini@unipr.it

Internships

Prof. Alberto Sabbioni
alberto.sabbioni@unipr.it