2019/2020

2019/2020

DM270

BIO/04 (PLANT PHYSIOLOGY)

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY "LAZZARO SPALLANZANI"

ADVANCED BIOTECHNOLOGY

PERCORSO COMUNE

1°

1st semester (01/10/2019 - 14/01/2020)

6

48 lesson hours

Italian

ORAL TEST

MACOVEI ANCA (titolare) - 3 ECTS
BALESTRAZZI ALMA - 3 ECTS

Knowledge of Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology and Genetics

The course is organized in such a way that the students will be able to develop the following competences:
1. Develop knowledge on the genetic engineering and sustainability methods and capacity to understand the value of these techniques and their use to address the challenges of the 21st century
2. Understanding how to apply this knowledge to improve useful traits for agriculture and industry sectors; learn how to use virtual materials to develop a model for molecular cloning and genetic transformation of plants
3. Develop autonomous evaluation skills: the debates proposed for evaluation purposes will aid students to develop the ability to critically analyze the scientific literature, evaluate published results and critically interpret and communicate the outcome of scientific researches
4. Develop communicative skills: the use of interactive instruments supported by the thematics of the course will be useful to develop communication skills
5. Develop the ability to understand and interpret the presented information in the context of the course thematic

Module I: Agricultural biotechnology (Anca Macovei). Genetic engineering techniques. Production and classification of genetically modified (GM) plants. Traits of agricultural interest. Tracing GM plants and regulatory science. Applications of plant biotechnology to support sustainable agriculture. Use of plants to combat pollution (phytoremediation).
In agreement with the objectives of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the following objectives will be covered: Objective 2 (Zero hunger), Objective 13 (Climate Action).
Module II: Industrial biotechnology (Alma Balestrazzi). Production of pharmaceutic compounds in plants. Green vaccines. Plant bioreactors. Green biofuels and bioplastics. Biotechnological applications for the Seed Industry.

The course is divided in two integrated modules (48 h): Agricultural biotechnologies (24 h), Industrial biotechnologies (24 h), and will involve the use frontal lessons supported by interactive methods like case-studies, debates, simulations – role playing, cooperative learning, brainstorming, project work.

Specialized articles on international scientific journals are suggested
instead of text books

The examination is proposed via oral presentations in form of a debate as a collaborative work with groups formed by 2 students which can choose the topic of their presentation based on the thematics of the course. Each team member has 10 min for the presentation, while 10 min are dedicated to the debate between the 2 members of the group and 10 min are dedicated to additional questions from the audience. This methodology was chosen in order to promote the teamwork between students and develop their ability to communicate, form opinions, and pertinently discuss their opinions. The evaluation criteria will take in consideration the creativity, scientific accuracy, clarity and structure of the presentation, the teamwork and the quality of the debate.