Foods Resources
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide an overview of the main food sources of plant and animal origin. In the plant part of the course, will be provided a historical, evolutionary, and multidisciplinary overview of the main technologies used in agriculture for the genetic improvement of agri-food resources starting from the domestication process. For the animal part, the course aims to provide an overview of the main food sources of animal origin, comparing different dietary regimes. Differences from the point of view of health, environmental sustainability and ethical implications of different production systems will be discussed.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired basic knowledge about traditional breeding and genetic engineering techniques used for the nutritional improvement of seeds and fruits of crops of interest, from cereals to some horticultural crops, and an overview of the main food sources of agricultural origin, the methods of cultivation (intensive, biologic, and organic). In addition, they will have acquired basic knowledge about the regulations and legislation related to the registration of new varieties, both GMO and non-GMO. Finally, they will have acquired knowledge about the main food sources of animal origin, different dietary regimes, differences from the point of view of health, environmental sustainability, and the ethical implications of different production systems.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Part 1
History of plant domestication and green revolution
Genetic improvement of plants; classic methods, mutagenesis and cross-breeding.
Genetic engineering for qualitative and nutritional improvement of seeds and fruits.
Some examples of the "first generation" genetically modified organisms.
Classical and modern agriculture: the main crops and different cultivation methods.
Seeds and fruits: anatomical-morphological characteristics and nutritional value.
Nutritional improvement of seeds and fruits.
Regulation of registration of new varieties, the question of GMOs.
Part 2
The history of the animal domestication.
The differences between wild and domestic animals.
Fisheries and aquaculture.
Possible strategies to improve the quality of foods of animal origin.
Environmental impact of various dietary patterns.
Apiculture and derived products for human nutrition.
Animal welfare.
Alternative protein sources to meat: potential of insects as food and feed.
History of plant domestication and green revolution
Genetic improvement of plants; classic methods, mutagenesis and cross-breeding.
Genetic engineering for qualitative and nutritional improvement of seeds and fruits.
Some examples of the "first generation" genetically modified organisms.
Classical and modern agriculture: the main crops and different cultivation methods.
Seeds and fruits: anatomical-morphological characteristics and nutritional value.
Nutritional improvement of seeds and fruits.
Regulation of registration of new varieties, the question of GMOs.
Part 2
The history of the animal domestication.
The differences between wild and domestic animals.
Fisheries and aquaculture.
Possible strategies to improve the quality of foods of animal origin.
Environmental impact of various dietary patterns.
Apiculture and derived products for human nutrition.
Animal welfare.
Alternative protein sources to meat: potential of insects as food and feed.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must have a solid background in cell biology, plant anatomy, botany, animal biology, zoology, molecular biology and genetics.
Teaching methods
Course delivery method based on lectures supported by projected material. Two 2-hours lessons per week.
Teaching Resources
Reference material
The material includes the slides, videos shown during the course and scientific articles that will be distributed by the lecturers. The slides of the course do not constitute sufficient material for the preparation of the exam; it is therefore necessary to combine them with notes taken during the lectures. The course will be likely integrated by specific seminars and the discussion of pertinent scientific articles.
The material includes the slides, videos shown during the course and scientific articles that will be distributed by the lecturers. The slides of the course do not constitute sufficient material for the preparation of the exam; it is therefore necessary to combine them with notes taken during the lectures. The course will be likely integrated by specific seminars and the discussion of pertinent scientific articles.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a written test with open-ended questions (n. 3 questions on part 1 and n.3 questions on part 2). The questions will focus on the topics described during the course and are intended to assess both the theoretical knowledge and the ability of the student to reason about the topics covered. The examination will take 2 hours and the final mark will be communicated by email. The mark will be awarded in a grade out of thirty.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Caccia Silvia, Ezquer Garin Juan Ignacio
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
thursday morning, by previous email to fix the time
office of the professor, via Celoria 26, piano terra torre B
Reception:
previo appuntamento richiesto per e-mail