C8337 - INVERTEBRATE BIOMODELS

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student has acquired knowledge on the use of invertebrates as experimental model systems in biomedical research and a comprehensive understanding of invertebrate vectors responsible for the transmission of infectious and parasitic diseases of public health importance. The student understands key biological aspects of vectors such as mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks, and snails, including their taxonomy, development, life cycle, and genetics. The student also gains knowledge of laboratory maintenance and breeding techniques and is able to appreciate the role of these vectors in the epidemiology of zoonotic infectious and parasitic diseases.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “BIOMODELS”.

Upon completion of the Integrated Course unit, the student will be able to gain an understanding of invertebrates as experimental model systems in biomedical research. Second, and more centrally, they develop a comprehensive understanding of the invertebrate vectors responsible for transmitting infectious and parasitic diseases of public health relevance, namely mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks, and snails. For these vectors, the course covers key biological aspects including taxonomy, development, life cycle, and genetics, alongside practical knowledge of laboratory maintenance and breeding techniques. Ultimately, students are expected to be able to appreciate the role these vectors play in the epidemiology of zoonotic infectious and parasitic diseases, tying the biological and methodological content back to its public health significance.

 

SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE:

To better understand the topics covered in this course, students are advised to have already acquired knowledge in the following areas: molecular and cellular biology.

MODULE 1 – Filippo Maria Dini

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• General Systematics of Invertebrates and Protozoa (3h)
• Invertebrates as Experimental Models: C. elegans and Drosophila (2h)
• Mosquitoes (Anopheles) and Plasmodium (4h)
• Sandflies and Leishmania (4h)
• Ticks: Piroplasms, Lyme Disease, and TBE (4h)
• Aquatic Gastropods and Schistosoma (4h)
• Extracellular Vesicles in Invertebrate Parasites (3h)

  Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• DNA extraction from invertebrates
• Barcoding of Invertebrates (Amplification of mithocondrial DNA)
• Barcoding of Invertebrates (Sanger sequences analysis)

MODULE 2 – Enrico Volpe

Lectures

• Invertebrates as experimental and translational models in biomedical research: biological characteristics, advantages, limitations, and applications of invertebrate model systems (2 h);
• Aquatic invertebrates as experimental models: comparative biology, physiology, and applications in biomedical and translational research (3 h);
• Bivalve molluscs as experimental models: biology, anatomy, physiology, innate immune responses, and host–microorganism interactions (3 h);
• Host–pathogen interactions in bivalve molluscs: pathogen recognition, innate immune responses, and mechanisms involved in the persistence and dissemination of infectious agents (3 h);
• Bivalve molluscs as bioaccumulators and potential vehicles of human pathogens: bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents of public health relevance (3 h);
• Human pathogens associated with bivalve molluscs: routes of contamination, pathogen persistence and bioaccumulation, environmental factors, and potential transmission to humans (3 h);
• Epidemiological and public health relevance of bivalve molluscs: their role in foodborne and waterborne infectious diseases and in environmental pathogen surveillance (1 h).

Laboratory/Practical Sessions

• Maintenance and handling of aquatic invertebrates for experimental purposes;
• Basic procedures for the collection and processing of aquatic invertebrate samples;
• Molecular approaches for the detection and identification of human pathogens in bivalve molluscs (1 h).

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and laboratory sessions.

The course includes frontal lectures on the theoretical content, and laboratory sessions dedicated to DNA extraction and molecular barcoding of invertebrates (PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing analysis).

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 for the Integrated Course consists of a written multiple-choice examination aimed at evaluating the achievement of the expected learning outcomes across both component courses.

The written examination consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, proportionally distributed according to the CFU credits of each component course. Each question has one or more correct answers.

• Correct answer: 1 point
• Partially correct answer: 0.5 points
• Incorrect answer: 0 points
• Blank answer: 0 points

The time allowed for the examination is 90 minutes.

A minimum score of 36/60 is required to pass the examination. In addition, students must obtain at least 18/30 in each component course to demonstrate adequate knowledge of all the subjects covered by the Integrated Course.

The final grade is not calculated as the arithmetic mean of separate grades assigned to the two component courses. Provided that the minimum threshold has been achieved in both sections, the overall score obtained in the 60-question examination is converted into a mark out of 30. The conversion is based on the overall percentage of points obtained, with 36/60 corresponding to 18/30 and 60/60 corresponding to 30/30. Intermediate scores and any rounding are determined by the instructors according to the student's overall performance. Honours (30 cum laude) may be awarded to students demonstrating outstanding knowledge and an excellent level of achievement.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact.

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.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities are supported by PowerPoint presentations, educational videos, and in-class quizzes designed to promote active learning and self-assessment. Additional learning materials, including scientific articles and supplementary resources, may be made available through the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ) during the course.

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 Filippo Maria Dini

See the website of Enrico Volpe