Molecular Genetics and Animal Models
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The integrated course of Molecular Genetics and Animal Models aims to provide students of the Biotechnology Degree Course, Veterinary curriculum, with the elements to study the theory and the main applications of molecular genetics in animal breeding and selection, as well as to give the basics of the main techniques of molecular genetics. Some specific aspects of genetics will be deepened regarding the breeding of laboratory animals.
In addition, the course with the Laboratory Animal Breeding module, provides the basis for training a biotechnologist with regard to the management of laboratory animals (Rodents, Lagomorphs) in compliance with current European legislation and the 3R principle. Finally, particular emphasis will be given to animal welfare, also illustrating non-invasive imaging methods for studying the thermoregulation of the animal during its use for experimental purposes.
In addition, the course with the Laboratory Animal Breeding module, provides the basis for training a biotechnologist with regard to the management of laboratory animals (Rodents, Lagomorphs) in compliance with current European legislation and the 3R principle. Finally, particular emphasis will be given to animal welfare, also illustrating non-invasive imaging methods for studying the thermoregulation of the animal during its use for experimental purposes.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire basic information regarding the management of laboratory animals in the technical-managerial, environmental and with aspects of biology respecting the welfare standards in force at European level. To achieve this goal, in addition to lectures, it is planned to carry out exercises at research facilities in the sector and at specialized centers for the breeding of laboratory animals. Students will consolidate their knowledge of general genetics and will acquire specific information about the genetic principles and techniques underlying breeding, selection and diagnostic in domestic and laboratory animals with a molecular genetic approach. To achieve these objectives, in addition to lectures, molecular genetics exercises and practical seminars (with attention to fragment analysis and classical sequencing systems) and data analysis are planned at the Department laboratories, as well as in centers of excellence of the territory.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
Lesson period
Second semester
Teaching methods
The lectures will be held on Microsoft Teams/Adobe Connect platforms.
The students will be able to attend them in synch (timetable for the second half of the year where it is still necessary): on Ariel platform will be left the PDF files, at students' disposal.
Program and study material
The program and the study material will not change.
Assessment method and evaluation criteria
The examination will be in oral form through Microsoft Teams.
The exams is aimed at assessing:
- the achievement of the objectives;
- the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding;
- Student's ability of independent judgment;
- Student's mastery of specific language.
The lectures will be held on Microsoft Teams/Adobe Connect platforms.
The students will be able to attend them in synch (timetable for the second half of the year where it is still necessary): on Ariel platform will be left the PDF files, at students' disposal.
Program and study material
The program and the study material will not change.
Assessment method and evaluation criteria
The examination will be in oral form through Microsoft Teams.
The exams is aimed at assessing:
- the achievement of the objectives;
- the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding;
- Student's ability of independent judgment;
- Student's mastery of specific language.
Course syllabus
Modulo Prof. Longeri
Overview: selection in farm, companion and lab animals (mainly Rodents). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Animal selection pipeline: breeder association, stud books, registers, the concept of genetic evaluation of breed animals (total hours: 2)
Qualitative and quantitative characters (total hours:1)
Genes for animal production. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism. Principles and methods of PCR, PCR / RFLP and electrophoresis techniques. (total hours: 5)
Genes for animal health. Principles and methods of automatised nucleotide sequencing and allele-specific PCR. (total hours: 6)
Molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, paternity test, traceability, estimation of genetic diversity. Principles and methods of fragments analysis. (total hours: 6)
Segregation, linkage, and mapping and the modifications of Mendel's original genetic model. Molecular markers for gene mapping, concept of haplotype. Outline on SNP microarrays. (total hours: 4)
Exercises
Educational visits in specialized Laboratories working on molecular genetics applied to domestic and lab animals (total hours: 8)
Individual lab practice on the following techniques: animal nucleic acid extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR / RFLP, agar and acrylamide electrophoresis, nucleotide sequencing, fragment analysis (total hours: 10)
Individual in silico practice in on the following topics: primer design, restriction sites identification, sequence alignment. Surfing in on-line genome databases. (total hours: 8)
Seminars/practice of bioinformatics (methabolic pathways, protein modeling and prediction softwares and databases. (total hours 6)
Modulo Prof. Luzi
Lectures
Management and breeding of mice and rats (total hours: 3)
Management and breeding guinea pig (total hours: 1)
Management and breeding rabbit (total hours: 1)
Environment and welfare of the laboratory animals (total hours: 3)
The legislation in force in the European context and ethical aspects (total hours: 3)
Main animal models in biomedical research and mentions about their molecular biology (total hours: 3)
Job training and biohazard of the personnel (total hours: 2)
Exercises
Visits to breeding of laboratory animals (total hours. 8)
Visits to industries operating in the field of laboratory animal facilities (total hours. 4)
Visits to research centers that use laboratory animals (total hours. 4)
[Program for not attending students with reference to descriptor 1 and 2]:
identical to that of the attending students
Overview: selection in farm, companion and lab animals (mainly Rodents). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Animal selection pipeline: breeder association, stud books, registers, the concept of genetic evaluation of breed animals (total hours: 2)
Qualitative and quantitative characters (total hours:1)
Genes for animal production. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism. Principles and methods of PCR, PCR / RFLP and electrophoresis techniques. (total hours: 5)
Genes for animal health. Principles and methods of automatised nucleotide sequencing and allele-specific PCR. (total hours: 6)
Molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, paternity test, traceability, estimation of genetic diversity. Principles and methods of fragments analysis. (total hours: 6)
Segregation, linkage, and mapping and the modifications of Mendel's original genetic model. Molecular markers for gene mapping, concept of haplotype. Outline on SNP microarrays. (total hours: 4)
Exercises
Educational visits in specialized Laboratories working on molecular genetics applied to domestic and lab animals (total hours: 8)
Individual lab practice on the following techniques: animal nucleic acid extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR / RFLP, agar and acrylamide electrophoresis, nucleotide sequencing, fragment analysis (total hours: 10)
Individual in silico practice in on the following topics: primer design, restriction sites identification, sequence alignment. Surfing in on-line genome databases. (total hours: 8)
Seminars/practice of bioinformatics (methabolic pathways, protein modeling and prediction softwares and databases. (total hours 6)
Modulo Prof. Luzi
Lectures
Management and breeding of mice and rats (total hours: 3)
Management and breeding guinea pig (total hours: 1)
Management and breeding rabbit (total hours: 1)
Environment and welfare of the laboratory animals (total hours: 3)
The legislation in force in the European context and ethical aspects (total hours: 3)
Main animal models in biomedical research and mentions about their molecular biology (total hours: 3)
Job training and biohazard of the personnel (total hours: 2)
Exercises
Visits to breeding of laboratory animals (total hours. 8)
Visits to industries operating in the field of laboratory animal facilities (total hours. 4)
Visits to research centers that use laboratory animals (total hours. 4)
[Program for not attending students with reference to descriptor 1 and 2]:
identical to that of the attending students
Prerequisites for admission
To support the Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals module it is a prerequisite to have passed the Genetics exam of the first year.
Teaching methods
Module Prof. Longeri
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes, especially for in silico exercises, links to websites will be used
Module Prof. Luzi
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes links to websites will be used.
[Teaching language]:
Italian
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes, especially for in silico exercises, links to websites will be used
Module Prof. Luzi
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes links to websites will be used.
[Teaching language]:
Italian
Teaching Resources
On the Ariel platform are available the lecture notes of the course consisting mainly of the slides projected and explained in class, each additional support shown during the lessons and exercises and any additional material that the teacher has mentioned and which he considers useful for the preparation of the student. The teaching material provided is very useful for passing the exam.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination of the integrated course consists of a joint oral test for the two modules
To support the Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals module it is a prerequisite to have passed the Genetics exam of the first year.
The candidate will be examined through an interview. The questions will assess the level of knowledge of the arguments developed during the modules of the integrated course.
To support the Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals module it is a prerequisite to have passed the Genetics exam of the first year.
The candidate will be examined through an interview. The questions will assess the level of knowledge of the arguments developed during the modules of the integrated course.
Management of laboratory animals
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Luzi Fabio
Molecular genetics in domestic animals
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
Practicals: 8 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Longeri Maria Lina Emilia
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment to be requested via e-mail
Lodi Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali - floor III, room 3090