Learning objectives
Genome sequencing has generated a huge amount of data that have revolutionized the approach to research and data analysis. The 'omic' concept has been applied to all field of genetic research with the aim to study the whole genome at structural and functional level. The objective of the course is to provide the knowledge of the basic principle of the new approaches in the field of biological and genetic analysis. The case studies can be considered an opportunity to train the students in the critical analysis of research approaches.
Prerequisites
Course unit content
The course will be focused genomic analysis, in order to provide the knowledge about the characteristics of a genome in eukaryotic organisms, both plants and animals. The main steps of genomic analysis will be discussed (genetic mapping, physical mapping, genome sequencing, and annotation) in model organisms. Then case studies will be discussed about genomic characterization in species of interest for the agro-food sector.
Full programme
Main characteristics of eukaryotic genomes and methods of analysis. Genome sequencing projects of model organisms. Methods of production of genetic maps and physical maps. Sequencing methodologies: classical and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing). Analysis of transcriptional profiles. Genome annotation by bioinformatics analysis and experimental procedures. Genome browsers. Genome projects in plant and animal organisms and their utility in the agri-food sector.
Bibliography
Brown TA, “Genomi” Edises
Greg Gibson and Spencer V. Muse,"Indroduzione alla Genomica" – Zanichelli
Falcinelli M. Genetica e genomica:, Vol. III – Genomica e Biotecnologie genetiche, Liguori
The slides utilized during lectures will be available on Elly platform. The access is restricted to registered students. Other bibliographic materials will be provided on the same platform.
Teaching methods
The course is organized in lectures; there will be some practical activities will regard the use of genomic database and literature database. This activity is instrumental for the preparation of the final exam. The teaching material will be available on the Elly platform. However, it is highly recommended to use a text for individual study.
Assessment methods and criteria
The learning ability will be verified with an oral examination based on: i) discussion of a scientific topic, chosen by the student, taken from scientific literature; ii) general questions about the topics treated within the course. In this way the teacher will be able to evaluate the learning ability in general and the ability to apply the knowledge acquired to the understanding of the research approaches utilized in the genomic field. The final score will be calculated considering: a) choice of the
topic and of the sources for the presentation (30%), b) re-elaboration and
talking skills (30%), c) knowledge of the topics of the course (40)%.
Other information
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
