Biomolecular Experiment Planning
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge for the practical setting and organization of biomolecular experimental approaches by focusing mainly on the bottom-up experimental planning, the criteria for the choice of the methodologies, the critic point assessment, and the experiment tracking documentation.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to critically plan biomolecular experimental projects for the resolution of biotechnological problems.
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
Student can choose to attend this course at the first or at the second year (II semester).
As the skills acquired with this course are useful for the experimental degree internship activities, students are warmly recommended to attend the course in the first year.
Attendance at classes is strongly recommended since the single lessons are strictly connected with the previous ones.
It should be noted that the learning objectives, the expected learning outcomes and the program of this course ("Biomolecular experiment planning") are different from those described for "Biostatistics and design of experiments in biotechnology".
Analytical and preparative methodologies. Differences between analytical and preparative modes of a methodology and their role in an experimental approach. [0.2 CFU]
Experimental approach as a proper and sequential combination of different methodologies. [0.2 CFU]
Identification of the experimental aim and the effect on the plan. The search of most informative experimental aims. [0.5 CFU]
Qualitative and quantitative data. [0.2 CFU]
The importance of control samples in the application of a methodology. [0.1 CFU]
Bottom-up experimental planning. [0.2 CFU]
The experimental aim as starting point in building up an experimental approach. Choice of the methodologies and the assessment of the critic points. The importance of the sample material. [0.35 CFU]
Experimental documentation. The tracking of the experiment data. Image densitometry analysis to generate qualitative and semi-quantitative data from electrophoretic and blotting analyses. Simple data elaboration and presentation (e.g. reiterated calculations, standard curve, inhibition curve). [0.25 CFU]
The above-mentioned points will be limited to the experimental approaches based on biomolecular methodologies (e.g.: chromatography methods, enzyme methods, immunochemical assays, colorimetric assays, inhibition assays, electrophoretic methods, blotting analyses, DNA manipulation methods, etc.), and most part of the program will be exposed with the help of real case studies.
As the skills acquired with this course are useful for the experimental degree internship activities, students are warmly recommended to attend the course in the first year.
Attendance at classes is strongly recommended since the single lessons are strictly connected with the previous ones.
It should be noted that the learning objectives, the expected learning outcomes and the program of this course ("Biomolecular experiment planning") are different from those described for "Biostatistics and design of experiments in biotechnology".
Analytical and preparative methodologies. Differences between analytical and preparative modes of a methodology and their role in an experimental approach. [0.2 CFU]
Experimental approach as a proper and sequential combination of different methodologies. [0.2 CFU]
Identification of the experimental aim and the effect on the plan. The search of most informative experimental aims. [0.5 CFU]
Qualitative and quantitative data. [0.2 CFU]
The importance of control samples in the application of a methodology. [0.1 CFU]
Bottom-up experimental planning. [0.2 CFU]
The experimental aim as starting point in building up an experimental approach. Choice of the methodologies and the assessment of the critic points. The importance of the sample material. [0.35 CFU]
Experimental documentation. The tracking of the experiment data. Image densitometry analysis to generate qualitative and semi-quantitative data from electrophoretic and blotting analyses. Simple data elaboration and presentation (e.g. reiterated calculations, standard curve, inhibition curve). [0.25 CFU]
The above-mentioned points will be limited to the experimental approaches based on biomolecular methodologies (e.g.: chromatography methods, enzyme methods, immunochemical assays, colorimetric assays, inhibition assays, electrophoretic methods, blotting analyses, DNA manipulation methods, etc.), and most part of the program will be exposed with the help of real case studies.
Prerequisites for admission
General knowledge of the principles of biochemistry and molecular biology methodologies.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures
Teaching Resources
Slides of any single lecture, unit handouts and bibliographic material will be provided by the teacher through the myAriel online platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Final score is expressed in thirtieths and results from a combination of the oral interview (weighted at 86.7%) and in-class participation (worth up to 4 points, accounting for 13.3% of the total).
The interview will start with one or two questions prompted by a figure showing results from a selected scientific paper. It will assess the student's ability to understand, comment on and plan an experimental approach, as well as to consider elements to organize and choose the appropriate experimental methodologies. The selected paper may be chosen from those available in the myAriel site, or proposed by the student, subject to prior agreement with the teacher.
Active in-class participation is an essential formative component of this course. It will be assessed quantitatively, with attention to the frequency and consistency of student engagement, rather than to the sophistication or correctness of each contribution. Questions, requests for clarification, or even simple comments - whether expressed orally or in writing - are all welcome, as they help foster a shared learning environment and stimulate collective discussion.
For students who take the exam as non-attending, active in-class participation is replaced by a 30-minute written quiz on the course program, to be taken on the same day and shortly before the oral exam. The quiz consists of four closed or multiple-choice questions, each requiring mandatorily a brief justification. Each correct and well-justified answer is worth up to 1 point, for a maximum of 4 points. The score obtained replaces the in-class active participation component and is added to the oral interview result. It should be noted that, unlike in-class active participation, which is assessed quantitatively, the evaluation of the written quiz is based on a qualitative assessment of both the correctness of the answers and the adequacy of their justifications.
At the end of the course, students who have already obtained a in-class active participation score may choose to replace it with the written quiz. This choice is irreversible and must be communicated via email before the exam date.
Specific procedures for exams to students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (DSA) will be applied. Here the complete information:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
In case you need specific procedures, please inform the teacher by mail at least 10 days before the exam, including in the addresses [email protected] or [email protected]
The interview will start with one or two questions prompted by a figure showing results from a selected scientific paper. It will assess the student's ability to understand, comment on and plan an experimental approach, as well as to consider elements to organize and choose the appropriate experimental methodologies. The selected paper may be chosen from those available in the myAriel site, or proposed by the student, subject to prior agreement with the teacher.
Active in-class participation is an essential formative component of this course. It will be assessed quantitatively, with attention to the frequency and consistency of student engagement, rather than to the sophistication or correctness of each contribution. Questions, requests for clarification, or even simple comments - whether expressed orally or in writing - are all welcome, as they help foster a shared learning environment and stimulate collective discussion.
For students who take the exam as non-attending, active in-class participation is replaced by a 30-minute written quiz on the course program, to be taken on the same day and shortly before the oral exam. The quiz consists of four closed or multiple-choice questions, each requiring mandatorily a brief justification. Each correct and well-justified answer is worth up to 1 point, for a maximum of 4 points. The score obtained replaces the in-class active participation component and is added to the oral interview result. It should be noted that, unlike in-class active participation, which is assessed quantitatively, the evaluation of the written quiz is based on a qualitative assessment of both the correctness of the answers and the adequacy of their justifications.
At the end of the course, students who have already obtained a in-class active participation score may choose to replace it with the written quiz. This choice is irreversible and must be communicated via email before the exam date.
Specific procedures for exams to students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (DSA) will be applied. Here the complete information:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
In case you need specific procedures, please inform the teacher by mail at least 10 days before the exam, including in the addresses [email protected] or [email protected]
BIOS-07/A - Biochemistry - University credits: 2
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Forlani Fabio
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Forlani FabioProfessor(s)
Reception:
By appointment (request by email)
DeFENS - Sezione di Scienze Chimiche e Biomolecolari (ex DISMA; bldg 21040 Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie e Alimentari)