Learning objectives
It allows students to focus on the problems and solutions necessary to understand the biology phenomena occurring in the bacteria. It provides a multi-sectorial approach (microbial genomics and microbial ecology) for an effective understanding of bacterial biology and evolution in the microbial world.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of general microbiology.
Course unit content
This course familiarizes students with concepts, techniques and issues related to the microbiology applied to the understanding of the microbial communities residing in the human body. It provides students an understanding of main phenomena occurring in complex microbial communities with respect their interaction with the environment.The method of metagenomics as an innovative technique for studying microbial ecosystems will be explained and illustrated. The course will also provide details of the importance to study the genomics of probiotic bacteria.
Full programme
• Extracellular structures of microorganisms involved in interaction with eukaryotic cells.
• Interaction of bacteria with the environment.
• Microbial biofilms
• The quorum sensing
• Study of the biodiversity of complex microbial communities.
• The intestinal, oral, vaginal microbiota and the microbiota of the skin in humans.
• Microbial markers and main enterotypes.
• Metagenomic approaches to assess the functionality of the intestinal microbiota
man.
• Human intestinal microbiota and dysbiosis.
• Bacteriotherapy strategies (fecal microbiota transplantation).
• Microbial genomics and genetic elements involved in the adaptation of enteric bacteria to the intestinal ecological niche.
• Probiotic bacteria and prebiotic substances.
• Probiogenomics and pathogenomics.
• Examples of new generation probiotic bacteria.
Bibliography
Biologia dei Microrganismi, Deho', Galli, CEA.
The teaching material will be provided by the teacher. Reference will be made to the most up-to-date scientific literature.
Teaching methods
Frontal lesson with projection of didactic material, copy of which will be supplied to
the students. Furthermore, practical course directed to provide insights into the
diversity of the microbial communities residing in the human gut will be performed through the use of Next Generation DNA Sequencing technologies.
Assessment methods and criteria
The appraisal is based on oral examination aimed at assessing the student's level of knowledge and ability to summarize. If the number of students enrolled in the test should be numerous, the teacher reserves the right to take a written test. During the exam the student is asked to describe the concepts learned during the course.
At the same time terminological correctness, consistency between the student's answer and the question posed, rigor and attention to the logic, demonstration of a multiomics and multidisciplinary systemic approach, demonstration of having acquired those transversal skills so decisive and incisive in professional life.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
Health and wellness.
