B0378 - Genomic Authentication and Traceability of Animal-Derived Products

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired the background in the field of applied genomics in the animal production sector for the authenticity and traceability of all main animal products. The student known the main applied technological and practical related to the analysis of the DNA to design authentication and traceability plans and systems in the animal value chains with specific applications to PDO products, mono-breed and high-quality products. The student can use authenticity based on DNA assays to create added value in the animal production sector.

Course contents

The program of the course is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Introduction to the course.
• Applied genomics: The structure of livestock genomes, the genome of other organisms that can provide some components of the food products, and related genome databases.
• Technologies and approaches used for DNA analyses: sequencing and genome analysis: next generation sequencing, third generation sequencing, high throughput genotyping.
• Application of DNA amplification techniques for food authentication: Real-Time PCR, qPCR, digital-PCR.
• Genomic data analysis: bioinformatics, nucleotide databases, DNA sequence analysis, sequence comparison.
• Principles of authenticity and traceability of food products derived from different livestock species and different production systems. Peculiar production systems. PDO, PGI products. Halal and Kosher products.
• The levels of food authenticity and traceability. Species identification and basic principles of the barcode of life.
• Definition of breed, identification of the breed of origin of the food products.
• Identification of the individual animal (animal traceability), identification of the sex of the animals from the food products.
• Genetically modified organisms, genome editing, and identification of genetically modified organisms.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) and its use for the authenticity of food products.
• Examples of applications in animal value chains: dairy products, meat products, and honey. Legal issues and patents.

  Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• DNA extraction from animal food matrices with examples of authentication of animal products.
• Bioinformatic analyses of sequence data.

Readings/Bibliography

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

Readings:

• Presentations of the lectures.
• Scientific articles reported on the presentation.

Teaching methods

The course comprises 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, which focuses on health and safety training in work environments (via e-learning) and Module 3, which focuses 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

Assessment methods

The assessment of the Course “Genomic Authentication and Traceability of Animal-Derived Products” consists of an oral exam.

The interview will be based on the main topics of the course and consists of two to three questions. The duration will be about 20 minutes.

In evaluating the oral exam, the instructor will use the following grading scale:

• Basic understanding of only a few course topics; analysis skills emerge only with the instructor’s help; generally correct language → 18–22.
• Limited knowledge of several topics; independent analysis only on procedural issues; correct language use → 23–26.
• Broad knowledge of course topics; ability to make autonomous critical judgments; mastery of discipline-specific terminology → 27–29.
• Comprehensive understanding of course content; fully independent critical analysis and connections; excellent command of terminology and argumentation skills → 30–30 with honors.

The result of the oral exam will be communicated at the end of the session. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

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.

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

Students may reject the final grade by informing the course examiner via e-mail within five working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Paolo Zambonelli.

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, considering the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides of the lectures.

Scientific articles.

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

Links to further information

https://corsi.unibo.it/magistrale/ProduzioniAnimali

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Zambonelli