B8788 - BIOTECNOLOGIE DELLA NUTRIZIONE ANIMALE, MICROBIOMA E ALIMENTAZIONE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student understands the fundamental principles of digestive system function; is familiar with the concept of the gastrointestinal (and milk) microbiome in terms of its role, structure, composition, and development; understands the main molecular techniques for microbiome analysis and study; is familiar with the main interactions between the microbiome and nutrition, with reference to feed efficiency, nutritional disorders, dysbiosis, pollutant emissions (GHGs, nitrogen, etc.), and intervention strategies; and is able to perform DNA extraction techniques from different biological matrices, as well as isolate and culture bacterial strains from biological samples (milk).

Course contents

This course unit is part of the Integrated Course “B8787 BIOTECHNOLOGY IN NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY”.

Upon completion of the integrated course, students will have acquired knowledge and understanding of the main molecular methods used to investigate the microbiome and its interactions with diet and the environment. They will also have acquired knowledge and understanding of European food safety legislation. Students will be able to apply this knowledge to assess the suitability and effectiveness of analytical methods in relation to the relevant regulatory requirements.

The structure and metabolic pathways of the gastrointestinal tract of the main species of livestock (cattle, pigs, poultry) are taken back, with reference to the nutritional composition of animal feed.

The concept of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal system is introduced and deepened, in terms of role, structure, composition and development.

References are given regarding the structure of the milk microbiota.

The main molecular techniques of microbiome analysis and study are presented.

The main internal and external factors affecting the microbiome are presented.

The main interactions between microbiome and nutrition are described, with references to food efficiency, nutritional pathologies, dismicrobisms, emissions of pollutants (GHG, nitrogen, etc.).

Various intervention strategies such as organic acids, prebiotics, probiotics, natural antimicrobials, vitamins and minerals for the modulation of microbial conorbium are discussed.

In the practical laboratory activity, the student learns techniques of DNA extraction from different biological matrices, isolation and culture of bacterial strains from biological samples (milk).

The syllabus is structured as follows:

- general introduction = 2h

- Definitions and characterization of the G.I. Tract Microbiota = 4h

- Growth and Developtment of the G.I. Tract Microbiota = 2h

- Inra-Microbiota interactions: crossfeeding and interference = 4h

- Nutrient Microbial metabolisms: energy = 2h

- Nutrient Microbial metabolisms: nitrogen and minerals = 2h

- Practical lab activities = 8h (per student)

 

 

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment

(https://virtuale.unibo.it/course/view.php?id=74183).

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning outcomes for the Integrated Course “B8787 BIOTECHNOLOGY IN NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY” consists of two parts:

• The first part of the assessment, worth a maximum of 3/30 points, consists of the evaluation of the group work on the case study assigned within the course unit B8789 – Technologies and Biotechnologies Applied to Food Safety. The assessment will take into account each student’s active participation in the different stages of the activity, including the collection and organisation of information, preparation of the written report, preparation of the presentation, oral presentation, and final discussion. Students who are unable to participate in the group work for duly justified reasons will be required to study specific materials relating to the course content. Their preparation on these materials will be assessed through three additional questions included in the multiple-choice test forming the second part of the assessment.

• The second part of the assessment, worth a maximum of 28/30 points, consists of a multiple-choice test covering the topics addressed in all the course units that make up the Integrated Course. The test consists of 28 multiple-choice questions: 13 relating to the course unit D0547 – Animal Nutrition Biotechnology, Microbiome and Feeding, and 15 relating to the course unit B8789 – Technologies and Biotechnologies Applied to Food Safety. Each question has five answer options, only one of which is correct. Scores are awarded as follows: 1 point for each correct answer; 0 points for each incorrect or unanswered question. Students will have 30 minutes to complete the test.

The exam is considered passed if the student achieves a positive result in all the required assessment components. The final grade is calculated as the sum of the scores obtained in the two assessment components. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required to pass the exam.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

Grades for individual parts and the final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/?lang=en ) within 5 working days of the date of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade once by notifying the lecturer responsible for recording the grade by email within five working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Giampiero Pagliuca.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited during the multiple-choice assessment. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Main teaching tools are .ppt slides, recent scientific papers and shared protocols for the practical part.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Palmonari