Biotechnologies Applied to Reproduction, Development and Regenerative Medicine

The objective of this course is to provide scientific knowledge on in vitro embryo production, micromanipulation of gametes and embryos, molecular and cellular mechanisms driving embryo development. This knowledge will be applied to stem cell biology, both adult and tissue-specific, as well as embryo-derived. Further knowhow will cover the cutting age technologies such as cell conversion and reprogramming. Information about clinical applications of these techniques for the treatment of infertility and for the improvement of reproductive performances of domestic animals as well as the therapeutic use of stem cells will be critically evaluated. At the end students will be informed about sustainability issues indicating what strategies can be applied in the laboratory to limit environmental impact.

1. Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired advanced knowledge of the biological, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying reproduction, embryonic development and regenerative medicine. They will be familiar with the main biotechnologies applied to in vitro embryo production, gamete and embryo micromanipulation, cryopreservation, cellular reprogramming techniques, and stem cell biology. Students will also understand the scientific basis of the clinical and veterinary applications of these methodologies, as well as the principles and strategies promoting environmental sustainability in laboratory activities.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to understand, perform and interpret the main experimental procedures used in laboratories of reproductive biotechnology, molecular embryology and regenerative medicine. They will be able to critically employ techniques related to in vitro embryo production, gamete preparation, micromanipulation, molecular and epigenetic analyses, cell culture, and stem cell characterization, while adopting appropriate laboratory procedures in accordance with good laboratory practices and sustainability principles.

3. Making judgements
Students will develop the ability to critically analyse experimental data and laboratory results, assessing their reliability, methodological limitations and potential applications in biomedical and veterinary fields. They will also be able to formulate independent evaluations of the scientific, ethical and environmental issues associated with reproductive biotechnologies, stem cell applications and emerging cellular reprogramming technologies.

4. Communication skills
Students will be able to use appropriate scientific terminology to describe biological processes, experimental methodologies and the applications of reproductive biotechnologies and regenerative medicine. They will be able to critically discuss experimental data, interpret research findings and communicate scientific information effectively in both oral and written forms, addressing both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

5. Learning skills
Students will acquire the methodological skills required to independently update their knowledge through consultation of the international scientific literature and the latest technological advances in developmental biology, reproductive biotechnology and regenerative medicine. They will also be able to integrate knowledge from different disciplines and apply it to new research, diagnostic and biotechnological contexts, with particular attention to innovation and environmental sustainability.