Laboratory methods for biodiversity
A.A. 2026/2027
Obiettivi formativi
The aim of the course is to provide: a) theoretical and practical knowledge about biodiversity; b) evidence of how this knowledge could be acquired through the interdisciplinary scientific approach; c) the ability to identify organisms and biological specimens.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
Acquisition of methods to study biodiversity in animal and plant kingdoms, using cell and molecular biology techniques.
Periodo: Secondo semestre
Modalità di valutazione: Esame
Giudizio di valutazione: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Corso singolo
Questo insegnamento può essere seguito come corso singolo.
Programma e organizzazione didattica
Edizione unica
Responsabile
Periodo
Secondo semestre
Programma
>>DNA Extraction and Molecular Markers
DNA extraction from animal and/or plant tissues. PCR amplification of molecular markers and gel electrophoresis. Basic principles of the use of molecular markers for genotyping (paternity test) and for assessing genetic variability in animals and plants.
>>Bioinformatics for Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis
Principles of Bioinformatics: extraction of nucleic acid sequences from public databases, sequence comparison, multi-alignment and reconstruction of phylogenetic trees. Overview of basic software for the above-mentioned analyses and protein sequence analysis.
>>High‑Performance Computing for Genomic Data
Modern genetic analyses generate massive datasets (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, metagenomics), requiring efficient computational strategies. Introduction to High Performance Computing (Unix basics, remote computing, command-line tools) applied to genome-scale data analysis (sequencing technologies, bioinformatics file formats, basic analytical workflows).
>>Flow Cytometry and Plant Ploidy Estimation
Practical training on plant ploidy estimation using flow cytometry. Students will learn how to isolate nuclei from fresh plant tissues, prepare samples for flow cytometric analysis, and estimate nuclear DNA content and ploidy levels. The course will also highlight the role of ploidy variation in plant biodiversity, evolution, and species diversification.
>>Microbial diversity in the environment
Practical training on microbial diversity in environmental samples. Students will apply standard microbiological techniques to investigate the composition of microbial communities in environmental samples. Bacterial isolates will be characterized, and results will be discussed in the context of modern methods for microbial identification and diversity assessment.
DNA extraction from animal and/or plant tissues. PCR amplification of molecular markers and gel electrophoresis. Basic principles of the use of molecular markers for genotyping (paternity test) and for assessing genetic variability in animals and plants.
>>Bioinformatics for Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis
Principles of Bioinformatics: extraction of nucleic acid sequences from public databases, sequence comparison, multi-alignment and reconstruction of phylogenetic trees. Overview of basic software for the above-mentioned analyses and protein sequence analysis.
>>High‑Performance Computing for Genomic Data
Modern genetic analyses generate massive datasets (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, metagenomics), requiring efficient computational strategies. Introduction to High Performance Computing (Unix basics, remote computing, command-line tools) applied to genome-scale data analysis (sequencing technologies, bioinformatics file formats, basic analytical workflows).
>>Flow Cytometry and Plant Ploidy Estimation
Practical training on plant ploidy estimation using flow cytometry. Students will learn how to isolate nuclei from fresh plant tissues, prepare samples for flow cytometric analysis, and estimate nuclear DNA content and ploidy levels. The course will also highlight the role of ploidy variation in plant biodiversity, evolution, and species diversification.
>>Microbial diversity in the environment
Practical training on microbial diversity in environmental samples. Students will apply standard microbiological techniques to investigate the composition of microbial communities in environmental samples. Bacterial isolates will be characterized, and results will be discussed in the context of modern methods for microbial identification and diversity assessment.
Prerequisiti
Basic knowledge of general biology, genetics, cytology and animal and plant histology. Knowledge of the systematics and development of plants and animals.
Metodi didattici
Lectures/seminars are accompanied by practical lessons in the laboratory, or at the computer, where students work together in small groups.
Materiale di riferimento
Files used for lectures/seminars, scientific articles and protocols used during laboratory experiences will be shared with students during the course and/or later via the MyAriel website.
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
This interdisciplinary course requires students to take a single final examination. Participation in laboratory activities is compulsory. To be eligible for the final exam, students must attend at least 80% of the total teaching hours.
The exam involves giving a 15-minute oral presentation in English on a topic chosen by the student. This presentation must be based on a scientific research article that includes some of the experimental methods covered during the course. Students must submit the selected article to the course instructor for approval no later than two weeks before the examination.
Students must also prepare a PowerPoint or PDF presentation to support their talk. This should provide a brief introduction to the study and focus primarily on the 'Materials and Methods' section. It should conclude with a critical discussion of the results. Review articles are not acceptable and will not be approved.
The presentation will be followed by a discussion with the board of examiners.
Final grades will be awarded on the Italian scale of 18-30/30.
The exam involves giving a 15-minute oral presentation in English on a topic chosen by the student. This presentation must be based on a scientific research article that includes some of the experimental methods covered during the course. Students must submit the selected article to the course instructor for approval no later than two weeks before the examination.
Students must also prepare a PowerPoint or PDF presentation to support their talk. This should provide a brief introduction to the study and focus primarily on the 'Materials and Methods' section. It should conclude with a critical discussion of the results. Review articles are not acceptable and will not be approved.
The presentation will be followed by a discussion with the board of examiners.
Final grades will be awarded on the Italian scale of 18-30/30.
BIOS-01/A - Botanica generale - CFU: 2
BIOS-01/B - Botanica sistematica - CFU: 2
BIOS-03/A - Zoologia - CFU: 1
BIOS-15/A - Microbiologia - CFU: 1
BIOS-01/B - Botanica sistematica - CFU: 2
BIOS-03/A - Zoologia - CFU: 1
BIOS-15/A - Microbiologia - CFU: 1
Lezioni: 48 ore
Docenti:
Cucinotta Mara, Gianfranceschi Luca Enrico Angelo, Horner David Stephen, Rossi Elio, Sherpa Stephanie
Turni:
Docente/i
Ricevimento:
Su appuntamento richiesto via e-mail
Studio 2° piano Torre C, Dip. Bioscienze
Ricevimento:
Giovedi 14.00 - 17.00
Via Celoria 26, Torre B, Piano 2