Molecular Genetics and Animal Models
A.Y. 2021/2022
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.
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 are planned at facilities of the Univesity of Milan , as well as in other 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
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2021/22 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
Module Prof. Longeri
Lectures (24 hs)
The selection of farm, pet and lab animals (mainly Rodents). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Breeder associations, stud books, registers, the concept of genetic evaluation of breeding stock (2hs)
Qualitative and quantitative characters (2hs)
Genes of veterinary interest. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism. Principles and methods of PCR, PCR / RFLP and electrophoresis techniques. (6hs)
Principles and methods of automated nucleotide sequencing. (4hs)
Molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, paternity test, traceability, estimation of genetic diversity. Principles and methods of fragments analysis. (6hs)
Association and linkage. Molecular markers for gene mapping, haplotype concept. Hints of gene mapping with SNP microarray. (4hs)
Practicals (32hs)
Educational visits to service and research Laboratories specialized in the application to animalmolecular genetics (8hs)
Individual laboratory practice on the following techniques: mammalian nucleic acid extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction, agarose electrophoresis, Sanger sequence and fragment analysis (16hs)
Individual practice of in in silico analysis on the following topics: design of primers for PCR, identification of enzymes to set up a restriction, reading and alignment test of nucleotide sequences. Navigation in NCBI and Ensemble genomics databases (4hs)
Seminars (4hs)
Modulo Prof. Luzi
Lectures (16hs)
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)
Exercitation (16hs)
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
Lectures (24 hs)
The selection of farm, pet and lab animals (mainly Rodents). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Breeder associations, stud books, registers, the concept of genetic evaluation of breeding stock (2hs)
Qualitative and quantitative characters (2hs)
Genes of veterinary interest. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism. Principles and methods of PCR, PCR / RFLP and electrophoresis techniques. (6hs)
Principles and methods of automated nucleotide sequencing. (4hs)
Molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, paternity test, traceability, estimation of genetic diversity. Principles and methods of fragments analysis. (6hs)
Association and linkage. Molecular markers for gene mapping, haplotype concept. Hints of gene mapping with SNP microarray. (4hs)
Practicals (32hs)
Educational visits to service and research Laboratories specialized in the application to animalmolecular genetics (8hs)
Individual laboratory practice on the following techniques: mammalian nucleic acid extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction, agarose electrophoresis, Sanger sequence and fragment analysis (16hs)
Individual practice of in in silico analysis on the following topics: design of primers for PCR, identification of enzymes to set up a restriction, reading and alignment test of nucleotide sequences. Navigation in NCBI and Ensemble genomics databases (4hs)
Seminars (4hs)
Modulo Prof. Luzi
Lectures (16hs)
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)
Exercitation (16hs)
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
Prof. Longeri Module
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.
Prof. Luzi Module
· Collana sugli "Animali da Laboratorio", CRC Press
· M.A. Suckow et al. (2001) "Management of Laboratory Animal Care and Use Programs", CRC Press, USA
· Van Zutphen L.F.M., Baumans V., Beynen. (1996) Principi di Scienza dell'Animale da Laboratorio. La Goliardica Pavese
· Web sites
. Papers
· Slides
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.
Prof. Luzi Module
· Collana sugli "Animali da Laboratorio", CRC Press
· M.A. Suckow et al. (2001) "Management of Laboratory Animal Care and Use Programs", CRC Press, USA
· Van Zutphen L.F.M., Baumans V., Beynen. (1996) Principi di Scienza dell'Animale da Laboratorio. La Goliardica Pavese
· Web sites
. Papers
· Slides
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination of the integrated course consists of a joint oral test for the two modules
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.
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