Advanced techniques in medical biotechnology

A.Y. 2020/2021
6
Max ECTS
42
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/10 BIO/11 BIO/13 MED/40
Language
English
Learning objectives
A hands-on course designed to improve familiarity with basic techniques and new state-of-the-art methods currently used by biotechnology applied to medicine. Any knowledge required for understanding these methods will be given to the students.
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to: Understand the basic theoretical aspects of gene technology; Understand the application and processes of biotechnology; Competently perform advanced molecular biological techniques.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
All classes planned during the third trimester of the first year of the Master Degree Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, will be given as frontal teaching and distance synchronous learning. In case of a new suspension of frontal lectures, all students will be asked to move to distance synchronous learning.
Each hour of lesson will be divided into 45' of formal teaching followed by 15' of discussion/interaction/question time. All lessons will be recorded and made available for students on the indicated platforms (i.e. Ariel, TEAMS, etc).
Unless otherwise specified, exams will be organized in classroom but if the student is unable to reach the building for COVID-related issues, other forms will be considered (this apply for exams scheduled until the 31st July - 2021).
Course syllabus
Molecular biology:
The use of high throughput omics technologies to identify biomarkers in human disease.
Obstetrics and gynecology:
The application of human reproductive technology and biotechnologies for the study of placental functions and fetal growth.
Biology:
The concept of "personalized medicine" and the impact that our enhanced understanding of genetics has on modern medicine.
The use of model organisms to functionally validate gene mutations; particular attention will be given to zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Biochemistry:
The rapidly emerging field of metabolomics: its importance and applications with particular attention to lipidomics.
The use of web tools for protein-protein interaction and pathways analysis (bioinformatics laboratory).
Prerequisites for admission
This is an advanced course of molecular biology and genetics that also integrates aspects of biochemistry, cell biology and bioinformatics. Students should have a basic background (undergraduate level) in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics.
Teaching methods
The professors will use the following teaching methods: 1) frontal lessons supported by visual means (powerpoint presentation and short video); 2)use of conceptual maps provided by the professor ; 3) reading scientific articles; 4) practical activities under the guidance of the professor during the teaching hours. Usage of opensource video. The teaching materials (i.e. scientific articles, powerpoint presentation ) will be available on Ariel platform of the course.
Teaching Resources
A website dedicated to the course will contain all the presentations and a selection oreview articles.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students' evaluation will be assessed through an oral exam regarding a project work based on the integration of various subjects. The final mark will take into account the capacity for critical reasoning on the study carried out, the quality of exposure, the competence in the use of specialized vocabulary and specificity.
Biochemistry
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 14 hours
Biology
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 14 hours
Molecular biology
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 7 hours
Obstetrics and gynecology
MED/40 - OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 7 hours
Professor: Mando' Chiara
Professor(s)
Reception:
to be defined by email
Palazzo LITA, via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054, Segrate
Reception:
to be scheduled, please email me for additional information
LITA, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Segrate, MI