Study-unit MOLECULAR AND ANALYTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES LABORATORY

Course name Biotechnology
Study-unit Code A000976
Curriculum Comune a tutti i curricula
CFU 9
Course Regulation Coorte 2023
Supplied 2024/25
Supplied other course regulation
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Type of learning activities Attività formativa integrata
Partition

MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

Code 55072403
CFU 6
Learning activities Caratterizzante
Area Discipline biotecnologiche con finalità specifiche:mediche e terapeutiche
Sector MED/07
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)

Canale A

CFU 6
Lecturer Barbara Camilloni
Lecturers
  • Barbara Camilloni
Hours
  • 57 ore - Barbara Camilloni
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Microbiology and Virology: biochemical, genetic, molecular and immunological bases of microorganisms necessary for understanding the pathogenesis and clinical of the infectious diseases that these organisms transmit; Next generation sequencing techniques (NGS) for the identification of microorganisms; Biochemistry techniques; Molecular Genetics techniques; Molecular Biology Techniques; Cytofluorimetry techniques.
Reference texts Teaching material provided by the Professor related to the topics covered.
Educational objectives The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical basics of some of the most important techniques commonly used in molecular biotechnology. To this end, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics and molecular biology techniques will be discussed. Sequencing techniques will also be analyzed with particular attention to the most innovative new generation techniques (next-generation sequencing - NGS). A fundamental aspect of teaching will be to highlight how the different technologies discussed can be integrated to answer complex biological questions.
Prerequisites No prerequisites required.
Teaching methods The course will be held through lectures in which the professor explains the basics, also through the aid of visual aids, and provides practical examples to facilitate their understanding, through practical exercises in the laboratory related to the techniques explained and the use of interactive laboratories.
Other information Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
Lessons will be held at the Biotechnology Pole in Via del Giochetto, Monteluce area.
Learning verification modality The exam includes a written test to be carried out on the LIBREEOL platform, in the presence of the teacher, and at the same time as the written test of the Analytical Chemistry module. The exam consists of a multiple choice test containing both theory questions on the topics covered during the lessons and questions relating to laboratory activities. The test is aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge pursued by the student and the ability acquired in dealing with application problems similar to those that could arise in a research and/or analysis laboratory. The test grade will be mediated with the grade of the Analytical Chemistry module. The exam is considered passed if the individual module tests have achieved a grade greater than or equal to 18.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA are invited to visit the page dedicated to the tools and measures provided and to agree in advance with the teacher what is necessary (https://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa).
Extended program 1. Microbiology and Virology: Biochemical, genetic, molecular and immunological bases of a limited group of microorganisms necessary for understanding the pathogenesis and clinical of the infectious diseases that these organisms transmit. In particular, the following topics will be explored: molecular bases of the microorganism-host interaction; molecular bases of the antigenic variability of viruses and bacteria; mechanisms of evasion of immune defenses; cellular and molecular bases of natural immunity against microorganisms; antibiotics: mechanism of action and resistance; structure and replication of viruses; methods of in vitro cultivation of viruses and quantification of viral suspensions; laboratory methods for the antigenic and genetic characterization of viruses (immunometric assays, molecular methods, functional assays).
2. New generation sequencing techniques (next generation sequencing - NGS) for the identification of microorganisms. Analysis of protocols for library preparation for NGS and bioinformatics pipeline. Virtual laboratory: it involves the active participation of the student through a virtual path that will guide him in the design and implementation of an experiment concerning gene expression.
3. Molecular Biology Techniques: Extraction of DNA from plasmid vectors. DNA quantification using UV spectrophotometry. Digestion with restriction enzymes and analysis of the restriction map by agarose gel electrophoresis. Virtual laboratory: path concerning the design and implementation of a cloning experiment.

Canale B

CFU 6
Lecturer Roberta Spaccapelo
Lecturers
  • Roberta Spaccapelo
Hours
  • 57 ore - Roberta Spaccapelo
Language of instruction ITALIAN
Contents The course is divided into interactive lectures and laboratory activities. The lectures will deal with Microbiology and Virology topics aimed at understanding the biochemical, genetic, molecular and immunological bases of the microorganisms necessary to explain the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Practical laboratory activities include: classic and innovative techniques for the identification of microorganisms; Biochemistry techniques; Molecular biology techniques.
Reference texts Teaching material provided by the professor related to the topics covered.
Educational objectives The course explores aspects of the biology of microorganisms and the interaction between microorganisms and host. Furthermore, the course aims to provide students with the basic theoretical and practical notions of some of the most important techniques commonly used in the fields of microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. A fundamental aspect of the teaching will be to highlight how the different technologies addressed can be integrated to answer complex biological questions.
Prerequisites To take the exam it is necessary to have passed and registered the preliminary exam of GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY.
Teaching methods The course will take place through lectures in which the teacher exposes the basics, also through the aid of visual aids, and provides practical examples to facilitate their understanding, through laboratory exercises relating to the techniques addressed and the use of interactive laboratories.
Other information
Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
Lessons will be held at the Biotechnology Pole in Via del Giochetto, Monteluce area.
Learning verification modality The exam includes a written test to be carried out on the LIBREEOL platform, in the presence of the teacher, and at the same time as the written test of the ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY module. The exam consists of a multiple choice test containing both theory questions on the topics covered during the lectures and questions relating to laboratory activities. The test is aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge pursued by the student and the ability acquired in dealing with application problems similar to those that could arise in a research and/or analysis laboratory. The test grade will be averaged with the grade of the ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY module. The exam is considered passed if the individual module tests have achieved a grade greater than or equal to 18.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA are invited to visit the page dedicated to the tools and measures envisaged and to agree in advance what is necessary with the teacher (https://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e -dsa).
Extended program 1. Microbiology and Virology: Biochemical, genetic, molecular and immunological bases of a limited group of microorganisms necessary to understand the pathogenesis and clinic of the infectious diseases that these organisms transmit. In particular, the following topics will be explored: molecular basis of the microorganism-host interaction; molecular basis of the antigenic variability of viruses, bacteria and protozoa; evasion mechanisms of the immune defenses; cellular and molecular basis of natural immunity against microorganisms; antibiotics: mechanism of action and resistance; structure and replication methods of viruses; in vitro cultivation methods of viruses and quantification of viral suspensions; laboratory methods for the antigenic and genetic characterization of viruses (immunoassays, molecular methods, functional assays).
2. Classical and innovative techniques for the identification of microorganisms: Blood smear and identification of intracellular Plasmodium parasites. Plasmodium cell cycle and disease vectors (mosquitoes). GIEMSA stain and GRAM stain. ELISA test.
3. Biochemistry techniques: determination of the protein concentration of a biological sample; determination of enzymatic units in a biological sample, determination of the kinetic parameters of an enzyme. Virtual laboratory: provides for the active participation of the student through a virtual path that will guide him in the design and implementation of an experiment relating to cellular respiration.
4. Molecular biology techniques: Quantification of DNA and RNA by UV spectrophotometry. Restriction enzyme digestion and restriction map analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis. Preparation of an agarose gel, visualization and analysis of the electrophoretic profile. Setup of a PCR and RT-PCR reaction, vectors and cloning strategies. Southern blot and Northern blot.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile Health and wellness

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Code M0017
CFU 3
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector CHIM/01
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)

Canale A

CFU 3
Lecturer Catia Clementi
Lecturers
  • Catia Clementi
  • Alessio Cesaretti
Hours
  • 36 ore - Catia Clementi
  • 5 ore - Alessio Cesaretti
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Principles that underlie analytical chemistry.
Preparation of solutions of known concentration. Determination of the
unknown concentration of analytes by constructing a calibration curve
Reference texts • Teaching materials.
• Lecture notes concerning laboratory experiences
D.C. Harris, “Chimica Analitica Quantitativa”, Zanichelli, Bologna,
F. W. Fifield, D. Kealey, “Chimica Analitica teoria e pratica”, Zanichelli,
Bologna
Skoog,. West, Holler, Crouch, “Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica”, EdiSES,
Napoli
Educational objectives The main aim of the course is the understanding of the principles that
underlie analytical chemistry and the learning of techniques and
methodologies for the preparation and analysis of samples that may be
useful in the activity of a biochemical-clinical laboratory. Learn how to
manage basic equipment of an analytical chemistry laboratory, such as
glassware, burettes, automatic pipettes, beakers, flasks, scales, pH meter
and spectrophotometer.
In particular, the student must acquire the following skills:
• Preparation of solutions of known concentration and their dilution
• Preparation of solutions of known pH
• Determination of the unknown concentration of analytes by
constructing a calibration curve
• Use of UV-Visible spectroscopy in absorption and emission for the
determination of analytes in unknown samples
Prerequisites For a full and easy understanding of the topics of this course it is
important to have good basic knowledge of General Chemistry and
Physical Chemistry
Teaching methods The course includes some theoretical lessons (about 10/15 hours of
lectures), introductory to the laboratory experiences.
There will be also 2-3 laboratory experiences to be held in groups.
Other information The Professor receives by appointment at her office located in via Pascoli
(ex Casa Rinaldi). To fix an appointment, contact the Professor via email
Learning verification modality The final exam consists of a written test to be carried out on the
LIBREEOL platform in person and together with the written test of the
MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGIES LABORATORY module. The test of the
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY module consists of a multiple
choice test containing both theory questions and numerical exercises on
the topics covered during the lectures and on the analytical techniques
used during the laboratory experiences. The test aims to determine and
verify the knowledge level, understanding capability and technical skills
achieved by the student on the topics covered during the frontal lectures
and the analytical techniques used during the laboratory experiences. It
will be tested also the ability of the student in dealing with practical
issues similar to those that can be encountered in a chemical research
and/or analysis laboratory. The test grade will be averaged with the
grade of the MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY module. The
exam is considered passed if the individual module tests have achieved a
grade greater than or equal to 18.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA are invited to visit the page
dedicated to the tools and measures envisaged and to agree in advance
with the teacher what is necessary (https://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e -
dsa).
Extended program • Definition of the basic concepts and purposes of analytical chemistry.
Basic tools of the analytical laboratory. Classification of analytical
methods: qualitative and quantitative analysis, classical and instrumental
methods of analysis, absolute and comparative methods.
• Stages of an analytical process. Sampling and sample preparation
techniques. Definition of evaluation parameters of analytical methods.
Response linearity and dinamic range, detection limit and limit of
quantification, sensitivity, selectivity, signal to noise ratio, precision,
accuracy.
• Measurement uncertainty and its propagation (absolute, relative and
relative percentage uncertainty, standard deviation).
• Methods for determining unknown concentrations of analytes;
construction of a calibration line. Calibration methods with external
standards. Least squares method to derive the equation of the calibration
line.
• Applications of spectroscopic techniques, in particular of UV-Visible
absorption and emission spectroscopy, to quantitative analysis.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile 3 and 4

Canale B

CFU 3
Lecturer Catia Clementi
Lecturers
  • Catia Clementi
  • Alessio Cesaretti
Hours
  • 36 ore - Catia Clementi
  • 5 ore - Alessio Cesaretti
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Principles that underlie analytical chemistry.
Preparation of solutions of known concentration. Determination of the
unknown concentration of analytes by constructing a calibration curve
Reference texts • Teaching materials.
• Lecture notes concerning laboratory experiences
D.C. Harris, “Chimica Analitica Quantitativa”, Zanichelli, Bologna,
F. W. Fifield, D. Kealey, “Chimica Analitica teoria e pratica”, Zanichelli,
Bologna
Skoog,. West, Holler, Crouch, “Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica”, EdiSES,
Napoli
Educational objectives The main aim of the course is the understanding of the principles that
underlie analytical chemistry and the learning of techniques and
methodologies for the preparation and analysis of samples that may be
useful in the activity of a biochemical-clinical laboratory. Learn how to
manage basic equipment of an analytical chemistry laboratory, such as
glassware, burettes, automatic pipettes, beakers, flasks, scales, pH meter
and spectrophotometer.
In particular, the student must acquire the following skills:
• Preparation of solutions of known concentration and their dilution
• Preparation of solutions of known pH
• Determination of the unknown concentration of analytes by
constructing a calibration curve
• Use of UV-Visible spectroscopy in absorption and emission for the
determination of analytes in unknown samples
Prerequisites For a full and easy understanding of the topics of this course it is
important to have good basic knowledge of General Chemistry and
Physical Chemistry
Teaching methods The course includes some theoretical lessons (about 10/15 hours of
lectures), introductory to the laboratory experiences.
There will be also 2-3 laboratory experiences to be held in groups.
Other information The Professor receives by appointment at her office located in via Pascoli
(ex Casa Rinaldi). To fix an appointment, contact the Professor via email
Learning verification modality The final exam consists of a written test to be carried out on the
LIBREEOL platform in person and together with the written test of the
MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGIES LABORATORY module. The test of the
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY module consists of a multiple
choice test containing both theory questions and numerical exercises on
the topics covered during the lectures and on the analytical techniques
used during the laboratory experiences. The test aims to determine and
verify the knowledge level, understanding capability and technical skills
achieved by the student on the topics covered during the frontal lectures
and the analytical techniques used during the laboratory experiences. It
will be tested also the ability of the student in dealing with practical
issues similar to those that can be encountered in a chemical research
and/or analysis laboratory. The test grade will be averaged with the
grade of the MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY module. The
exam is considered passed if the individual module tests have achieved a
grade greater than or equal to 18.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA are invited to visit the page
dedicated to the tools and measures envisaged and to agree in advance
with the teacher what is necessary (https://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e -
dsa).
Extended program • Definition of the basic concepts and purposes of analytical chemistry.
Basic tools of the analytical laboratory. Classification of analytical
methods: qualitative and quantitative analysis, classical and instrumental
methods of analysis, absolute and comparative methods.
• Stages of an analytical process. Sampling and sample preparation
techniques. Definition of evaluation parameters of analytical methods.
Response linearity and dinamic range, detection limit and limit of
quantification, sensitivity, selectivity, signal to noise ratio, precision,
accuracy.
• Measurement uncertainty and its propagation (absolute, relative and
relative percentage uncertainty, standard deviation).
• Methods for determining unknown concentrations of analytes;
construction of a calibration line. Calibration methods with external
standards. Least squares method to derive the equation of the calibration
line.
• Applications of spectroscopic techniques, in particular of UV-Visible
absorption and emission spectroscopy, to quantitative analysis.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile 3 and 4